Eyes On Europe

With the Arab world in turmoil it is hard to keep up with the news. There are so many developments and such violence in countries that most of us could not find on a map. Yes, we may not be sure where those places are but we know that events there are important. At the same time we wonder about Libya,  then we hear more and more about Bin Laden’s death. So many events to monitor!

In my last article I asked for your attention concerning the up-coming move in the UN- to “vote” a Palestinian state into existence as a step toward bring peace to the region. I warned you to watch this unfold- it is nothing but a back door attack on Israel’s very existence. Recent events seem to confirm my fears. In a recent interview Gerard Araud, the French ambassador to the UN said, “The recognition of a Palestinian state is an option that we are thinking about with our European partners.” This is no surprise coming from France. It troubles me more because the ambassador seems to indicate that he is speaking on behalf of the European Union.  There is one exception to the wholesale European sellout— Angela Merkel has made it clear that Germany is against the recognition of a Palestinian state. In a statement to the newspapers she said that she intends to encourage Mahmoud Abbas not to seek such recognition.

I am happy that Israel has at least one ally in Europe but I am also struck by the irony! Germany has long been a good trade partner with Israel. If you have visited Israel you may have noticed how many German products are available there and you know how young Germans love to visit Israel. Yes, maybe it is the way that Germans cope with their guilt, but relations with Germany have been good for Israel.

I bring this to your attention because it is a time in which Germany’s support for Israel is stronger than ever but it is also the time in which Neo-Nazis are gaining more political influence than ever before. The last few weeks I have been watching the news coming out of a small village, Jamel Germany. It has become the hometown of the neo-Nazi movement complete with bonfires attended by hundreds who proclaim their allegiance to Hitler. On the way into town you pass road signs telling the direction to other cities including Braunan am Inn, Hitler’s birth place. While the National Democratic Party (the political arm of the neo-Nazis) preaches hatred for all foreigners, their hatred for Jews is not disguised in any way.

I bring you this story just to remind you that the nations of Europe have many problems- both social and economic- many of them are more than willing to advocate for a Palestinian state out of self-interest.  I appreciate that the vast majority of German citizens are remaining to true to the lessons of history.  Keep your eyes on Europe.