LA Times: Settlements Provoke Baby Killing
March 15, 2011 13:48 by Simon Plosker
The inhuman act of slitting the throats of a three-month old baby, two small children and their parents defies any understanding or justification for any political cause. But not for the LA Times, which contends that the brutal murder of the Fogel family are part of an ongoing “cycle of violence”:
We’re currently witnessing the cycle in real time. On Saturday, five members of an Israeli family living in the West Bank settlement of Itamar, near the Palestinian city of Nablus, were killed, including an 11-year-old boy, a 4-year-old boy and an infant girl, presumably by Palestinian militants. In response to this brutal tragedy, the Israeli government announced that it would build 500 more houses in existing settlements in the West Bank. Interior Minister Eli Yishai said Sunday that 500 was not enough and that Israel should build 1,000 new homes for every Israeli who is killed there.
Which is worse — stabbing children to death or building new houses in West Bank settlements? The answer is obvious. But that’s not the point. The point is that no matter how abhorrent the murders are, it serves no purpose to aggravate the provocation that led to them in the first place.
So according to the LA Times, baby killing is a natural response to an Israeli provocation, in this case the act of building houses. Is this any different to the vicious rhetoric of Hamas, which justified the murders?
The LA Times asks:
How will building more houses for Israelis in the midst of the West Bank, in settlements that are almost universally acknowledged to violate international law, do anything other than keep the crisis going? Answer: It won’t.
Perhaps the LA Times should be asking how the butchering of babies, which is universally condemned, will do anything other than keep the crisis going? But instead, the paper cares little for placing responsibility for Palestinian actions on the Palestinians themselves let alone dealing with the very real issue of incitement in the Palestinian media and education system.
As for the claim that this brutal act is simply part of a “cycle of violence”, this is a charge that has been employed on a regular basis by lazy media that cannot differentiate between Palestinian terror, Israeli self-defense or non-violent acts of building homes. The Jerusalem Post eloquently debunked this as far back as 2008:
In truth, however, there is no cycle of violence. There is no spiral of attack and counter-attack relentlessly unfolding here.
What we have, rather, on the one hand, is a sovereign nation’s desperate effort to live in its homeland, seek peace with those of its neighbors who will partner it, and defend itself against those who seek its destruction. And, on the other, we have the forces of militant Islam, firing rockets across Israel’s sovereign borders, murdering Israelis wherever they can be found vulnerable, indoctrinating their people with a vicious intolerance of Jewish historical rights in this region, and simultaneously spreading a perverted interpretation of Islam that purports to require each and every believer to carry out personal jihad in the name of God against the infidels – be they Jews, Christians or unbelieving Muslims.
Send your considered comments to the LA Times – letters@latimes.com. Please remember to include your full name, mailing address, daytime phone number, and e-mail address. This information is seen only by the letters editors and is necessary in order to qualify for potential publication on the letters page.
UPDATE
A number of letters appeared in the March 19 edition of the LA Times, in response to the editorial critiqued above. Congratulations to HonestReporting subscriber Henry Tobias for getting his letter published.
Joe Hamilton
12:09 pm
Mar 24, 2011
@Griska and Joni; Your ignorance about this topic is overwhelming. The Jews are living on land which by international law is part of the Jewish National Homeland. The term settler is more accurately applied to both of you much more than to the Jewish residents of Samaria and Judea. To Joni ; how dare you describe Jews in Samaria and Judea as “just as violent”. You chose the cowards’ way out .
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Michael S
3:23 pm
Mar 24, 2011
Yoni: What a coward you are. Yes, a coward! You hate your heritage so much that you moved away and now justify your self-loathing by qualifying your statements with “I am an Israeli American”. What you are too foolish to realize is that the Arabs are not like the poor in Watts or Harlem. The poor won’t seek you out to kill you. Israelis can move internally to the Negev and the Arabs will still come looking to kill them. What will you say then? Move even further? To you living as a Jew is justification to be killed. Look in the mirror and think about that! The land where Itamar is situated is not “occupied territory”. It is legally considered “disputed territory”; territory that was initially granted to the Jews by the British (you obviously do not belong to the religious branch of Judaism). I have plenty of relatives that live in Judea and Samaria and they are not violent at all. Their courage lies in their desire to populate a country they are proud to live in while your “courage” lies in your desire to leave that country.
