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Last update - 00:00 16/09/2008
Settler rabbi: The state stole Israel from the Jews
By Nadav Shragai, Haaretz Correspondent
Tags: IDF, West Bank, Yitzhar 

Rabbi David Dudkevitch, the rabbi of the West Bank settlement of Yitzhar, was not present last Shabbat when dozens of Yitzhar residents avenged the stabbing of a boy from the settlement by going on a rampage of shooting and destruction in the neighboring village of Asira al-Kabiliya. He was there in spirit, however. Dudkevitch, who is highly respected in Yitzhar, is generally media-shy, but this time, he made an exception.

"The proper and healthy thing, and this applies to the events of Shabbat as well as in general, is for the Israel Defense Forces to be involved not only in apprehending terror suspects, but also in collective punishment, up to the level of reprisals, of the environment that supports terror," Dudkevitch told Haaretz Monday. "In the past, the State of Israel did this. But [today], just as it did in Gaza, with one hand it acts against terrorists and Katyusha launchers and with the other it feeds them and their families and cultivates the soil from which terror grows."

"Most of the Arab population - in the Galilee, the Triangle and in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank] - desires the destruction of the state," Dudkevitch continued. "Some of them say this in Western-democratic disguise, others say it without masks."
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According to the rabbi, 80 to 85 percent of local Arabs "hope and scheme to destroy the sovereignty of the Jewish people in our land," and therefore, "their emigration should be encouraged."

How?

"There will be many opportunities, both by encouraging and by deporting, but we must start with encouragement, with a general statement. That's the minimum."

Dudkevitch, 44, has been dubbed the rabbi of the "hilltop youth," and as such he expresses surprise when asked why Yitzhar is not surrounded by fences, which might have prevented the infiltration of the knife-wielding terrorist on Saturday.

"I am amazed to be asked that," he said. "The Bible says that when people 'sit in [fenced] camps' it radiates fear and unnaturalness, while when they are in open towns, it is a sign of strength, confidence and heroism. Let the Arabs, not the Jews, live within fortresses, fenced in. There are settlements that have agreed to be fenced in. I don't judge anyone. In Yitzhar we chose otherwise. There is so much land surrounding the settlements that the Arabs never thought of approaching them, and those that fence themselves in lose a huge amount of land."

In recent years, Dudkevitch has become identified with a strain of religious Zionism that distances itself from the symbols and institutions of the state. He does not reject this image.

"Unfortunately, the State of Israel, and especially its judicial system and its constitution, has in recent years chosen to place nearly every Jewish element into a universal, rather than Jewish, definition. It still glories in the title of a Jewish-democratic state, or democratic-Jewish, but in nearly every respect, particularly that of sovereignty, there's nothing to back that up. The state stole the state from the Jews, and sovereignty is attributed to all its citizens and not to the Jewish people throughout the generations."

"Against this background," he continued, "it's obvious that a great many people who are secure in their Judaism feel emotionally distant from the state, which is in another place altogether. This has a very high price, because citizens who find it hard to identify with their state - that is very damaging. When traitors to their state are allowed to serve in the Knesset and become part of the decision-making process, how can anyone, first of all on the emotional level, identify with that state?"

In light of the possibility that additional territory and Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria will be evacuated, some of your colleagues are talking about establishing a 'state of Judea' alongside the State of Israel. Do you believe in this?

