As it stands the Jewish community have an internecine conflict raging through their ranks. More and more Jews are questioning their raisin d’etre between Zionism and plain Judaism. The former is increasingly losing fancy in the wake of an increasingly artistic inclination. The latter holds true and proud for those firm in their faith. Voices are emerging from those of faith distancing themselves from the more Zionist propaganda and expansionism in the guise of another tenet. It’s one that has sinister semblance akin to the infamous Aryan supremacy theory that had such tragic and gruesome implications.
Jewish people have fallen back on brilliance to excel in science and finance to become a force no one could ignore. In the heart of the United States -- beginning since World War II and the horrible nuclear innovation, they managed to find new ground. There were no compunctions in the way they embraced the gift of a state backed by superior powers at the expense of shoving out another nation. Thereafter the story is well known and to a lesser extent documented.
Inexplicable as it is, much of the Jewish fraternity appear to ignore the ignominy they were subject to. The senseless killing, ghettoization, persecution, deprivation, and the harrowing holocaust. So much so that they repeat the exercise, giving it back to those that were hardly a part of it. There are no repercussions for the countries that did the worst to them including Europe and, yes, the United States. On the contrary, the liberal, indeed over-generous doses of finance and armaments were enough to forgive and forget.
Until recently Israel’s security agency, Mossad, used to be the best force of its kind in the world. Covertly it has assisted her allies in many forms and shapes providing crucial intelligence support. They have even alerted hitherto unfriendly countries such as Bangladesh about pending threats. They were the first to inform of the Japan Airlines hijack way back in 1977. Whether there was a connection with the attempted coup following the incident has never been made public.
Israel was the first country to offer recognition to the friendless Bangladesh government in exile in 1971 -- an offer ignored or politely declined. Mossad’s credibility as Israel’s army has taken a major beating and outrage from her citizens at not being able to provide even an inkling of information about Hamas’ badly designed attack on Israel.
Perhaps that illustrates further the schism plaguing the Jewish state internally. Diversions are the best defense in times of adversity. Hamas’ attack was a blessing in disguise for the embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu. If Mossad is really as good as professed they should have the ability to take out Hamas leadership without having to level the Gaza strip with armaments most states can only dream of. As of now their abilities are up for question.
It may be too much to ask for Israeli citizens living in the country to think deep within. They, understandably, aren’t in the mood. But when the guns and bombs go silent, the death toll reaches unacceptable, and reason regains supremacy over knee jerk emotions, the question of introspection will raise its head.
Mahmudur Rahman is a writer, columnist, broadcaster, and communications specialist.