Israeli Nobel Laureate calls for release of all Hamas prisoners

anyone volunteering to have a heart in Lebanon? I remember how they exchanged 2 bodies for a real live bloodthirsty murderer. You leaders hugged and kissed him and made him a hero?!!! Who are you to put Israelis in question and who on earth thinks much of the two journalists you mentioned certainly not many people in the world.

Thank you Professor Ada Yonath..You spoke the truth..bless you ..

her brilliant scientific work in mapping ribosomes,the protein-producing factories within cells, at the atomic level. Suddenly, she opens her mouth on issues she has no expertise in like the matter of exchange of Hmas murderers for Gilad Shalits. Brilliancy of a person in one field, like Jonaths, in protein structure elucidation by XRD does not entitles her to shoot off her mouths in matters they have absolutely no experience nor expertise. Its an example of arrogance of entitlement since she feels now that she is a celebtity. Its just her private opinion. Let her have the right to opinions. Israeli government,representing the majority of voters should act in best ineterst of the nation and do what it was doing until now. releasing 1,000 prisonners among them hundreds of murderes will not bring peace notjustice to Shalit. On the contrary, such exchange will enbolden Hams and other Arab terrorists to kidnap more Israelis

She wins the nobel prize for chemistry, and suddenly she is an expert in domestic politics and national security... What a world...

she is extremely naive. Stick to chemistry !

In 1967, Israel had a choice. They could develop Palestine in partnership with the Palestinians into a viable, prosperous economy. On the other hand, Israel could exploit the Palestinians by taking land, suppressing freedoms, and colonize Palestine into a land for zealots. Israel chose the latter, and the occupation has accomplished the alienation of the Palestinian people for several generations. Peace is beyond the grasp of Israel until it begins repairing fourty years of damge it has imposed. All it can accomplish with today's leadership is a tenuous security. The first steps towards a lasting, just peace requires leadership from Israel moreso than from Palestine. Israel is in control and has the military and economic power. It is up to Israel to invest in developing a viable Palestinian nation and take the courageous actions to make it happen. But the USA needs to assure Israel understands this.

In the same vein as no. 189, I recommend Miko Peled's article at the beginning of 2009: http://mikopeled.wordpress.com/2008/12/31/thoughts-on-gaza/

From her statements, it seems like the professor isnt from Israel, has never been a victim of terrorism or has never felt what it means to loose friends and family members! "I don't understand why we incarcerate them in Israel in the first place," the professor told Army Radio Saturday....they were prisoned because they participted in violating events against Israel! She also said that if we cease from incarcerating Palestinians it will end soldier abductions. "Once we don't have any prisoners to release they will have no reason to kidnap soldiers."....the professor seems to be unaware of the whole Arab-Israeli struggle including the inner feelings lots of arabs have towards Israel! She has a peacful message but it is simply too naive and incautious.

then they realized that she was an idiot savant -- great at chemistry and only at chemistry. Oops. She ought to have had her mouth shut and we wouldn't have known any better. Apparently she didn't know any better herself and now we know the truth.

You can forgive only those who ask to be forgiven; you don't forgive those who continue to plot to murder your children. Israel's elites have lost their souls. They have been easily brainwashed because they were Leftist to start with and eagerly imbibed all crap coming from the Soviet Union -the patron saint of the PLO and other terrorists world-wide- and the Soviets had expended a lot of time, effort, money and influence to brainwash the international intellectual elites. The Soviet Union may be gone, but the results of their hard work live on around the World, including Israel. Good professor may be one of the brainwashed Leftists but she really sounds to me more like an idiot savant, which diminishes her prize and Israel's pride in her a great deal.

-- Then he said, "Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there." He answered, "For the sake of ten I will not destroy it." -- GENESIS 18. Ada Yonath is one of those admirable righteous persons who may save Israel. Gideon Levy and Amira Hass are 2 other ones. But that's only 3. Are there really 7 others around to save Israel?

with her reasoning,any person who calls himself a freedom fighter can go around shooting people and not put in prison,to kill in the name of god or freedom should be legal.the first law of democracy says that your freedom ends where my freedom begins.

Dear Ada Yonath, remember that a prophet is never recognized in his/her own land. You and I have met a few times, e.g. in Paris, and I think you are so worthy of your prize and recognize you as the monumental person you are. Respect.

Not only is Ada Yonath a clever scientist with a logical mind, but she is a good human being, who is able to imagine what it must be like to be a Palestinian living under occupation. Her detractors obviously do not have this ability to imagine. I know Palestinians and Palestinian society pretty well. As in any country or nation under occupation those who are involved in the resistance enjoy enormous prestige, especially the people who have been thrown in jail because of it. Palestinians will do what it takes to help bring about the release of their prisoners. Just as Israelis care for Gilad Shalit, so do Palestinians care for their 8000 plus prisoners, who languish in Israeli prisons. This issue will only be solved after Israel has given back the territories it occupied in 1967 to enable the Palestinians to live in freedom. Treat your enemy as you yourself want to be treated. This is Ada Yonath's thinking and it is very sound.

A brave and intelligent voice speaking clearly through the increasing religious and nationalist madness of Netanyahu's Israel. I don't know what Israel's version of the inquisition is, Lieberman perhaps or one of those dreadful foreign ministry PR people, but she'd better watch out. They're not going to be happy.

oh boy, what a strong opinion... No worry folks, prisons will endure. And holding prisoners based on ethnic origin... sounds like a racist school to me. May be Ada forgot that Israeli prisons hold some Jewish people... but she probably would release those just as happily. She is just one of those Jewish gals, the world slowly stops producing, who believes that prisons are an evil that should simply vanish to make people a little bit nice. Love Ada.

