hilip Tomeh Says U.S.,
JIOMOYitZ Israel Collaborate
mon sense, of fanaticism over logic, and of fraud over the truth?"
in Occupation
But much more interesting is the article in another Lebanese
Purely Commentary
-
The Multiple Lectures on Mid East Policies
An interesting note on the political conundrum involving the Middle
for
a
local
newspaper
by
one
of
its
very able column-
East was written
ists who appears as puzzled as the riddle he offered his readers. Under
Need
Lecture
on
Mid
East
Policies"
he did just that
the title 'Senators
he lectured the 74 senators who asked the State Department "to call
Soviet
Union
to
withdraw
all
Russian
personnel
from the
upon the
United Arab Republic."
What was wrong with that? Why confuse it with the Asian situa-
tion? Why be hesitant about a matter involving the security—the very
life!—of 3,000.000 people in an embattled state?
That columnist wondered about the 76 (there were only 73 signa-
tures at the time he wrote it—now there may be many more!) but not
about the other 26—including Senator Robert Griffin of Michigan who
favors U.S. sale of Phantoms to Israel. How about the 26 who also
should have signed that statement by Senators High Scott and Walter
F. Mondale in order to make it unanimous? And if it had been un-
animous, would that columnist have been less puzzled about a matter
Why 76 Senators Have Mobilized
to Protect Israel .. . Lebanese
Dilemmas ... Students as Diplomats
rt!-
newspaper, El Adab, by the former foreign minister of Lebanon,
' Charles Malik. He wrote:
"flow good it would be for us if the whole Middle East, including
Israel, would become a real neutral territory."
It is reported from Beirut that Malik, who had served as his coun-
ty's chief delegate to the United Nations for many years, was asked
how he can believe in co-existence with Israel, and he replied:
The Arabs could not achieve self-determination without the
,
Jews, and the state of Israel cannot achieve self-determination without
the Arabs."
There was an interesting experience here some years ago when
Malik addressed a gathering here, spoke against Israel and pleaded
the Arab cause. He was approached by a group of Israelis who were
then led by Moshe ,Heyman, a native Detroiter now in Rishon leZion,
regarding his views, and Malik's first comment was: "But I wasn't too
harsh on Israel. was I?" It was such a fine indication that there are
Arab leaders who are not bloodthirsty seekers of Israel's destruction.
of justice?
Perhaps Senator Mondale should tell the story. In his statement But we don't hear of them in power now. That's the tragedy: the delay
in getting antagonists with common sense and a desire for peace and
explaining his action, the Minnesota U.S. senator declared:
It would be a tragic mistake if the current Senate debate over justice to tackle the Middle East problem.
our involvement in Indo-China were interpreted by any other nation
as an indication of a growing "isolationism" or as a weakening of
American determination to stand firm wherever our real interests
and real commitments are at stake.
It is no secret that I strongly doubt whether either national inter-
ests or, by this stage, real commitments are at stake in Vietnam or
Indo-China. Upon this matter there is honest debate in the Senate
and that is a most healthy and encouraging development.
But there is no debate of which I am aware over our firm com-
mitment to the balance of power in the Middle East or to the need
to stand by the beleaguered nation of Israel. Here, at the crossroads
of three continents, in the face of an aggressive Soviet move for
Middle Eastern hegemony . . . and in defense of one of the most
democratic, progressive, enlightened and courageous nations in the
world . . . there should be no doubt of our national interest or our
moral commitment.
I applaud the administration for its steadfast attempts to avoid
a Middle Eastern arms race and to reach an accord with all nations
in that part of the world. If there has perhaps been any excess of
objectivity and neutrality, it has undoubtedly been with the very
finest motives.
But it has become increasingly clear that our efforts to restrain
the conflict have not been met with any corresponding restraint on
the part of the Soviet Union. The Soviets, in fact, have met every
conciliatory move on our part with actions which have only escalated
the hostility and intransigence of the Arabs.
The introduction of Russian pilots flying air defense and Russian
technicians manning the missile sites has severely destabilized what
was only a precarious balance, at best. There is little doubt that the
Arabs have no intention of negotiating with the Israelis, in spite of
the continuing willingness of Israel to discuss any and all matters
directly with the Arab states. There is little doubt that only Israeli
air superiority has prevented the Arab nations from launching a new
Middle Eastern war. And there is no doubt that with such heavy
Soviet assistance, both materials and men, the Arabs are only count.
ing the days until they can once again try for the total elimination
of Israel.
The introduction of Soviet pilots and technicians has not only
affected the balance of power. It has seriously and dangerously
changed the very nature of the conflict.
We know, from the very bitterest experience, how "a few tech-
nicians and defensive military advisers" can escalate into an enor-
mous commitment which grows far out of any planned proportion.
Have the Soviets thought about what they will do if the Arabs should
launch a strike tomorrow across the Canal? Can the Soviets keep
their pilots and technicians in a purely "defensive" capacity if hos-
tilities should break out? What will happen when the first Soviet
pilot strays over the canal and is brought down by an Israeli flyer?
