Letter to a "Peace Activist"

From Laurence Seef, who has inaugurated the Israel Proud Web Log

The Peace Activist

This letter was written in response to an article written by a self-proclaimed "peace activist".
I suggest reading this individual's article first at:gilasvirsky.com/godbliss.html to pick up the thread.

Dear Gila,

I stumbled onto your article "God Bliss" through a link from a website that recommended reading your article.
I read the article.

I also read about your commendable commitment, devotion and activities to bring peace into this troubled area. I respect all those who are concerned with making the world a better place and take the time and effort to do so, ultimately contributing to bringing about positive change for our generation and those to follow.

However, your article troubles me deeply, perhaps as deeply as your contempt for those who turn a blind eye to the hardships of the Palestinian populations in Gaza and the West Bank. It troubles me fivefold.

Firstly, unknown to many, there is a media war, a media "intifada" that does as much damage to Israel and the Jews, in Israel and abroad, as does Antisemitism, biased ignorant hate, war and bloodshed. I am certain that you do not intend contributing to the countless hate websites at worst, or anti-Israel sites that feed on disinformation published on the internet to swing public opinion.

We both know that "each small step counts", and that words are powerful and cause wars. I am thus personally very careful and selective with what I say and convey, no matter what my disposition or the subject.

While I respect open debate and freedom of speech, I take into account the "public opinion" you mention in your article. Yes, you want to make a change in Israeli society and I respect that. Yourpublicized website article addresses the entire public, which unfortunately addresses many outside of Israeli society. Now, you don't exactly hang out your dirty washing or publicize your relationship hitches, but rather work on them from within. Since there is no need to convert the converted, this leaves the "floaters" to swing and I dread thinking of the floating Mr. Smith who reads your article. The uncanny ease of hanging out dirty washing with little consideration of the impact and consequences, borders on masochism.

You might like me to qualify some of above, as I will do after each section. I can refer you to a number of online sources with direct links, but will suffice with adding headings for now, pending your response – "The Al-Dura Affair", "the Jenin Massacre", "Honestreporting", "Pallywood", to provide just a few. 

 

Continued - Letter to a Peace Activist