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Jeff Broude
3:37 pm
Mar 24, 2011
The so called west bank came into being in a defensive war that Israel won in 1967.
Before that the Jordanians were occupiers of some of the so called west bank that they won in the war of independence.
All of it is ancestral Jewish land period. You cant change History or reality. Though these doof heads try. Why do you think part of it is called JUDEA
How anti semitism blinds people.
Another point to remember is that if in dealing with the Jewish People or the Jewish State of Israel you apply DOUBLE STANDARDS ,you DELEGITIMISE and you DEMONISE you are being anti semitic.
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gunner
5:40 pm
Mar 24, 2011
I am an Australian…5th generation Jewish…and my 3 sons will make it 6th generation.
My wife and I travel the world widely and are totally disgusted with the many Israelis…most backpackers…who express the fact that they will not return to Israel after their travels to other countries to settle. Go and live in Iran or Afghanistan you bastards.
I am a contributer to UIA, WIZO, and numerous other Jewish charities (overseas and locally). Always will be.
Four members of my family live in Israel, have done or are doing their military service and LOVE THE COUNTRY and will never return to Australia.
I freely admit that I could never live in Israel.I am simply an Australian.
I hate you Israeli bastards who do not know where your loyalties MUST belong.
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Shame on Yoni
6:49 pm
Mar 24, 2011
Yoni, Yoni, Yoni…shame on you! Hiding behind the Israeli-American status. So here you are, hiding in America…just as a child hides behind his father’s back or under his mother’s skirt. You are a coward, an ignorant and selfish traitor to his people. Tell me, Yoni, why didn’t you change your name? Why aren’t you using the “English” version of “Johnny”? That way you could not be mistaken for a Jew, let alone an Israeli, when the terrorists come looking for you. Oh, you don’t think that will happen? What happened during the holocaust? Did those people think that Hitler would succeed at killing millions? Did they envision themselves being victims of his demented ways? I think not, that is, not until it was too late. Let me tell you this, Obama has no interest in protecting you. The only place you will be protected at all costs is Israel. That is the ONLY country of the Jewish people. Yes, you live in America, others Jews live there too – and others more are scattered all over the world. But the one place we call home is ISRAEL! Perfect picture? What is perfect about a land and its people living under continuous threat? What is perfect about anti semitism? Throughout history Jews were/are feared, hated and attacked. What excludes you? To think that you compare these families – with mothers and fathers who try to teach their kids that this is their land and they have every right to live there – to savages. To blatantly say that they are violent and crazy? Are you seriously justifying this unforgivable act of brutal murders? And who exactly is the big tooth fairy in the sky? Would you be referring to G-d? Oh boy, will you be in for a big surprise when you actually get to meet him. I assume you are not a believer and that is your right, but don’t mock those who believe. Don’t downplay this grotesque crime. Don’t lay blame on innocent victims. You, who are far removed and lack sensitivity…shame on you! I trust you don’t have any children or you could not have written such a careless message. And if you do, G-D HELP THEM!!!
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Griska
7:24 pm
Mar 24, 2011
There is a lack of rational debate here.
Joni happens to live in America. That does not mean he is hiding.
The murder of the Jewish family was absolutely horrific. There are psychopaths in every conflict who justify abominable attrocities as being “for the cause”.
The truth, of course, is that these people would commit murder if there was no conflict.
Not all Jews are racist, not all Arabs are murderers. Terrorists kill innocent people. Innocent Palestinians and innocent Jews have died through acts of terrorism.
