/Snip, final para from the article linked below...
The Jewish sages had a famous, if not necessarily pleasant, saying that went something like this: Those who are kind to the cruel end up being cruel to the kind. As harsh as this sounds amid the scenes from Gaza, as problematic as this seems to good-intentioned people whose instinct is to sympathize with the weaker side in every conflict, sometimes there is no better choice than being clear, than being firm, than drawing a line that cannot be crossed by those wanting to harm you. By fire, if necessary.
Having just had discussions with Friends of Palestine recently, this article in the New York Times is ... timely.
I agree with it all.
The FoP's, though, would be enraged by it, for it criticises Hamas and its maximalist anti-Israel position, arguing for "more realistic expectations" (than "return", control of Jerusalem, the elimination of Israel).
Extra significance in that the Times is Liberal, and usually firmly in the pro-Palestine camp, critical of Israel.
Extra significance in that the Times is Liberal, and usually firmly in the pro-Palestine camp, critical of Israel.