What have the Soviets done by their actions to the Arab's willing-
ness to reach a reasonable accord on the basic issues that still
divide the Middle East? Can the Soviets truly control the Arab na-
tionalists? Or, will they wind up being slowly and tragically drawn
into a great and prolonged conflict much as we were drawn into the
Indo-Chinese war?
These are reasons why the President must take all possible steps
to get the Soviet Union to abandon this reckless course. No escala-
tion of the arms race in the Middle East can bring peace any closer.
But we will soon have—we may now have—no other choice but to
respond by providing Israel with jets and other implements of war
with which to protect herself.
Unless the Russians can be persuaded of our resolve to stand
by Israel and of the futility and danger of their recent actions in
Egypt, I see a new and more dangerous level in the Middle East
confrontation.
So I repeat my plea to our President which is contained in the
resolution introduced by the distinguished minority leader and myself:
Bring all the power and prestige of your office and your past record
of statesmanship in the Middle East to bear upon the Soviet Union
to reverse their dangerous policies. Know that we in the Senate stand
behind you in that effort, prepared to uphold American interests in
the Middle East and our moral commitments to the people of Israel.
This is such a deeply moving statement, there is so much pragma-
tism in it and such a vast measure of genuine feeling of justice that
t
*
There is an interesting addendum to the Lebanese puzzle. Last
week, Lebanon's Public Works Minister Pierre Gemayel said: "Under
the pretext of giving the commandos freedom of action against Israel
we have given them the freedom of dispensing with Lebanon. They
now have a free hand to sport with our fortunes while their own hand
stays short of inflicting any harm on the enemy."
This confirms the view that officially Lebanon rejects the guerrillas.
Now there is proof of similar attitudes officially in Jordan against the
Arafat terrorists. The fratricidal war within Jordan proves that Israel
could get together with Hussein if the terrorists were eliminated. This
is true apparently both of the Jordanian and Lebanese positions. Is it
possible that only Egypt and Syria, abetted by Iraq, stand in the way
of peace?
Youth as 'Diplomats' on Israel Issues
We have a marvelous youth. They speak their minds freely, they
protest against injustice and seek peace. It stands to reason that they
do not like the Establishment and would take it over if they could.
Because they really desire to displace the elders and become the
Establishment, it is interesting to note how they propose to put their
diplomacy into action.
Let's go to Brandeis University where the students' Jewish
Activist League which declared that it is "firmly committed to the
survival of Israel" called for steps to make peace with the Palestinian
Arabs.
Their proposals are especially noteworthy because of the new
emphasis that Israel must deal with the Palestinians much more than
with the Arab rulers of neighboring enemy states. The idea is that
the refugees represent an element to be reckoned with and that it is
the only one to be concerned with since they are the ones who will
have to be given sovereignty.
Thus, the -Jewish Activist League on the Brandeis campus, a sub-
sidiary of the Bnai Brith Hillel Foundation, proposes recognition by
Israel "of the Palestinian people and of the validity of the concept
of a separate, self-determined Palestinian state." Before going to the
other points raised by the Brandeis U. activists, let's take a hurried
I glance at this idea. Israeli leaders say there exists such a state—the
Jordanian kingdom that emerged after the partition of Palestine by
the United Nations in 1947. Israel suggests that the refugees both in
Gaza and Jordan merge into the proposed Palestinian state and call
it what they wish: Palestine if they choose, unless they decide to
retain Jordan. If the Arabs were willing to discuss peace with Israel
both would come to terms regarding the proposed state and its
boundaries.
But the activist Brandeis students have some other ideas. Like
so many others who would carve up the existing Jewish state and
would make peace for it, without recognizing that nations at war must
make their peace through their representatives, that outsiders can not
make peace for them, the Jewish youth with Zionist feelings are now
acting the diplomatic roles and suggest unequivocal Israeli declarations
to withdraw from all occupied territories •Jerusalem.
How encouraging that at least the status of Jerusalem is acknowl-
edged' But how can one on the outside speak of withdrawals without
' giving Israel a chance to discuss peace terms with the Arabs—indeed,
on the basis of the Nov. 22, 1967, UN resolution?
The Arab states have not spent a dime to assist the refugees for
whose plight they are primarily responsible because they had encour-
aged Arabs to leave new-born Israel. But the students on the Brandeis
campus have not taken into account the fact that Israel alone in the
entire Middle East has contributed towards the raising of the standards
of the refugees when they proposed special tasks, with funds raised
for the Israel Emergency Fund, for refugee camps. As contributors—
the activists pointed out that 2.000 Brandeis students contributed $2,000
towards the emergency and UJA funds—the students claim the right
to make the proposals they did without being suspected of self-hatred.