This Woman is brilliant open ALL jails in the world, Who cares that these people should not roam about our public streets? Why the hell, do we lock up, robbers, rapists, murderers, terrorists, and not to mention suicide bombers? Don`t you see, if we hold those robbers, rapists, murderers, terrorists, and not to mention suicide bombers their families resentment for the country who holds them will grow and we are actively creating robbers, rapists, murderers, terrorists, and not to mention suicide bombers! This Woman is brilliant open ALL jails in the world, Let us see what happens! By the way as my mother taught me, you first! Warning: Sarcasm

Are those who swallow government policies and become part of its evil doings. Dutch

...and then feeds on it like a parasite.

Would you go to Obama and ask him a question about protein synthesis and publish it? Simplistic, naive,infantile,call Yonath's statement what you want.A person wise in one field should not be expectd to shine with wisdom in all directions.

# 74 "What kidnapping? These Pals came into Israel; suicide bombers, etc., to kill Israelis.? -------------- Almost every night Israeli special groups with armored vans, jeeps, etc. invade Palestinian towns and villages grabbing there sometimes dozens people, whom the media immediately brand as ?terrorists?. Almost every week there are reports of Palestinians being killed in the Gaza strip from OUTSIDE the barrier and of occasional invasions into the strip. The tunnels in Rafah through which most vital objects are supplied are bombed, with people in them being killed. There was one Israeli casualty caused by a Palestinian (madman with an ax) this year, after the Molten Lead when several Israeli troops died of ?friendly fire?.

I say that if we let all of Hamas prisoners go, than the US should empty all there prisons and jails, and Guantonomo Bay, all released inside the US. I think this would be a great idea, because all the inmates in the US are innocent. As soon as Obama releases them in a show of good faith, than maybe Israel will follow suit.

for peace.It is very interesting what she thinks about "Iran threat"and about our Lieberman and his racist party and about our Napoleon,the strange Moshe Yalon.

"I don't understand why we incarcerate them in Israel in the first place ... all prisoners should be returned to Palestine regardless of a deal for Gilad Shalit's release." See page 28 of the Goldstone Report. "...Following the capture by Palestinian armed groups of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in June 2006, the Israeli army arrested some 65 members of the PLC, Mayors and Ministers, mostly Hamas members." In addition a number of children were rounded up by Israel, and for those who are asking about the Red Cross for Shalit you'll be happy to learn that the Israeli government canceled the ICRC Family Visits Programme which was "suspended" in 2007 In addition to the aforementioned crimes, there were also other abuses that led the commission to find "these practices have resulted in violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including the prohibition of arbitrary detention, the right to equal protection under the law and not to be discriminated based on political beliefs and the special protections to which children are entitled. The Mission also finds that the detention of PLC members may amount to collective punishment contrary to international humanitarian law." Ada Yonath apparently is an unwitting "Goldstoner" for being in favor of the rule of law as well as a brilliant chemist. Bravo!

Clearly you naysayers are completely out of your depth when confronted with a superior intelligence.

typical response from a land thief

Thank you Prof. Yonath. That is why you are a NobelPrize winner. Shalit must also go home to his loved ones. Enough hate.

She also deserves the Nobel Peace prize. She gets "it"

WOW? And they accuse the Arabs and Muslims to be extremists or drowned in their own ideology. I say they should read some of the comments here. Can many of the people here pop out of their pathetic bubble? Many of you have used (like parrots to your government?s propaganda) the terms ?terrorist? and ?anti Semitic?. Is Cast lead not terror with its 1400 civilians killed for 13 Israelis ? who included soldiers and victims of friendly fires [and please stop the ?Hamas used their people as civilian shields? lie, Check Goldstone?s report while it?s still fresh? It was Israel who used Palestinians as shields. It was Israel who gunned them when they were carrying white flags]. Opps, I forgot Goldstone is no longer a Jew, nor a pro Israel supporter because he told the truth. There might be a few of Hamas prisoners in jail who do indeed have serious intentions of terrorist attacks (against civilians!!! Not armies). Those in my opinion need to chill out in jail. However, in another cell righ

Chemistry Only Ada should be asked only about chemistry; all her life was devoted to one subject only. She can be also asked whether there is life on Mars. But do not ask her how much is falafel on the Tahana Merkasit.

Assuming your interpretation of this story is accurate, what do you suppose are the chances of Palestinians locking up Palestinians for killing Israelis?

Please Ada continue to make prophetic statements. The great Rambam argued always that to reach the stage of Prophet one must have intellectual training way, way above the Am Haretz who will scream, shout and blaspheme. I do not know that you are actually correct. But I do think that the views of a Nobel Prize winner should be heard, esteemed and taken into urgent consideration. Kol Ha Kavod!

the results will be better

Israel should not take any prisoners. Army and police should have order: Do not take prisoners.It's always headache with them.

What kidnapping? These Pals came into Israel; suicide bombers, etc., to kill Israelis. So your opinion is that that's ok, but for Israeli to arrest criminals is stooping low. Wow. I'm glad you're not in charge of anything. The Israeli govt. should not give in to such a crazy, disproportionate demand. As for Ada, she should stick to her lab.

She could use a tutor, though.

You are right. Israelis does not need Nobel prize winners to tell them what to do. After all, they have such enlightened leadership like the hypocrit Netanyahu, the bouncer Lieberman and the fascist Ayalon. With such wise leaders who needs another opinion? And then, Israelis are not "suckers" and will not release prisoners without quid pro quo. The militant confrontationalism is what the Israelis understand, revenge and 100 eyes for one eye. They never heard of the concept of engagement that is the new vocabulary in international relations led by Barack Obama. Good luck with solving your conflicts through confrontation!

... reflects the fact that the majority of people of democracies and leaders of autocracies agree that those who disrupt order need to be segregated and have created laws to that effect. Maybe Yonath is unaware that Israel's prisoners are not there for jaywalking? Sounds like her elevator doesn't go all the way to the penthouse.

