Fili’s world

Talking to a Taiwanese journalist on Chinese New Year I was faced once again with the comparison between Israel and Taiwan. After reading today’s Yoel Markus, a columnist that I’ve always respected yet not always agreed with, I think it would be interesting to try and translate it into English and compare notes with the Taiwanese political situation with China.

I’m well aware it will take up some time, but hey - consider this a tribute … I don’t mention politics that much here, do I? (total time - 34 minutes)

No favors by Yoel Markus (Link)

Yaakov Hertzog, a diplomat and an intellectual, who was Golda Meir’s adviser (fiLi - a former female Israeli Primer Minister), was invited by the BBC to participate in a symposium on the issue of how long Israel would be able to survive. Hartzog has denied the invitation, replying in his polite - yet sarcastic way, that he will be glad to take part in a symposium on the issue of how long the British empire would survive. This story, that have been passed from one generation to the next, has suddenly become relevant due to the latest Hamas victory within the Palestinian territories.

This is not what Democracy seekers wished for, Europeans and Americans. The rise of a fanatic Islamic murderous entity, that called for the destruction of Israel in 1998, well after the Oslo agreements and Arafat’s visit. At no stage and under no circumstances did the Hamas ever consider forming relations with Israel or acknowledging its existence.

The surprising election win has received the attention of all those inspiring for a peace settlement. President Bush, and the European countries’ leaders, have insisted that the Hamas should acknowledge Israel for it to take government. The mere fact that the whole world is begging this organization - that calls for the murder of Jews - to acknowledge Israel, is an insult.

Since established 58 years ago, Israel is the only state in the world that doesn’t have well-defined borders. Israel was formed on May 1948 by a UN decision for dividing the country, a decision declined by the Arabs. 24 hours later, the two leading superpowers have acknowledged Israel, and a year later it joined the UN as a member country. Israel is the 51th state of 190 countries in the UN, having formal relations with 170 of them.

Yet, Israel is the only democratic state in the world that has faced a constant threat on its national security and its acknowledgment. It’s frustrating, it’s annoying, that fanatical undeveloped entities deny the existence of one of the world’s most advanced and stable democracies. […]

Israel doesn’t need any approval from anyone for the right to exist, especially not from the undeveloped neighbors. Israel is leading the world ranking in stability and ability […]. Who thinks it can destroy it? Hamas? Hezbollah? Jihad? Is Israel really in a place where it needs to beg the Arabs for acknowledgment?

Many should have respect for a nation, that has withstood decades of fighting against terror and engaging wars, that has reached enormous achievements in every field. When possible, Israel has turned enemies to peace partners at a painful price. Israelis have withstood with dignity and courage the suicide attacks and various terror acts performed by the extreme Islam organizations, showing great spirit and drive in restoring regular lives every time.

Hamas’ victory is first and all a problem for the Palestinians. This occurs while Israel has been building a broad political support towards an agreement that accepts a settlement with the Palestinians. It would be a foolish waste if the Palestinians will miss this opportunity only because of the rise of a fanatical organization that doesn’t acknowledge Israel. Because of extreme organizations like Hamas, the Palestinians have been paying a heavy toll for decades. We (fiLi - Israelis) will continue to live and prosper even without the Hamas. So, no favors, thank you very much.

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If this is what an Israeli feels about a small organization like Hamas, consider what a Taiwanese might feel towards a very big uprising neighboring superpower entity, that is influencing all possible aspects of their Taiwanese life. Frustrating? Annoying? wait till you’d be scared off publishing a column like this on the newspaper in fear that it might upset the unacknowledging entity.