The imbalance of world reaction when a Jew is killed vs. an Arab never ceases to leave me dumbfounded (“’Do You Know How Much Tension There Is?’” Nov. 28).
We witnessed the horrific slaughter of worshipers in Har Nof — totally unprovoked and baseless. The condemnations paled compared to the reaction to the tragedy of the murder of 29 Muslims at prayer in Hebron by Baruch Goldstein 20 years ago. At that time, protestors rioted in the Arab world. The world condemnation of Israel (though the killer was a lone gunman) was immediate and harsh. The UN Security Council scurried to pass a resolution condemning Israel for its treatment of Palestinians.
Yet this time we see none of the above. There is no mass world outcry over this outrage, no United Nations emergency meeting and certainly not a resolution against Palestinian incitement, which led to this act. The world condemned Israel’s decision to demolish the homes of the murderers. We should always be cognizant of the fact that for most of the world, Jewish life is cheap. It is taking down brick and mortar that brings us condemnation — not innocent Jewish lives that are slaughtered.
The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today.