If you read the article, she was not saying to "free" the prisoners. She was saying they should not be held in Israeli jails. She said they should be released (presumably) into Palestinian custody. If Israel could do more than just keep trying to imprison Palestinians any way they can out of fear for what they "might" do, we might have some shot as calming things a bit. For you Israelis who have lost loved ones, or your own peace of mind, due to violence, I am truly sorry, but imprisoning every Palestinian is not going to make you any safer. A just and fair peace will make you safer. What about the almost 1500 Palestinians killed in Operation Cast Lead?? What about their family's sense of security? How many widow and orphans have you created? But that doesn't matter to you because they are Arabs. Shame on you. You claim this holier than thou attitude towards others when you, yourselves don't value others at all. In order to gain respect, you must show respect. Praying for the best.

When it was announced on a previous thread that Ada had won the Nobel prize for chemistry some comments were: We do science while they do war. We worship life while they death” Others are busy with full time destruction. These people now regret their remarks. I do not see any of them here. Now that she has revealed herself as less of a right wing Arab hater she will no doubt be discredited and ostracized. How fickle the finger of fate and how fleeting fame. While my post in recognition of her noble diod not get posted, she has risen even higher in my book. Her thinking is original. which should not suprise anyone, although i admit i was.

On the contrary to what many people think, this woman is actually applying some sensible logic in answering the question. If you want to find a solution to Israel's problems then you have to think it through as if you ARE a Palestinian.

This woman has an IQ probably 100 superior than all the bird brains, war mongers morons that think that repression and violence will bring them victory, even after 60 years of failure.

Don't be like Shalit's father who dwells only his own son while Palestinian sons and daughters are in capativity too. All for opposing an illegal occupier and oppressor. it's down right criminal.....Dutch

What an admirable and brave lady and wonderful scientist. The ignorant louts who are barely literate and who have the temerity to criticise your opinions, do not begin to understand your work. Scientists have no more qualification in conflict resolution than most other individuals, but they do have the capacity to think logically. If something does not not work it is logical to think of alternatives. Over 11,000 Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli jails. Many have been held for years without trial. 3000+ are children under 18 years. In the past Israel has exchanged thousands for drug dealing criminals as well as bodies of soldiers. Only a few have gone on to commit crimes. Other have become peace activists and some gained a higher education. They should be esteemed. Ada Yonath well deserved her prize and her opinions should be respected. Thank you Ada for showing the world that there are still some individuals in Israel who believe in human rights. Kol Ha Kavod!

Professor Ada Yonath's thoughts on the release is the correct one. It would be a tiny step in the right direction. The hysterical reaction of some, shows that there are extremist on both sides. These extremist are a threat to the very existence of Israel. Hurling insults, shows how churlish some people are. Professor Yonath, I am sure, has the best interest of Israel at heart.

In this case it helps to remember Nobel Laureate Richard Feynman who said "Outside of science - scientists are as dumb as every one else !"

There's nothing wrong with trying to make peace. Our prophets dreamed about it. Release Palestinian prisoners? All of them? at once? Galid maybe coming home soon before all the prisoners are released. Interview each prisoner one by one and let the Israeli Justice System determine who shall be let free into Palestinian Society and become the responsibility of the Palestinian leadership. Teach peace by making peace. Be open to each other. Create wise laws and honest leaders.

This woman is the best. She is what Israel can produce as a great nation and she is a great representative of Judaism. However, most of the post here have failed to understand that. This is the reason why there is no other option to the world community than isolate more and more Israel. Just let's begin a huge international boycott against all products, all artistic events, all scientific cooperation in the whole world. Let's pressure the US to stop cooperation with Israel. Let's reduce the standard of living of Israelis to an African pattern, let's stimulate people to immigrate. Let's condition participation of Israel in Olympics, World Cup, tennis competition to an improvement of life of Palestinians. Only them cruel people like those who have expressed their views here will learn how to behave. Evetybody is tired of this situation. Israelis are now starting to travel with a second nationatility passport out of fear of suffer hostility. This is the way.

If there were no Palestinian prisoners it's true they would have no incentive to kidnap Israelis to exchange. So they would just kill Israelis instead. Brilliant.

Peacelover No Irony everyone is entitled to an opinion, It does not say their opinion on the matter is correct! If we Israelis have a grate Singer as CHava Alberstein who has lefty political views, does it mean we Israelis with right views should stop hearing her songs, just because her political views are opposite to ours? If we Israelis have a grate Nobel Chemistry Prize Winner as Ada Yonath who has lefty political views, does it mean we Israelis with right views should stop taking pride in her achievement just because her political views as ridicules as they are, are opposite to ours? In Israel, everyone is entitled to his her opinion! There are families made up of a composite of views, extreme left, left, middle, and right, to radical right, and you can find them even among our politicians, even in mine! No, Irony! Israel is a big family everyone is entitled to his her opinion, even ridicules ones!

Peacelover No Irony everyone is entitled to an opinion, It does not say their opinion on the matter is correct! If we Israelis have a grate Singer as CHava Alberstein who has lefty political views, does it mean we Israelis with right views should stop hearing her songs, just because her political views are opposite to ours? If we Israelis have a grate Nobel Chemistry Prize Winner as Ada Yonath who has lefty political views, does it mean we Israelis with right views should stop taking pride in her achievement just because her political views as ridicules as they are, are opposite to ours? In Israel, everyone is entitled to his her opinion! There are families made up of a composite of views, extreme left, left, middle, and right, to radical right, and you can find them even among our politicians, even in mine! No, Irony! Israel is a big family everyone is entitled to his her opinion, even ridicules ones!

Why not send them all to her house? Or better yet, swap her for Shalit.... Must have been chosen by the same people who chose Obama for the Nobel Piece of crap prize... Maybe its time for a prize for someone who figure out what makes intelligent people so stupid...

Ada Yonath, seems to understand more about the world than the whole Israeli government. Great to see some sensible remarks from someone else than Gideon.