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mitah mouquet
10:57 am
Mar 28, 2011
I agree there are psychopaths everywhere, of all races and religions…however, these savage murderers were that, savage murderers who still live in the middle ages. What happens in Muslim countries with sharia law? they cut hands, feet, decapitate and stone. To them that is normal, therefore they were not psychopaths, they are savages in todya’s world. No matter what their grievances, to decapitate a 3 month old baby girl is beyond belief in their brutality and inhumanity – so there you have it.
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Grigory
9:00 pm
May 25, 2011
Putting victim & murder on the same scale? ?????? ????? in Rammalah clinic.
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Realist
8:18 pm
Mar 24, 2011
Griska, I don’t think the debate is irrational. We are simply pointing out facts and misconceptions. Your message is beautiful and should be wrapped up in a nice little bow. The only problem is that it is extremely oversimplifying the situation and making general statements. Yoni may or may not be hiding…but even given the latter, it is easy to be far removed and lay blame or pass judgment. The poor family that was murdered did not originally “choose” to live in Itamar. They were residents of Gush Katif and were forced to leave their home. They were displaced and had to fend for themselves. They then had the opportunity to live in a community where they felt they belonged. Who is Joni to point a finger and say that these parents intentionally and deliberately put their children in harm’s way? These were good, G-d fearing, parents who died heroically. They didn’t let the enemy dictate where they would relocate to. Unfortunately, they were ambushed by heartless, evil and vicious Arabs. Joni went on to compare civilian Jews and Arabs killed. Before Israel attacks areas where innocent people are strategically placed as human shields, they give warning and distribute flyers asking those people to leave the area. They do not want to harm them. But when Jews are killed, the Arabs celebrate. And the more dead Jews the better as far as they are concerned. Can you honestly still say that this debate is not rational? This isn’t pretty, this isn’t flattering, this isn’t supposed to be an easy read. But it is reality, not just of those living in areas legitimately owned by Israel; it is the reality of every Jew, everywhere.
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Michael S
8:42 pm
Mar 24, 2011
As a follow up to Realist: I have family that was evicted from Gush Katif so that Gazan Arabs could live peacefully in Gaza; without contact with evil settler Jews. While these Gazan Arabs elected Hamas to represent them my cousins and others like the Fogels were screwed by the Israeli government and not given new homes to move to. They were forced to live in campers unless they had “money” or a relative to live with. The World pushed for disengagement but who paid the price? Israeli families like the Fogels. So when a home became available at a reasonable cost courageous families like the Fogels were able to resettle and go on with their lives. The Negev is not an option because there is zero infrastructure and right now it is the home of many bedouins.
Griska, you are correct: Not all Arabs are murderers but that is irrelevant in this case. Where are the protests by the Arabs against the terrorists? Where are the protests by Arabs against the launching of rockets into Israeli cities? Where is the Arab protest against the incitement taught in the school system? If your kid came home from school saying “all Chinese are pigs and must be killed” I am certain you would speak with the teacher before allowing him anywhere near that classroom. There is no equivalency here: Jews do not murder and Arabs do. Simple and frightening truth. And until the Arabs rise in unison and say “Enough death! Lets live peacefully” I don’t think Israel should do anymore.
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» LA Times: Defense Against Baby Killers is “Tit-For-Tat” Freedom Alert!: Defending American Freedom by exposing Radical Islam, Socialist, Liberals, and all the Enemies of Freedom, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness!
4:49 pm
Mar 28, 2011
[...] Posted in March 28th, 2011 by admin in Media Bias Many of you were outraged at a recent LA Times editorial which which contended that the brutal murder of the Fogel family was part of an ongoing “cycle of [...]
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LA Times: Defense Against Baby Killers is “Tit-For-Tat” | The Conservative Papers
11:33 pm
Mar 29, 2011
[...] of you were outraged at a recent LA Times editorial which which contended that the brutal murder of the Fogel family was part of an ongoing “cycle of [...]
