Palestinian terrorist organizations stand in the way of Middle East progress

12/6/2018, 3:49 p.m.
The nation of Israel once again witnessed horrific rocket attacks on innocent men, women and children living near the Gaza ...
Armstrong Williams

The nation of Israel once again witnessed horrific rocket attacks on innocent men, women and children living near the Gaza Strip. The terrorist organization Hamas launched more than 500 rockets targeting civilian territories, resulting in one Israeli death and the wounding of 70 others.

Unsurprisingly, these attacks were not against military targets. Rather, the rockets were indiscriminately fired into populated civilian territories within Israel, destroying homes and businesses and terrorizing thousands of unsuspecting people.

Israelis are no strangers to unprovoked attacks on their land. They have seen it too many times before. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Now Hamas will retreat into the shadows and anti-Israel detractors will criticize Israel for taking strong action to defend itself and its citizens.

A cease fire between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Egypt, appears to be holding for the moment. In essence, it is a return to an agreement reached in 2014, which the Palestinians periodically violate, prompting Israeli military action.

The Israeli people deserve a chance to live normal lives, free from terrorist assaults and the destruction and misery that such attacks bring. Terrorist groups, including Hamas, are all too eager to deny Israelis the right to a peaceful existence, let alone recognize the legitimacy of their very existence.

Why are Israelis held to such a double standard by the international community and the complicit media? Any other country that routinely faced attacks and threats from hostile forces would be given understanding. Yet, according to the enablers of terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Israel should turn a blind eye to the plight of its people being bombarded with hundreds of rockets in the middle of the night.

That double standard is morphing into a single standard at this point. Groups of rogue troublemakers are allowed to plan and commit acts of aggressive violence whereas Israel is required to ignore the flashing, neon-colored warning signs and carry on as if all was fine.

That is beyond the realm of reasonable expectations. Enough is enough. Since declaring its independence in 1948 and bringing about the rebirth of a Jewish state in its ancient homeland, Israel has dedicated itself to pursuing peace.

During this past summer, I was given the opportunity to travel to Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel. This hospital is the largest, most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East and also serves as an advanced research center with some of the brightest minds in medicine working to develop life-saving medical innovations.

I saw firsthand how the Israeli people are dedicated to progress and peaceful living, and not just for the people of Israel. Heads of Sheba Medical Center explained to me how it is their sacred mission to provide world-class care to anyone who arrives in this city of peace in need of medical attention, regardless of origin or religion.

The point of the matter is the Israeli people are some of the most generous, gifted and peaceful people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and spending time among. They share dreams and aspirations of living normal lives. Despite these rather modest expectations, they are unfortunately the recipients of tragic and senseless attacks from hateful terrorist organizations steeped in dangerous ideology.