Ari Bussel

Let’s Attack Iran

It was rumored long ago that Israel engaged in the unilateral disengagement from Gaza, uprooting thousands of Israelis from their homes and places of livelihood, when there were pending investigations against Arik Sharon and/or his sons. The argument goes that the purpose then was to create a diversion.

Influencing Public Opinion

I am reminded of many elections ago in the city where I grew up. It is a small, yet most powerful city, and the then-mayor was running for re-election to the City Council (mayorship is done by rotation between the five councilmembers).

Political Disloyalty

Israel is embroiled in a new political affair. A ranking member of the Opposition, former Minister Haim Ramon, sat at a restaurant in a hotel along with a ranking member of the Palestinian Authority (“PA”).

Gaza – Goldstone Aftermath

Recently, Israel seems to be engaging in negative sum games: A “humanitarian” flotilla (the Turkish Terrorist Flotilla of Lies) is arranged to end the blockade and siege on Gaza put in place four years ago. Lo and behold, there is now a free flow of goods into Gaza. The mission was accomplished with flying colors. Bonuses must be awarded to those who brought about the desired end!

The Jewish Temple in Present Day – Outside the Walls of the Temple Mount

Some believe the Jewish Temple still exists, but is invisible to the ordinary person. Part of the belief is that it ascended to heaven and will reemerge when the Messiah arrives. I must admit when first presented with this concept, I found it quite incredible. I now retract my own doubts, for I witnessed the impossible, making it easier for me to grasp the enormity of the pronunciation. All that is needed is to change our frame of reference.

The Al Aqsa Mosque on Temple Mount

A Wall, that is all that separates two titans from a clash of civilizations, a 7th Century Islam against a 21st Century Judaism. Two monotheistic religions, both claiming to be derived from the same Patriarch Abraham and to be able to co-exist, find themselves in modern times on a deadly collision course. All that contains the conflict is a wall, the Western Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Timing

It is all a question of timing. The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles by the urging of the Israeli Consulate General in Los Angeles held a rally to support Israel. It was a week after the Turkish Flotilla of Terror against the Jewish State. Among the many speakers were representatives of J Street, the so-called “Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace” camp, and Americans for Peace Now.

The Last Game

There are three pivotal moments I remember feeling we are all really not that different from one another.

Capitulation

At one point, someone will be reading this Collection of Postcards. That person would not have known us. In fact, we will be long dead. Many things would have happened in the world between then and now. It may be months, years, decades or even a century from present time. This Postcard is for that person.

I am a Foot Soldier

During a recent visit to Israel, I was invited to a discharge ceremony from the IDF. Having last served as an officer during the First Persian Gulf War, I am deemed nonessential, although I still see myself as a soldier fighting on the very front line today. Like me there are numerous other foot soldiers on Israel’s Public Diplomacy front, able and willing to serve, and doing what we can against all odds.

Loss of Human Life

“It's a very upsetting situation, but I do wish other actions had been possible, not resulting in loss of life. Israel is very vulnerable and it's frightening.” A reader’s comment to our Postcards “Israel seeks to justify response to flotilla - Regret for deaths missing” The Epoch Times

Israel Hijacked

“The soldiers who boarded the vessels did not carry arms openly, but were met with a violent ambush. Two soldiers were shot, one was stabbed and others were injured as they were set upon with clubs, knives, axes and heavy objects. They were in mortal danger and had to act accordingly in self-defense.” Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs “IDF naval forces were met with premeditated violence and extremely violent resistance on board the [lead vessel] Mavi Mamara. A total of seven soldiers were wounded – four soldiers were moderately wounded, two were initially in critical condition, as well as an additional three soldiers lightly wounded. Among the violent activists, there were nine casualties as a result of the soldiers defending themselves.” IDF Spokesperson

A Well-thought Plan

At Ten PM Pacific Standard Time the news started coming in. First it was two dead, then 16 later 20. Bloomberg reports “Israeli Forces Clash With Gaza-bound Ships; Reports of 10 Dead.” Al Jazeera in English: “Israel attacks Gaza aid fleet, up to 16 people reportedly killed and dozens injured after troops board ships trying to break Gaza siege.” Israeli Debka site in Hebrew, among the very first to report the news: “At least 20 dead and tens wounded in the vessels of the flotilla to Gaza during the IDF’s boarding. The IDF soldiers who were attacked by cold weapons started firing.”

A Well-coordinated Attack

"The armada of hate and violence in support of Hamas terror organization was a premeditated and outrageous provocation.” Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon

For Israel to Survive

For Israel to survive she needs to change direction.

The Water Ambassadors

Agriculture and water played a pivotal role in Biblical history, to such an extent that Jewish people still bless God every day, “He who returns the wind and brings down the rain” or “He who brings down the early morning dew” depending on the time of the year. Without water, the Land of Milk and Honey would become barren and dry, its trees would wither, its future in doubt.

Stand and Speak Out

More and more often we hear of UK- or US-born and bred who turned against their country, often in the name of Islam against the Western Devil. Many of today’s most dangerous terrorists are indeed the products of our own societies.

Inspired

“And Moses stood at the gate of the camp and said: Who to (on the side of) God come to me. And all the sons of Levi gathered to him…” Exodus 32:26

The Next War

The signs are there, the occurrence fixed only the actual dates are unknown. Given a shock like the American usage of nuclear bombs in World War II, the war may be short, as was the Six Day War in 1967. Or it can be long, much longer than the Day of Atonement War in 1973, if it becomes an all-out war for elimination and survival. In either case, it will start with a surprise attack, like Pearl Harbor or Germany’s invasion of Poland.

Coming Soon to a University Near You

GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - PRESS RELEASE On Monday night, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon was invited by the Oxford Union to speak at an event at the university. During the speech one student shouted extreme abuse at the Deputy Foreign Minister including Itbach Al-Yahud (Slaughter the Jews). The event was caught on camera and subsequently shown on Israeli television Channel Ten. The Deputy Foreign Minister is looking into the possibility of pressing charges against the student for what is tantamount to a call for genocide.