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Reuben Ben Leslie ach Bailie
7:53 pm
Apr 04, 2011
Jews are not Nazis. To even think that the Fogel family were isolated as an incident is unthinkable! we have seen this kind of murder and psychological type of warfare on our own doorstep in the RSA! Who of you knew Natasha Glenny? She was 11 months old and they counted 22 stabwounds in her body!!!! Do you want to deal with demons? Has history taught you nothing? Stand up Israel! Know what you face and do not look for excuses. Seek out those who wish to destroy you but do not kill the innocent. Not all Arabs are bad people and not all Christians are fanatics just the same as not all Israelis are Jews. Does THAT make sense? It should!! I lived through APARTHEID as did many of my friends. I do not want to see it in Israel or in Palestine. Do not go there. The pain is more than many can bear. Comment if you must but I wish you all god speed in reaching peace. pray for the Fogel Family and pray that it does not happen again.
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mm
6:00 am
May 26, 2011
i am an australian ,with a family attachment to israel ,the dangers israel faces are horrific ,surrounded by enemies who would love to slaughter them ,rape their women ,loot their cities, and they will not stop till they do ,giving land to them (any at all )is sheer madness ,as gaza has shown ,the weapons now available require israel to expand its borders and areas of control,to protect itself ,massive numbers of young are being indoctrinated to hate and kill israelis and jews ,time is truly running out ,in australia we are threatened by islam inside and out too but we have more time
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Wählen Sie den unehrenhaftesten Reporter des Jahres 2011 « Medien BackSpin
9:03 pm
Nov 25, 2011
[...] Times: Für einen Leitartikel, der [den] Siedlungsbau dafür verantwortlich machen will, dass beim Itamar-Massaker ein drei [...]
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Moshe Flam
10:39 am
Dec 01, 2011
Although when going to guardian following HR’s links, I was horrified to see a list of video links, with images of well known murderers portrayed as legitimate speakers, I’ll vote for LA times. The reason is that the slow and subtle poisoning of the American mindset can be stopped and reversed, whereas the Guardian seems, at least IMHO, a lost case.
BTW why is CNN not tackled?
They have a team dealing with the “Arab Spring”. At least in Libya, I was able to see that team working in close ties with Al Kaida. A slaughter of black mercenaries in the hospital, was told as “no one will know who these people are or what happened”, while the cameramen took pictures of beating and apparently killing, without mention later. In location after location the same team shows up, always supporting extreme Jehadist groups (as can be clearly seen in the groups they joined) but covering it up with words and images that would be understood by the western viewers as a simple fight “for democracy”,
But let me tell you what I saw in the Guardian, following one of HR’s links:
Instead of reading the article I was first shocked to see a “video gallery” with 12 extreme “anti western” images. In one corner the Hezbollah Nasralla’s picture, in the middle two pictures of Al Kaida leaders, and on the bottom a picture of a bloodied person. The rest – all anti Israeli and most also anti western articles.
Clicking on the links, Nasralla says he didn’t kill Hariri, and that the evidence does not really lead anywhere and the UN report is a political one. The Al Kaida leader calls his people to remember to fight Israel and the US, even if those apparently support the ousting of Assad from Syria. Another Al Kaida leader’s video is expired, but was up on the Guardian’s website. There’s an article about some brave women in Lebanon, that work in a Danish organization, on removing cluster bombs from olive groves and roads, after the former Hezbollah-Israel war in Lebanon.
The image of course is of someone being blown up (looks like a stunt image), while the article tells how the women were able to show that their work is safe and even docile. No mention of the deadly rockets, set up to be fired from the kids rooms, that where clearly shown in the Israeli army’s images prior to the war, rockets that have been refurbished there immediately after the war. What can one say?
The world is upside down. Since I’m a kid I always knew the news were never complete. But I would never believe that it would reach this level of depicting murderers as good doers, and show Al Kaida sermons as “reports” in a news video.
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