-nd" why to keep these terrorists incarcerated...that much is apparently true Often this dichotomy is found between those so brilliant in one field and yet so clueless in another... there is NOTHING about releasing said terrorists predominantly with blood on their hands that will quell any violence, the motivation for terror, the hate-minded philosophy of hamas and the like, and the desire by groups such as hamas to destroy israel....in fact the outcome of her suggested release would be quite the opposite.... appeasing terror and terrorists has never and will never work, in fact doing so empowers terror. If you assume you are dealing with rational, good-hearted individuals who fundamentally want peace, you are sadly and dangerously mistaken

Many if not all of Israel,s leaders have comitted terrorism. Take Begin who headed up Irgun--- a terrorist movement that carried out bombings of Markets and Buses and stores. Anywhere Arabs gathered, Begin,s lieutenants carried out his instructions of of terror and mayhem. Same applies to Yitzak Shamir and Sharon. NOne can only smile when hearing Israeli Jews squawking about Arab terrorists. Such hypocrisy.

Im starting to forget why i live here..so we hand them all back and suddenly there is peace?? come on!! another left wing israeli that i will never understand!

Absolutely correct. No more prisoners. Israel should have a death penalty and summarily execute murderers forthwith.

Tell that to the families of the victims

Those murdered by those Hamas terrorists would have a hard time seeing it this way. It is sad that she feels that the Nobel Prize gives her such a right to be listened too. She was awarded for science and on this should be listened to but politics which involves many peoples feelings and much blood - no, she has not the right to any authority.

of the Arab Muslims in Gaza

Genius? Naive. Now the Pali's will demand all prisoners released without a deal on Shalit. Thanks genius. Give 'em a little spot light it all goes to their head.

for Israel to arrest and kidnap Palestinians from their lands and take place them in Israeli jails? Not to mention the illegal assassinations carried out by Israel that usually kills surrounding citizens as well as the target. This lady is right, Hamas politicians were arrested and are still being held for being members of the legally elected Hamas party. The disrespect shown here by her fellow citizens show just how low a level Israeli society has stooped to.

Right, cause when we release them all, I'm sure they'll all go back to baking cookies...

What would possibly be gained from this ridiculous and irresponsible suggestion? Why not just vacate the Holy land and turn it over to the arabs now if you haven't the stomach to act as a responsible adult? All of this nonsensical, idiotic talk about what more the Jews can give for an illusional peace is stomach wrenching. After all of the sweat, blood, and pain, not to mention as legitimate a claim as anybody else to that land, there are Jews who would give it away as easily as one tosses a piece of paper. The world will continue to hate and persecute the Jew even if he surrenders his homeland-they'll hate the Jew even more.

Another liberal naive idiot

Release the prisoners but follow up by reinstating the death penalty for those proven guilty of murder. Obviously a deterrant is required. Peace means that we must live in harmony in this very small country

It's all so simple when a Nobel Laureate says it but not for all the people grouching here. Be sure that the same people were hailing the views of Professor Settler Aumann when he won his prize with his games theory a few years ago. Ada Yonath has just told us the obvious and the dogs are howling at the moon.

How will freeing thousands of convicted murderers and attempted murderers help peace? Maybe she should stop using protective gloves when she is handling strong acids as it's equates to the same thing as Acid in itself is not insidious only when in contact with other substances see its basic chemistry. By keeping criminals in prison we prevent any bad reactions from occurring.

Since the begining of oslo thousands of prisoners have been released for various reasons by successive governments and hundreds of those released have gone onto kill again. The mastermind of the Park Hotel massacre was released by Bibi when he was PM first time round. In 2002 Sharon traded 400 Hezbollah men for 2 dead soldiers and an Israeli drug dealer. Since then 23 Israelis have been murdered by men he released. If we followed the advice of Ada Yonath and released them all and some went onto kill again would he be willing to meet with relatives of the Israelis murdered and with his head held high say releasing them was the right thing to do? Ho would he feel if his own family was murdered by somebody he wanted released?

... as you have detractors... (and you are no doubt aware of the motives of the latter)

Release them, a good idea..ship them to the US and the EU. Folks, if you love them sooo much invite them to live in your own neighberhood..prove you mean it!

the zionist take palestinians captive to provoke them and then when they strike back they say "see!! they are animals" and then its ok to kill more and steal more land...the zionist do not want peace or any solution...they will to anything to have more reasons to kill and steal

Sami, apropos your vision of a "democratic Palestine", here is an excerpt from an article from two days ago: Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip say safety concerns and social traditions, not Islamic religious values, are the main reason behind a decision to ban women from riding motorbikes and scooters......Human Rights groups say Hamas is gradually imposing a strict Islamic code on the 1.5 million Palestinians of Gaza. Gaza couples complain of being stopped by police and asked for papers to prove they are married, and men have been told to cover up on the beach. Sami, with all due respect, I will pass up such a democratic Palestine. I prefer the democracy that exists in the State of Israel, thank you, and so do not only the Jews living there, but the Arabs as well. Dream on.

finally, someone who makes sense. no more imprisoning the innocent. It is ironic that a state founded for the oppressed is the expert on oppressing. the government should listen to its nobel prize winner, not shimon peres or that greaseball netanyahu.

"I don't understand why we incarcerate them in Israel in the first place ... all prisoners should be returned to Palestine regardless of a deal for Gilad Shalit's release." See page 28 of the Goldstone Report. "...Following the capture by Palestinian armed groups of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in June 2006, the Israeli army arrested some 65 members of the PLC, Mayors and Ministers, mostly Hamas members." In addition a number of children were rounded up by Israel, and for those who are asking about the Red Cross for Shalit you'll be happy to learn that the Israeli government canceled the ICRC Family Visits Programme which was "suspended" in 2007 In addition to the aforementioned crimes, there were also other abuses that led the commission to find "these practices have resulted in violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including the prohibition of arbitrary detention, the right to equal protection under the law and not to be discriminated based on political beliefs and the special protections to which children are entitled. The Mission also finds that the detention of PLC members may amount to collective punishment contrary to international humanitarian law." Ada Yonath apparently is an unwitting "Goldstoner" for being in favor of the rule of law as well as a brilliant chemist. Bravo!

hamas wants all of israel. They will contine their jihad whether there are palestinians in israeli jails or not..

