Amnesty International and The Middle East

Why does Amnesty International consistantly speak out against Israel? In articles such as this Amnesty article, Amnesty International is quick to critique Israel for their “humanitarian” issues and “war crimes.” How do they consistantly bash Israel when the other side is causing the problems?

The Amnesty question goes back to 1948, when the Jews were first able to declare independence and return to a Jewish homeland after hundreds of years of diaspora. Immediately after creating the state, Israel was attacked on all boarders by internal and external enemies. Israel took military action to secure boarders and keep its citizens safe, is this a war crime?

In 1956 as the Egyptian government cut off Israeli freedom of navagation through the Suez canal, rendering the Port of Eilat useless, and Arab armies were becoming increasingly agressive, the Israelis attacked Egypt and offered peace for restored access to the Indian Ocean. Israel returned the Sinai Peninsula.

In 1967 as Arab armies were massing to attack Israel, Israel made a pre-emptive strike against military installations. The Arab nations attacked from all boarders. Israel was able to push back the armies to secure Gaza, The West Bank, The Golan, and Sinai. Sinai was returned to Egypt for a peace treaty which lasted until today. While Syria demands the Golan be returned, they do not offer peace. Israel has proven that they will give up land for peace, but not submit to terror.

In 1974 Israel was attacked on Yom Kippur, a day that the majority of the nation was in synagogues. After a large loss of life, Israel was able to hold its boarders.

In 1982 Israel went to war with Hizbulah in Lebanon, which resulted in an occupation that was given ended in 2000 for an understood cease fire. Hizbulah broke it just a couple of weeks ago. They were the agressors.

So why, when Israel’s boarder changes and military actions are for the protection of its citizens, is Israel constantly the bad guy? Israel has had to make difficult decisions, yes, but they were made to keep Israelis safe. A state’s primary responsibility is the safety of its citizens. Israel’s citizens are currently under fire, and the army is responding. This is an understandable and justified response. Why are the Jews being picked on?

I have no answer to the questions. No one was there to help us when we were being murdered in the biggest genocide in history, but people are quick to condem us for saving our own. History shows that if we don’t protect ourselves, no one will.

Amnesty International, EU, UN, please support us when we are trying to protect ourselves, do not condem us.