OPINION:
Another nail has been driven into the coffin of the notion of ’peace in the Middle East,’ a goal which has been shown up as ludicrous (“Israel to ease gun-control laws following synagogue attack,” Web, Nov. 18). The savage attack on a Jerusalem synagogue by two Palestinian terrorists will of course cry out for retaliation and result in even worse relations between Israelis and Arabs. The flames were fanned as we see disgusting images of Gazans dancing in the streets to demonstrate their elation over the bloodshed inflicted on the Jewish worshippers.
Years ago I never could have imagined that it would be necessary for houses of worship to engage security forces as a bulwark against violence — yet that is the point that we have reached in this era of depravity and entrenched enmity both overseas and at home. Such is the reality of a world that is in perpetual crisis and polarization.
There are many reasons for conflict and strained relations between Israelis and Arabs, but nothing justifies the slaughter of innocent people at a house of worship, a sacred place. This is something which even Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has acknowledged in condemning the slaughter.
One would think that the tragedy of a perpetual state of war would bring forces on both sides in the historic Israeli-Arab conflict to the table to make serious efforts to acknowledge each other’s right to live and to coexist. The reality is that there are too many foes of peace for it to take hold. It is another day of mourning and outrage as the Middle East tinder box has exploded again. A loving God of all peoples surely weeps.
OREN M. SPIEGLER
Upper Saint Clair, Pa.
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