Bravo very courageous! I am impressed to find that there are still intelligent people in Israel not buying the nonsense and aggressive pep talk of Netanyahu and Lieberman

Peacelover No Irony everyone is entitled to an opinion, It does not say their opinion on the matter is correct! If we Israelis have a grate Singer as CHava Alberstein who has lefty political views, does it mean we Israelis with right views should stop hearing her songs, just because her political views are opposite to ours? If we Israelis have a grate Nobel Chemistry Prize Winner as Ada Yonath who has lefty political views, does it mean we Israelis with right views should stop taking pride in her achievement just because her political views as ridicules as they are, are opposite to ours? In Israel, everyone is entitled to his her opinion! There are families made up of a composite of views, extreme left, left, middle, and right, to radical right, and you can find them even among our politicians, even in mine! No, Irony! Israel is a big family everyone is entitled to his her opinion, even ridicules ones!

unlike the eternal warmongers on this TB who are really just apologists for the Greater Israel plan. It can be said that Israel does not have leaders brave enough for such a radical move, but is is these Israeli leaders who have put the settlers and the right wing wackos in charge. Now those leaders are answerable to their clients. I am afraid that the possibility of peace and reconciliation in Israel cannot happen.Unlike in Northern Ireland and South Africa---the birthplace of this concept. You see the peace camp in Israel is dead ---gone---finito--ende. Only a Bi National state is the likely outcome.

the things she said are useless simply coz the palestinians don't seek the peace and finally they want to take everthing and kick jews out of the holy land.

Sorry to burst your bubble sami, booby! You now have THREE states: one goes by the name of Jordan, one is Gaza, and the 3rd will eventually be on the West Bank. Jordan is a monarchy with a VERY limited Parliament under the thumb of the King; Gaza is a theocratic fascist dictatorship where those that are not Muslim are murdered on the streets; and if you review the history of the PA, fascism and violent subjugation is the foundation of their beliefs. So no matter how you look at it, only the neighboring Jewish State of Israel lives up to democratic rule! You made your bed sami...lie in it!

She needs to stick to science. She has now become and expert on govrenment.

That was the last great idea that went down really well in history until this really great new idea by Prof. Yonath. Well done Prof. Yonath. Perhaps you will invite the released prisnoners over for a tea party?

Past prisoner releases have done great harm to israel. One of them that was released did that horrible passover bombing that killed 29.

When was the last time they let her out of her lab? In Hmastan, she would've been executed already for not wearing a bhurqa, being independent, and speaking openly.Along with her gratitude for the Nobel Prize, she should also be grateful for living in a democracy where opening your mouth under the weight of ignorance and naivete doesn't get you executed.

by now. Like this Israeli paratrooper from Kibbutz Gan Samuel who had given Syrians details of Israeli fortifications on Mt.Hermon. After a stint in jail he returned to a joyous welcome at his Kibbutz ,while defenders of the Mt.Hermon ,his former colleagues had long been dead ,killed in battle or tortured to death by the Syrians. Then he proceeded to get a Phd ,supported by the Kbbutz and the State grants and now he lectures around Israel ,raising new generations of traitors. Not to mention child murderer Kuntar ,reciving University education in Israeli jail ,before beeing released in return for coffins of kidnapped Israeli soldiers. Prof.Yonah would have released him just after he murdered this poor Israeli child do doubt .

On chemistry, her opinions should be accepted, and congratulations on being a receipient of the Nobel prize. But please, this view on returning all Hamas prisoners, is politically naive. Is she aware, that there is more anti-semitism today than during the years that led up to the 2nd world war? Since the birth of the Israeli state, how many thousands of terrorists have been freed by Israel? Has this brought an end to anti-semitism or hate of the Jewish people? remember prior to the 2nd world war, there was no "Israel", and what happened? perhaps we should give Israel back to the terrorists in exchange for living quarters in Arab territory of choice. And yes, hyenas are vegetarians.

"if Professor Ada Yonath becomes israel president, i think all israel problems will be resolved". You probably mean Israel's haters' problem would be solved. "She is smart just like Obama" You mean in politics? I agree with you.

The abuse that Ada Yonath has taken in these comments illustrates why talented and educated young Israelis are leaving the country in droves. Israeli school scores, once among the highest in the world, are now among the lowest. If Israel doesn't stop the settlements, pull out of the West Bank, make peace and treat the Arab minority within Israel with true equality and acceptance, the country is destined for complete mediocrity and the loss of U.S. support.

That is the differnce between educated elightend individuals and the scum bags blood thirsty illiterates who keep electing violent leaders who promote harasing and kidnaping and impresoning Palestinians in the mistaken hope that if you make suffer more they will stop teir espiration for freedom..

releasing all hamas prisoners, fatah prisoners, jihad prisoners... it would work if the only palestinian motivation for terrorism was revenge for us holding their prisoners. unfortunately their other objective is to wipe us off the face of the earth.

I get it. You underestimated her when you were told she was a genius in scientific matters but you understand how smart she is when she says that Hamas criminals should be set free. Isn't it weird that they gave her the Nobel prize for that chemistry thing?

Terrorists are criminals if they are released all criminals should be released. She can't mean that.

Yonath is speaking out like Obama should- she deserves the Peace Prize.

Them you call terrorists in Israel are freedom fighters! You are a brave woman mrs Yonath. Congratulations to your Nobel prize and very welcome to Sweden in december.

A brilliant mind and a voice of reason. The price strengthens her moral force. Before Netanyahu could ignore her and not worry. Now she is a factor in the Israeli political dynamic.

Winston Churchill is God! If it hadn't been for Winston Churchill, the World would have ended in 1945.

Finally, an intelligent Israeli person... But of course the commentators to that article only see one thing: Release the Hamas prisoners... they don't see the point behind her comment, i.e. once Israelis treat the Palestinian people (the real owners of that land) as human beings, they will get a better reciprocity... But this is too much for petty ears to hear...!

there are only two female ministers in Netanyahu's government, and they have junior positions? Israel's patriarchal system is likely to scoff at Ada Yonath's suggestion to stop incarcerating Palestinians which gives impetus to repeat the cycle of violence.