"The State of Israel is not the be-all and end-all. If it decides it does not want to be in the hereditary lands of our forefathers, then other Jews have the right to organize themselves in order to live there, even without a link to the state. Is it practical? I doubt it. That's why I'm not signing up for it. But when there's talk about another expulsion, then on the ideological level, the 'State of Judea' is no worse than expulsion."
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  1.   "Fear and unnaturalness." 05:07  |  Maureen Ann 16/09/08
  2.   He is right 05:27  |  robin 16/09/08
  3.   he should het a medel for the truth spoken (unlike the but kissin 05:28  |  robert 16/09/08
  4.   The Rabbi for PM. Oppps he WILL become a Gannav 05:32  |  truth shall set you 16/09/08
  5.   establishing a state of Judea-WHY NOT,2 jewish states in bible? 06:22  |  chaim 16/09/08
  6.   Nope You Were Misled 06:35  |  Yosemite 16/09/08
  7.   Disenfranching Whole Elements of Society 06:36  |  Ben Israel 16/09/08
  8.   Rabbi David is right! 06:36  |  Webster 16/09/08
  9.   decisions 06:42  |  Michael 16/09/08
  10.   the rabbi is right 06:58  |  david 16/09/08
  11.   This Rabbi deserves respect! 07:02  |  Meir Weinstein 16/09/08
  12.   Why not 12 07:02  |  Gregor 16/09/08
  13.   He is right 07:13  |  Gili 16/09/08
  14.   The Oslo peace process didn`t have any chance to bring peace. 07:21  |  Jean Van Daem 16/09/08
  15.   Jewish or Arab 07:30  |  David 16/09/08
  16.   Rav Dudi is right 07:34  |  Stacy 16/09/08
  17.   And what about even-handedness... 07:43  |  Esther 16/09/08
  18.   Out of line Rabbi 07:59  |  Fahmi Natour 16/09/08
  19.   Yes indeed "Disenfranching Whole Elements of Society" 08:16  |  Esther 16/09/08
  20.   This is nuts! 08:44  |  sanity 16/09/08
  21.   What`s the difference between Haaretz staff and this rabbi? 08:49  |  Andreas 16/09/08
  22.   He is right 08:50  |  David 16/09/08
  23.   I agree with much of what he says 09:02  |  JD 16/09/08
  24.   Esther, on even-handedness 09:03  |  Maki 16/09/08
  25.   Yitzhar`s Rabb 09:25  |  Israel 16/09/08
  26.   the state stole israel from the jews 09:33  |  Avinash 16/09/08
  27.   Religion spreading hatred and divison. No surprise there. 09:36  |  Michael 16/09/08
  28.   This is a man that speaks like a leader ! 09:47  |  Jew 16/09/08
  29.   Dont follow the left and this goverment like sheep to the slaught 09:49  |  Israel HaKohen 16/09/08
  30.   I agree with encouragement, but never with force or harassment 09:51  |  David G 16/09/08
  31.   the state stole israel from the jews 09:54  |  Avinash 16/09/08
  32.   And these thugs stand outside Blooms asking if you laid tefilin 10:02  |  Chanalau, Tova 16/09/08
  33.   This is Not Nuts !!!!! He is aman of G-d!!!! 10:12  |  Israel HaKohen 16/09/08
  34.   To Those who are ignorant about the realities of life. 10:25  |  Israel 16/09/08
  35.   Re: I agree with encouragement, but never with force or harassmen 10:31  |  LK 16/09/08
  36.   Choose Life 10:47  |  Paul 16/09/08
  37.   Re Israel of Brooklyn 10:53  |  Esther 16/09/08
  38.   The State stole Israel from the Jews & the Zionists. 11:45  |  Akram Zekaria 16/09/08
  39.   Esther in Tel Aviv 12:04  |  Jackie 16/09/08
  40.   I must say I agree with Rabbi David Dudkevitch 12:06  |  Moshe 16/09/08
  41.   the state stole israel from the jews 12:27  |  Avinash 16/09/08
  42.   Leftie Esther,condemning Lithuanians ad hominem but defending pal 13:04  |  Absolute Sweden 16/09/08
  43.   The rule of law in Israel 13:09  |  Chris Linthwaite 16/09/08
  44.   Nothing new ... 13:11  |  Axel 16/09/08
