| As an American Jew, I have studied history of the conflicts and battles between Israel and it`s neighbors for years. This past March I was blessed to spend three weeks in Israel. I spent time in the Golan, studied the land, the terrain, and now feel that I have some real understanding of the genuine Israeli concerns regarding the strategic command the Golan has over all of Northern Israel. We have a saying, "The map is not the territory." Truly, this is fitting to say of the Golan. He who controls the Golan can exert control over Northern Israel. If this power is hostile, the Golan is an ancient invasion route and, as the 1973 Yom Kippur War demonstrated, was neutralized at a terrible cost. I pray for an equitable solution and real peace with all our neighbors. The critical point is how is Israel`s security guaranteed if some territory is exchanged in light of the above. We Jews have tried to trust so many times in so many places. How do we learn to trust again? I do not know. |
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