ABRAHAM SHUMSKY
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of Dusseldorf during World War II. Imagine a nightly report of the
destruction, along with a loss of the true records and the story of that
war . Under these circumstances the story that would have to be re–
constructed would cast America as the villain and Germany as the
victim. Such an impact, however, is achieved by the nightly cover–
age of the Palestinian uprising in the "occupied areas."
Since Israel has been the scapegoat for the United Nations, the
Russian bloc, and the Third World for several decades, the recent
coverage by television, perhaps unwittingly, has been legitimizing
the Arab cause, and thereby also has fueled their dream of destroy–
ing Israel.
My point is not that Israel is beyond reproach on specific
issues, nor that criticism by American Jews should not be stated
publicly. Political debate and criticism of their government is an
Israeli national pastime. But I want to point out that whether or not
the conflict will be resolved peacefully is mainly up to the Palestin–
ians rather than the Israel is.
I recall that the day Sadat came to Jerusalem all Israelis were
glued to their television sets, with tears in their eyes and excitement
in their voices. There was
hope .
...
When Sadat wanted to talk of
peace he was accommodated . And when King Hussein stopped ter–
rorist infiltration from Jordan, the border with his country became
peaceful. Even though there is no formal accord with Jordan, Israel
accommodated a
de facto
peace. I am certain that as soon as the
Palestinians give up their love of hate and riots and look for peace,
Israel again will be accommodating. But sensationalist American
media coverage on ly fans these flames.
Abraham Shumsky