It is so heartening to learn about the dedication to the needs for
Israel's survival by these students. Although it is our contention that
we do not owe any thanks to Jews—young or old—for a loyalty to the
cause of justice for Israel, we appreciate the Brandeis activists'
position and welcome friends in ranks of our youth for the cause of a
secure Israel. But we are skeptical about these young folks' qualifica-
tions for statesmanship and diplomacy. Their views will not be ignored,
we present it in full—for the benefit of our readers and with a query but it is good to have the grain of salt available when testing the
to the puzzled columnist: since you have already lectured 76 senators, wisdom of our soon-to-be guides in directing Jewish destinies.
will you now accept this lecture from one of them?
There is this to be added about the groups who advocate Israel's
"Justice, justice shalt thou pursue."
total withdrawal from occupied territories and of talks with the Arabs
The Lebanese Handicaps
among
whom there certainly are some pacifists: it is reminiscent of
Lebanon represents a real tragedy for a nation that comes closest
to the democratic idea among the Arab peoples of the Middle East. the Ihud program in pre-Israel days, when Henrietta Szold, Judah L.
Magnus,
Martin Buber and a few others urged collaboration with the
Even the Moslems there crave for peace with Israel. And- half the
population—the Christian—prays and strives for amity because it Arabs. The response to their program came from Jews; no Arabs
responded,
either out of fear or out of a lack of desire to work
knows in what a calamitous state it would be if Arab extremists
together with Jews.
assumed total control of that government.
But
a
Matzpen
propagandist who came here admitted that his
Recently, in the Lebanese newspaper Ad-Nahar there appeared
an article entitled "Moment of Truth" in which the writer, Cecil support came from Prof. Noam Chomsky, I. F. Stone and the handful
Chourani, posed questions: "Will we wish in a year, in 10 years or in of Jews who have caused Israel much harm; they, too, advocated
20 years a similar victory as in 1967? . . . And again will an Achmed "getting together" but they have yet to prove that they have gotten
Shukairi or Arafat announce the final victory of crimes against corn- a response from the Arabs.
Only the sincere intention of Israel for peace apparently will
2—Friday, June 12, 1970
THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS eventually lead to accord and a Middle East peace.
UNITED NATIONS, N.Y. (JTA)
— Sy ria's ambassador to the
United Nations, George Tomeh,
quoting a Jewish Telegraphic
Agency dispatch, accused Israel
of "international banditry" in a
letter to Secretary General U
Thant released here.
Tomeh charged Israel with mak-
ing "its illegal military occupa-
tion of part of Syria a fait ac-
compli" by establishing settle-
ments in the Golan Heights.
He cited a JTA dispatch of May
31 from Jerusalem announcing
cabinet approval of a five-year
plan to expand Israeli settlements
in the Heights.
Tomeh also charged in his letter
that the Jewish Agency was carry-
ing out "this despicable act of
colonization" with "hundreds of
millions of American tax-deductible
dollars" in the occupied areas of
Syria, Jordan and Egypt.
"The United States government
itself has given Israel since its
occupation of Arab territories
after the blitzkrieg of 5, June
1967. hundreds of millions of
dollars to support its crumbling
economy, as well as the most
sophisticated airplanes and
arms."
To support his charge of "im-
perialist" support for Israel,
Tomeh complained that on June
4, the World Bank, under pressure
from its president, Robert McNa-
mara, approved a $25,000,000 loan
to Israel "in the face of opposition
of a large number of member
states of the bank."
Tomeh failed to mention in his
letter to Thant at the same time
loans totalling over $50,000,000
were approved for India and Mali
and that a day earlier the World
Bank had loaned $18,650,000 to
Congo, Liberia and Zambia.
The Syrian envoy also assailed
"73 senators of the United States
Senate" who "for obvious politick-
ing and vote-getting motives, urged
the President. after the bankruptcy
of his Indo-Chinese adventure to
give Israel 125 Phantoms and Sky-
hawks." (Actually, there were 76
signers).
$1.5 Million in Aid
to Jewish Culture
NEW YORK (JTA)—Allocations
of $1,500,000 to aid programs in
Jewish culture and higher educa-
tion were granted here by the
board of trustees of the Memorial
Foundation for Jewish Culture at
its annual meeting.
The allocations went to over 100
scholarly institutions and organiza-
tions in 16 countries conducting
activities in Jewish education, re-
search and publication and the
commemoration and documenta-
tion• of the Jewish catastrophe in
Europe, as well as to the scholar-
ship and fellowship program con-
ducted by the foundation.
Dr. Nahum Goldmann, presi-
dent of the Memorial Foundation
and president of the World Jew-
ish Congress, focusing on major
problems in Jewish education,
said that a shortage of rabbis,
teachers and other religious and
communal functionaries is
plaguing Jewish communities the
world over as a long-term legacy
of Nazi persecution.
The aim of the foundation has
been to help relieve those short-
ages.
A spokesman for the MFJC said
the board also paid special atten-
tion to the problems of the grow-
ing alienation of spirit from the
Jewish community, and even from
Judaism itself, which is afflicting
many Jewish university students
and young intellectuals.
"The problem Is staggering in
its complexities, and it calls for a
variety of possible solutions rather
than a reliance on any single one,"
the spokesman said. .