  45.   There is a confusion 13:13  |  Chris Linthwaite 16/09/08
  46.   Rabbi is correct, Settlers must be collectively punished uprooted 13:25  |  Ivar 16/09/08
  47.   Settler the real enemies of Israel 13:35  |  Shlomo Gurin 16/09/08
  48.   THE ONLY VIABLE RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM 13:36  |  v.hardman 16/09/08
  49.   Kadima Steal Israel from the Jews 13:44  |  Joseph.E 16/09/08
  50.   Grow up 14:21  |  Abba 16/09/08
  51.   yes, collective punishment for collective punishment 14:32  |  newageblues 16/09/08
  52.   Absolutely right! The Rabbi is Absolutely right! 14:34  |  Eliezar 16/09/08
  53.   as a palestinian 14:35  |  dafer 16/09/08
  54.   Absolute#42 is a rather confused poster... 14:38  |  Esther 16/09/08
  55.   I`d like to meet this man 14:40  |  Dan Fandango 16/09/08
  56.   fanatic Jews stole Israel from those who created it 14:44  |  newageblues 16/09/08
  57.   Nothing new from Gefreiter Axel.Just to think 14:47  |  Absolute Sweden 16/09/08
  58.   Everyone should see this 14:52  |  Dan Chanal 16/09/08
  59.   Some People Can`t Be Reasoned With 14:56  |  Yosemite 16/09/08
  60.   linthwaite`s confusion 14:56  |  odles 16/09/08
  61.   DON`T REELECT ANY SECULARISTS 15:18  |  SHMUEL 16/09/08
  62.   No mention of the 9 Year old boy and setting fire to Jewish Homes 15:20  |  Loyd 16/09/08
  63.   #60 Odles 15:23  |  Chris Linthwaite 16/09/08
  64.   Perversion of History 15:29  |  Jim 16/09/08
  65.   #56 thenames beigin shamir and stern mean anything to you 15:42  |  v.hardman 16/09/08
  66.   This man Is Insane 15:46  |  Yaakov Sullivan 16/09/08
  67.   #21 Andreas 15:56  |  Jim 16/09/08
  68.   The State Also Steals Judaism From Jews 15:57  |  Barry S. Roffman 16/09/08
  69.   Re Jackie #39 16:13  |  Esther 16/09/08
  70.   our own bullies 16:42  |  Paul Freedman 16/09/08
  71.   West Side Story? 16:46  |  Motic 16/09/08
  72.   Esther 16:54  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  73.   Esther 17:03  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  74.   sanity 17:10  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  75.   Michael again 17:22  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  76.   Racist ethnic cleansing admitted 17:28  |  Charlie 16/09/08
  77.   LK 17:31  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  78.   Esther 17:32  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  79.   sanity and the lady from the usa 17:33  |  yaakov Sullivan 16/09/08
  80.   Avinash again 17:35  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  81.   Esther first remove Arabs from Palestinian territory 17:39  |  Izzy 16/09/08
  82.   Eliezar 17:41  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  83.   Dan Fandango 17:44  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  84.   SHMUEL 17:52  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  85.   Esther again 17:57  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  86.   yaakov Sullivan 18:01  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  87.   al Queda meets moshe 18:03  |  disgruntled secular 16/09/08
  88.   75 Scary Lady from USA. The world was made flawed. 18:08  |  Michael 16/09/08
  89.   lady from the usa-go and learn, then speak 18:18  |  Yaakov Sullivan 16/09/08
  90.   Newageblues--well said! 18:19  |  Miransky 16/09/08
  91.   48 Victor - Lay That Out 18:25  |  Mark of Lewiston 16/09/08
  92.   The state wont to steal Jewish country from Jews 18:26  |  Ida 16/09/08
  93.   response to Maureen Ann 18:32  |  Kyu Jones 16/09/08
  94.   And What to Do with Jews who Object? 18:34  |  Mark of Lewiston 16/09/08
