Ceasefire Between Hamas & Israel Started This Morning

I applaud the almost half-day old cease fire between Israel and Hamas brokered by Egypt.
While I am doubtful that it will last six months (yet alone the years we need to restore trust and cooperation), it is a hopeful sign. Hamas is agreeing because it needs more than a few trucks of humanitarian aid to keep its people happy. In that sense, Israel's policy worked (although it took a lot longer than Israel expected). There have been reports about releasing Gilad Shalit (held captive by Hamas) or the two captives held in Lebanon (or elsewhere) by Hezbollah.

Still, I see some discouraging signs: 30 missiles were shot into Israel the day before the ceasefire. That d0es not bode well for the future--they had to know a ceasefire was coming. I actually never understood agreeing when to stop something when you could just stop something. (Once, an Israel roommate came to tell me he was having a party because he and his girlfriend decided to get engaged. Why didn't they just get engaged?) I understand that unilateral action has not worked well for Israel (ie. Lebanon and Gaza withdrawals and the resulting attacks on Israel from those areas that have led to the recent fighting) but if you are about to stop, stop and then say you stopped. Don't say we will stop and then stop.
I will probably not blog too much the next few months--I know that is not much of a change from the last few months but it is a realistic prediction. Peace or release of the hostages would obviously lead to some posting.
Visit me this month at Camp Ramah New England.
If you are coming to Smith or Amherst this fall as new students, Facebook me!
Shalom,
Rabbi Bruce

Israel's Defence of Its Borders & Citizens

Israel is facing its most severe crisis since 2002. After weeks of escelation two different terrorist organizations breached its borders and kidnapped its citizens.
The following comes from the Jewish Federation of Greater Springfield:

• Israel’s actions launched in Gaza approximately 2 weeks ago are aimed at rescuing the Israeli soldier kidnapped during an attack by Hamas. The kidnapping and murder of Israeli soldiers represents an act of war and is the culmination of months of rocket attacks from Gaza and other terrorist attacks in Israel that have killed 19 people. Israel’s operation was approved only after Israel exhausted all diplomatic means to secure the soldier’s release. The failure of the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority (PA) and PA President Mahmoud Abbas to prevent terrorism has forced Israel to take measures on her own to rescue the kidnapped soldier, and stop the bombardment of Kassam missiles, now hitting Southern towns in Israel, including Ashkelon.
  

• This morning's attack by Hizbollah, which occurred only 17 days after IDF soldier Gilad Shalit was abducted in Gaza, opened a second front on Israel's northern border. This attack has taken the lives of 7 soldiers, and been responsible for the kidnapping of 2 more, northern towns in Israel have been victim to barrages of Katyusha rockets and mortar shells. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert declared the attack as an "act of war."

• Since the withdrawal from Gaza, Palestinian terrorist groups have launched over 500 rocket attacks at vulnerable Israeli cities surrounding the Gaza Strip such as Sderot and Ashkolon, landing in or near private homes, schools and day care and recreation centers. Despite repeated appeals by the Israeli Government, the Palestinian Authority has done nothing to stop the launching of rocket attacks on Israel or to prevent the smuggling of arms, including Katyusha rockets from Egypt.

• Israel has an obligation to protect its citizens from attack on all of her borders.

Situation on the Ground for Palestinian Civilians in the Gaza Strip

• Israel continues to closely monitor the economic and humanitarian situation in Gaza and is working to transfer essential goods and fuel into Gaza based on Palestinian demand and in coordination with international relief agencies.
  
  
• Israel continues to supply both water and electricity to the Gaza Strip and in light of the current situation has increased the amount it supplies.

• A power station in the Gaza Strip was knocked down but Israel continues to provide fuel and generators for the Palestinians, especially the hospitals in the Gaza Strip.

• Basic food items have been transferred to Gaza, including: wheat, corn, cooking oil, meat, fruit and milk.

• In addition medicines and medical supplies have been transported into Gaza based on recommendations from Red Cross officials.