Peacelover No Irony everyone is entitled to an opinion, It does not say their opinion on the matter is correct! If we Israelis have a grate Singer as CHava Alberstein who has lefty political views, does it mean we Israelis with right views should stop hearing her songs, just because her political views are opposite to ours? If we Israelis have a grate Nobel Chemistry Prize Winner as Ada Yonath who has lefty political views, does it mean we Israelis with right views should stop taking pride in her achievement just because her political views as ridicules as they are, are opposite to ours? In Israel, everyone is entitled to his her opinion! There are families made up of a composite of views, extreme left, left, middle, and right, to radical right, and you can find them even among our politicians, even in mine! No, Irony! Israel is a big family everyone is entitled to his her opinion, even ridicules ones!

I was very excited by the news that an Israeli was one of the winners of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry this year. It is unfortunate that she had to ruin this moment of national pride with such a statement. Now I could care less that she won.

That artists and scientists are political morons. Different side of the brain, I guess.

WOW! What has she been sniffing? Whatever it is she should send some to Ahmadinejad and the Ayatolla.

It's the greatness of this type of Israeli that gives me pause. Not all Israelis are creeps. God Bless you Yona. Salaam/Shalom

Your opinion on worldly matters is not asked. Stick to your science, that is what you are presumably good at. Your naive and damaging statement is a stain on your career, and on our intelligence.....and your intelligence.

what a relief to hear such words of wisdom. Bravo Ada! Ken yirbu!!

isrel noble winner deserves to be honered,finalysomebody talks sense congratulations from a palestinian.

....for an Israel critic like myself. Hamas prisoners with "blood on their hands" should indeed be released, but only in the context of (hopefully) future peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Of course it would also mean that Gilad Shalit would have to stay imprisoned till Israelis and Hamas seriously start talking to each other, it might probably give both sides the necessary incentive to finally get there. I mean, there is still quite a bit of space between the super-extremist position of the current Israeli governement and the super-dovish views of Mrs. Yonath....

Robert #1 asks: ...maybe this is the price of the Nobel Prize....? He is not being fair to the Nobel committee. He forgets that four years ago a pro-settler religious Israeli won the Economics Nobel. I am really glad that this time a peaceloving Israeli won the prize. Hopefully next year will be Amos Oz's turn. Congratulations to all Israelis! It is really amazing how much such a small nation can accomplish. Now please show the world you can also accomplish peace.

What is it in the nature of Zionists to attack even the most respected of its citizens when their views are critical of Israel?

Wow! The amount of intelligentsia in Israel grew with a 100%. Besides Gideon Levy there is another decent human being. And that makes two. Let's celebrate the good news.

Following your smug and triumphalist response to the award of the Nobel laureate to Ada Yonath yesterday, I wonder if you still see her as an example of the superiority of Jewish values? Personally, I think she is absolutely right.

What better for them than to give such award to a flaky leftist Israeli who would echo their anti-semitic pro-Arab piece policies

Courage is what led her to her discoveries, to her Nobel prize, and with the same courage she shows that she's not affraid to speak her mind. What she said makes perfect sense. Sure, it doesn't feel right, but it's the smart thing to do.

I now understand why Netanyahu's policies towards the Palestinians has so much support in Israel. Anyone who reads the vile, vituperative, poisonous comments here will quickly see why. I wonder whether a large number of Israelis are as narrow minded as these comments seem to imply. Ada Yonath only spoke the discomforting and disagreeable truth. You reap what you sow: that is the disagreeable truth. If Israel continues Netanyahu's policies regarding the Palestinians, Israel will find itself engaging in an unending war. I am surprized that Ada Yonath had the courage to speak up and tell the unvarnished truth. Now, if only Israel's top leaders listen to her!

I hope this Nobel Laureate can be listened to Israel People. Try this way. You'll see that is an acceptable way.You'll see how all the World will align with Israel.

srael Shahak ,Victoria Buchberg and now her.. Is there any sany Israeli chemistry Professor?She'd only demand jail for the one who'd steal her Golden Nobel Medal .

So let's see...the Jewish neo-con hypocrites and cowards (how many volunteered for the military?) don't like the message of an Israeli Nobel winner. So what do they do? Attack the messenger. They should have half the smarts Yonath has.

This just goes to show the error of paying attention to people speaking outside of their area of expertise. Recently this paper had articles about actors speaking for and against a boycott in Canada. They may have been great actors, but who cares what they say about politics.

Ada Yonath It is too late to get a Noble Peace Prize, The American President Obama already got that years Prize!

Howard Liebman of Montreal, # 12, wrote: "With such a bright mind and presumably logical one too how does she have the nerve to call for the release of prisoners who have bombed, terrorized, maimed, drove out of mind too many of her countrymen and at the same time left the vision of spilled blood throughout the nation. I certainly cannot understand this!" ---------------- Yes, she has a bright, logical and honest mind, and an understanding that such exchange of fighters will put an end to a vicious circle of cruelty and sufferings with a count in this case of 11 000 : 1 Israeli prisoner of war. Yes, all prisoners must be released, all blockades lifted, both Fatah and Hamas recognized as legitimate partners in talks about establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, and Israel alongside it recognized by all states in internationally accepted borders.

if Professor Ada Yonath becomes israel president, i think all israel problems will be resolved. The lady is chemist and knows exactly how everyone thinks. She is smart just like Obama

but make sure they are all impregnated with microtransmitters so that afterwards, they can be killed at leisure. After all, keeping them in Israeli prisons is a costly affair, with all the benefits they get, including a free college education. Maybe my kids should have been terrorists instead of serving in the IDF; then I would have been spared the cost of putting them thru college.

now that i think of it. she is right!