  95.   forgetting to put yourself in their situation 18:36  |  Kyu Jones 16/09/08
  96.   this level of racism is discusting 18:45  |  angry canadian 16/09/08
  97.   So why is he not in jail 19:11  |  Dave Duncan 16/09/08
  98.   #43 Chris Linthwaite Inclusio 19:18  |  Jim 16/09/08
  99.   75 Lady from USA. Humans were made flawed. 19:19  |  Michael 16/09/08
  100.   Dialogue with Esther 19:21  |  Jackie 16/09/08
  101.   Dave Duncan 19:29  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  102.   Yaakov Sullivan 19:34  |  lady from USA 16/09/08
  103.   The rabbi advocates collective punishment.. 19:51  |  Silvienne 16/09/08
  104.   #93, Kyu Jones is wrong... 19:54  |  Silvienne 16/09/08
  105.   al Queda meets moshe 20:00  |  secular 16/09/08
  106.   lady from USA and rabbi 20:10  |  expatokie 16/09/08
  107.   #93 Kyu Jones Labels and Naivete 20:12  |  Jim 16/09/08
  108.   #11 Meir Weinstein 20:15  |  Janice 16/09/08
  109.   WEAK GOVERNMENT PROMOTES CHAOS 20:26  |  Barry S. Roffman 16/09/08
  110.   #99 Michael 20:28  |  Jim 16/09/08
  111.   Rabbi 20:39  |  Kirk 16/09/08
  112.   #100 Jackie Yes! Beautiful city, Tel Aviv! 20:39  |  Jim 16/09/08
  113.   #108 Barry S. Roffman 20:49  |  Jim 16/09/08
  114.   NO SIGNS OF VIOLENT RAMPAGE SHOWN ON THIS VIDEO 21:13  |  reizel 16/09/08
  115.   Jim 110. So you agree man`s imperfections are God`s fault. 21:14  |  Michael 16/09/08
  116.   #17:"...The settlers weren`t and aren´t violent ..." 21:15  |  Esther 16/09/08
  117.   Hitler first encourage Jews to leave...then... 21:33  |  Historian 16/09/08
  118.   Really Scares Me 21:40  |  Golani 16/09/08
  119.   When will Zionist Israel finally dawn? 21:43  |  Alicia 16/09/08
  120.   wounded? who? how? where? how seriously? witnesses? 21:57  |  reizel 16/09/08
  121.   #103 aapractical one silvienne who wants to stay alive 22:28  |  v.hardman 16/09/08
  122.   reizel and her assumptions #116 22:37  |  Yaakov Sullivan 16/09/08
  123.   The only Security for Israel is Judaism. 23:00  |  Akram Zekaria 16/09/08
  124.   It`s harvest time and the settlers are burning olive trees. 23:17  |  Ben Alofs 16/09/08
  125.   #118 Golani. In complete agreement. 23:34  |  Stephen. 16/09/08
  126.   mark of lewiston the brain dead ol merde should 23:58  |  v.hardman 16/09/08
  127.   mark of lewiston thereis no alternative as arab do not fit into 00:01  |  v.hardman 17/09/08
  128.   Speedily and in our days 01:35  |  Shimon Cleopas 17/09/08
  129.   Silvienne - the attacks are wrong 02:02  |  docD 17/09/08
  130.   # 126 docd 03:16  |  Axel 17/09/08
  131.   Not in my life 03:50  |  Axel 17/09/08
  132.   Mark of Lewiston seeking a plan 03:58  |  peter 17/09/08
  133.   settler rabbi 04:39  |  Alan Levin 17/09/08
  134.   Create the Jewish State of Judea and Samaria 05:07  |  Baruch Gold 17/09/08
  135.   #115 Michael 07:34  |  JIm 17/09/08
  136.   #128 Baruch Gold 07:53  |  Jim 17/09/08
  137.   #117 Historian 08:08  |  Jim 17/09/08
  138.   #123 Alram Zekaria 08:28  |  Jim 17/09/08
  139.   Peter of Montreal - Self-Interest 08:44  |  Mark of Lewiston 17/09/08
  140.   Fahmi Natour, glad to hear that #18 10:41  |  ELIAS KHOURY 17/09/08
  141.   Can you imagine if a Palestinian preacher spoke like this? 10:44  |  ELIAS KHOURY 17/09/08
  142.   #1 Idiotic statement as usual 12:42  |  Rab Burns 17/09/08
  143.   Michael 14:31  |  lady from USA 17/09/08
  144.   revising history 14:43  |  Richie 17/09/08
  145.   #129, docD, but that`s just the thing! 17:33  |  Silvienne 17/09/08
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