You Can Do Something About the Crisis in Israel

Unlike most crises, you can actually do something about the current one in Israel. This is because the current crisis is fueled by propaganda. It began when the Palestinian Authority claimed that Israel was changing the status quo on the Temple Mount. The current arrangement on the Temple Mount is that only Muslims are permitted to pray there. Jews and Israelis are permitted to visit the area but are prohibited from praying. Muslim imams keep watch over the area to ensure strict compliance about prayer or lack thereof. Approximately, a month ago a group of Palestinian youth barricaded themselves into the Al Aqsa Mosque and began throwing rocks and firebombs at Israeli soldiers. When the Israelis attempted to clear them out, the propaganda began. The claim was that the Israeli military was trying to force a change on the Temple Mount to permit Jewish prayer. It was completely false. Nevertheless, the Palestinian Authority and other Arab nations perpetuated the falsehood about the change in the status quo. Ever since, Palestinian youth have responded to the call to defend the “faith” through social media by attacking Jews.

So, what can you do? If you live outside of Israel, you can do a lot. Unfortunately, much of the international press has been influenced by this false Palestinian narrative. When a Palestinian stabs an Israeli on the street, and then is shot by Israeli security, the press often focuses on excessive force used by Israel, rather than on unprovoked attacks against Israeli civilians. When such claims are made or claims about the so-called changing status quo on the Temple Mount or other unfounded claims, you can and should challenge them. If a newspaper writes an article about the current crisis and you find inaccuracies or gross over-simplications, then write a letter to the editor to the newspaper, challenging the statements. Rather than emotional responses, respond with reasoned facts. The same is true for FaceBook postings from friends, families and acquaintances. Do not let any false or inaccurate statement go unchallenged. Cite sources in your responses.

If you find Utube videos falsely describing what is happening, consider posting a response video or find someone who can do so articulately. If TV news reporting also appears biased on the subject, call the TV station and complain or write to them and cite accurate sources. This is a propaganda war. Joseph Goebbels, the Propaganda Minister of Nazi Germany, said the following: "If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” The only defense to lies is the truth. Edmund Burke, a great British politician from the 18th century said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” I believe most of you who will read this article are good people. Act now and respond to the lies about the crisis in Israel. It can make a difference.