Oh dear Ada!! You were called an idiot by those warmongers criminals who don't believe except in the violence now dominating the Israeli-Palestinian relation. I am just wondering what if those criminals are in prison of another occupying country. I think they'll change their mind and they'll be begging for their freedom or their heart will be filled with anger and looking for the day of vengeance. Your call to release those prisoners is a noble call of forgiveness and maybe...maybe .. it will be the start of a peaceful relation with Israel's neighbors.

professor, winning a prestigious prize does not mean that your opinion on worldly matters is asked. stick to your science, that is what you are presumably good at. your naive and damaging statement is a stain on your prize, and on our honour.....and your honour

As usual, Zionists don't seem to grasp the concept of irony.

Scientists are most definitely not objective. It begins with what subjects they choose to investigate, continues with the ways they investigate these subjects and ends with the results they expect from their investigations. For starters, I suggest you read an article by Anne Roe, "The Psychology of the Scientist", _Science_ 164 (1961), pp. 456-459. Much has been written on the subject since then, but she spelled it out quite well.

Ms Yonath and Diana's granddaughter recognize the truth. All power to Ms Yonath for daring to say it in the face of the blind criticism she has courageously exposed herself to here.

This woman is no doubt a genius.

Just proves- having intelligence does not necessarily mean you have sense ! Anyways congrats to the lady and to Israel.

You must mean "why not give them BACK what is now called Israel too?"

plus, a note to eric #20: oh, if only "objective" answers in politics & conflict resolutions, not to speak of the most difficult & intricate conflict in the world, were as easy to arrive at as in a field of exact sciences! just remember, she was speaking about ALL the prisoners, not a few "arbitrary detentions". as we all know, quite a number of the hamas folks detained are facing something very different from "trumped up charges". sorry, she's sure a fine lady, but as far as cause & effect w/reg. to hamas is concerned, mrs yonath's proposal is a total leap in the dark.

..." incredibly trumped up charges.?" What are you smoking?

While the statement that soldier abductions would stop because they would have no motive is naive, she does have a point. As an "outsider" to this conflict, one thing I have noticed is the stuborness of both sides, prehaps through pride. Releasing all the Palestinian prisoners and withdrawing all settlers from occupied land would prehaps be seen as a humiliating defeat in Israel, but its taking the first step and being the "better person" - stopping the petty "you hurt us, we hurt you" attitude, and hopefully rebuilding relations to the extent where Israeli citizens are broadly safe from Palestinian attacks - and Palestinian civilians finally get some resemblance of a normal life.

Yes -- releasing all Hamas prisoners eliminates the incentive for them to kidnap Israeli soldiers. With this logic we should also stop earning income so we do not have to pay taxes, stop going to school so we will not get bad grades, and stop breathing so that we will reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. And eliminate Israel to reduce Middle East terror. This is a genius political proposal -- perhaps this chemist should spend more time in the lab and less in the spotlight.

she should keep to chemistry, not politics

Unbelievable.What would she do if her granddaughter was blown up on a bus by a Hamas terrorist?Would she want him released as if he was jailed hamas would kidnap more soldiers?Her logic for a Nobel Prize winner is so stupid.Just reminds us of the old expression,'Knows a lot about a little but a little about a lot'.When Jews think with their hearts and not their heads we have thinkers and statements like hers.

I got some ruby red slippers I want to sell you, oh yea and a bridge, it's hardly used. Stick to what you know prof, do us all a favor. One can only wonder where and when did you get brainwashed.

sure the prize came to the right person.

When we catch a terrorist on the way to carrying out an attack, let's not just set him free as Prof. Yonath proposes. Let's offer him a villa in north Tel Aviv. I think then he'll have enough hope and he'll become a great entrepreneur and rich both the state of Israel and himself. It's win-win. NO, even better--when we catch a terrorist, let's give him (or her) major shares in Rafael, Israel Chemicals, and the Technion.

she is obviously a brilliant chemist so my advice to her is to stick to chemistry....her statement is either dumb or naive.

Ha ha ha, just when Bibi was feeling so smug, this comes along.

You have contributed greatly to the peace process, even at the expense of your popularity within Israel. No matter how much flak you take, there are those outside Israel who support you 100%. Thank you!

She won the Nobel Prize for chemistry, not for peace, but I think she's onto something in the latter area. I have about as much love for Hamas as I do for heart disease and cancer; yet I am concerned there is very little due process involved in the run up to Palestinian convictions and gaol sentences. I do not agree with Dr Yonath that the prison gates should simply be opened. But there might be little harm, and potentially much good, releasing at least those Palestinians imprisoned without benefit of full due process in civilian courts. Doing so would certainly emphasise Israel's commitment to the rule of law, and give the lie to all those who claim otherwise. MV

Dear, One bright Israeli Nobel prize winner have spoken about the Israeli Palestinian conflict yet every body seems to have forgoten the pride she gave Israel few days ago. No you can't blame her being antisemite or antizionist.She is fact part of Israelis who belives making pease and living side by side with the Palestinians is possible just like Rabin did I would say.

I all of a sudden understand what the world is playing at. It's encouraging anti-semitism by giving free prizes to self-hating jewish people. Very smart...

She must be out of her mind.

....are you related to Gideon Levy or Amira Hass?

in Israel as a result? Yonath won for chemistry. Not for math

She is totally right.Bravo and congratulations. It has to be over and done with the old ways which do not work. Lets try something new.

we may disagree but we still should show respect for a person who just brought us a nobel. she expressed her opinion and even if we disagree we must be more polite.this is not a way to have a dialoque.

Ordinary Arabs and Muslims are not concerned by the comedy of the Peace that Dictators and corrupt individuals were pushed to sign. The once feared SLA of Lahd's miserable end is a lesson for all to contemplate. Israel armies might was clearly rxposed when facing popular movements such as Hezb and Hamas. Israel will inevitably be left alone facing see of determined poeple sooner or later. Lucidity dicatates wise Israeli policy and restoration of Palestinian rights. To start, free all prisoners and cease dealing with worthless Arab regimes and individuals.

I wish your equation were right...

... she understands so lucidly, that she's completely flabbergasted at what she sees outside the lab...

Why not open the borders and let all terrorists into Israel?

As if we need a reminder that a genius can lack common sense and can even sound stupid when talking outside of their field of expertise.

but she did hit the nail on the head and she will be exposed to Witch Hunt but as smart as she is she shall weather the storm and win again

she was answering a question. did you expect her abandon the nature of her descipline by replying with zionist rhetoric? apparently not ALL israeli scientists are willing to do so; which is GOOD. and if you stop to think about the incredibly trumped up charges that many, if not most, palestinians are jailed for, not to mention the infamous "administrative detentions", she's pretty much right on the money.

and now we know the real reason Obama got the peace Nobel price.

Quoted from Ada Yonath:"Once we don't have any prisoners to release they will have no reason to kidnap soldiers." Oh Dear, those words of wisdom are more suitable from my eight year old Grandaughter.

She is now an authority....get back in the corner lady and work with proteins/chemicals. Politics is NOT your forte, woman!

They knew she was an extreme leftist.

The problem with those kinds of people is that they have cash enough to protect themselves , or get protection from the government....we on the other hand must play russian roulette on a day to day basis... Letting prisoners go is okay..those with blood on their hands must stay inside. "....In 2007, The Almagor Terrorist Victims Association published a report on the results of Israel's release of imprisoned terrorists in prisoner exchanges. At least 30 recent terror attacks were perpetrated by terrorists who were released from Israeli jails. Those 30 attacks perpetrated by those terrorists freed in those prisoner exchanges killed no fewer than 177 innocent citizens, mostly Israeli Jews....."

her. She was sufficiently attacked by anti-semites as an "occupier", "torturer", and "militarist" the day she received the prize.

I have not heard the interview with the nobel laureate but read your article. With such a bright mind and presumbly logical one too how does she have the nerve to call for the release of prisoners who have bombed, terrorized, maimed, drove out of mind too many of her countrymen and at the same time left the vision of spilled blood throughout the nation. I certainly cannot understand this!

I wish madame would talk to a sampling of the families of victims of terror and see how they feel about releasing those responsible. Some might agree, but many would be emotionally crippled a second time. This is not an issue that every celebrity should spout out on after gaining recognition in some other field.Every Israeli is affected, and might be a victim of the released terrorists in the future, or by someone encouraged by Israel's flip floppery. Stick to your lab lady.

I used to get a lot of visions. Nothing these days. Nothing to report. No news is good news I suppose. Maybe one thing? If I were to sum up my dreams from last night, I'd say a religious leader might be challenging Obama in 2012. Quite possibly Huckabee again. I'm not saying he would win. I didn't see that.

Remember, she won for Chemistry not politics. Why should her opinions about current events interest anyone?

Like a typical liberal, she doesn't believe that anyone is guilty of anything; they are not responsible for their actions. We just need to understand them and work with them, and then we'll all hold hands under a rainbow. I assume she doesn't believe in God or freewill (like many professors) and needs an explanation for bad human behavior. The logical alternative is to blame environment and all outside forces. She probably also does not understand that people who are religious really do believe in that religion; that they might actually do bad things because of Islam. Not just in the name of Islam.

Yes set all Arab prisoners free, become a state without an army and dissolve Israel. Is that what she means? A pity that a so-called clever mind can be such a moron, but then again we are a democracy and moron's are protected by the High Court to voice moronic opinions. I only hope she does not make the mistake to become a spokesperson for those who consider Israel as the root of all evil. Let her concentrate on her work and meet some Hamas terrorists in person to hear their opinions about female scientists for example. Or Jews in particular.

So Arabs only kill Jews because they are arrewted and are held prisoner and only kill Jews because Israel builds homes and playgrounds in Judea and Samaria. And robbers only rob banks because when they are caught they are incarcerated. What rubbish and from a a person b right enough to win the Nobel. The Robel; Prize is no captotove to Islamists in Sweden and Norway and only those who are sympathetic to theor cause win the prizes, which accounts for Obama and Carter as well as Arafat being among those who win. It is no longer the prestigious prize it once wa as in the days of Madame Cure.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Ada Yonath has contributed so much to our understanding of future anti bacterial drugs. She should stay with what she knows best and not enter the political arena. With respect, she does not know what she is talking about. One of our problems with Hamas prisoners is that they are treated far too well as far as their conditions are concerned - TV's, education, family visits etc. Gilad Shalit has none of this. Not one Hamas terrorist prisoner should be released before his time. In addition why should it be that a suggested one thousand prisoners should be released by Israel for the return of Shalit? The Palestinians demand all rights for the terrorists held by Israel and Israel should do the same. Our weak response to terror and threats will always encourage our enemies to make unreasonable demands on us.

In fact why hold any prisoners at all in any prisons anywhere, as being a prisoner is substantial motivation to seek revenge against those who are free. This nobel winner certainly deserves a laureate... but only for chemistry.

Yonath sounds like she hasn't been out of her laboratory in 40 years. What does she read for breakfast, Journal of Chemistry Nerdology? Obviously she's a genius when it comes to chemistry. Just as obvious is her almost total ignorance of the violent conflict between us and the Palestinians. This woman came out of her bubble and stuck her foot not just in her mouth, but downright out the other end of her esophagus. It sounds like she's never heard of a suicide bombing, or ever read the comments of Hamas leaders. Yonath would do herself and the Weizmann a big service by sticking to chemistry. No doubt Chaim Weizmann - the amazing scientist and our first President - is spinning in his grave hearing the ignorant blatherings of somebody who is paid by the institution named after him.

How much has she been sniffing the Bunsen burner fuel? The utopian ideals of the left are all well, all things being equal. HOWEVER, when you deal with entities that have open goals of destroying Jews (I guess she hasn't bothered to read either the PA or Hamas charters), utopian principles are simply nonsensical illusions! But I understand Ha'aretz printing this...it promotes Shocken's own agenda of dismantling the State.

class scientist. She should stick to Science. Or,....maybe this is the price of the Nobel Prize..........?