A mother's message: Don't break
Expressing a difference of opinion with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, appearing on Channel 2's "Meet the Press" program on Saturday, said Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas should not be held responsible for the kidnapping of the three Israeli teens. Livni was right, because, several days ago, Abbas issued a tardy condemnation of the kidnapping, a move deserving of appreciation. But Netanyahu's position is that Abbas must stand the test of results. If Abbas does not sever his partnership with Hamas, why should Israel renew peace negotiations with him? Any such negotiations could be derailed by the next terrorist attack carried out by his partner Hamas, which is based in the Gaza Strip.
Aside from extreme leftists, who have the support of some media outlets and MKs, no one is claiming that the current military operation in Judea and Samaria is a mistake, even as its scope has widened. The fire has been limited and as few as possible difficulties have been created for the Palestinian civilian population.
As dealing a blow to Hamas infrastructure in Judea and Samaria is vital not only for Israel, but also for the Palestinian Authority and Egypt, the IDF could turn its activities into an everyday routine. There is no urgency for the operation to be called off in the near future. However, this does not detract from the growing concern about the fate of the kidnapped teens as time passes.
Over the past week and a half, the public has been exposed to a number of questions. After focusing on the slow response of the police dispatchers in Kiryat Arba to the report of the kidnapping, it has also become necessary to ask the Shin Bet security agency about its activities both before and after the kidnapping.
It has become clear that the kidnapping was not the independent act of a terrorist who drew a knife or pulled out a pistol on a whim. It appears this was a complex and sophisticated operation. One has to wonder how the plot remained "under the radar" of the Shin Bet and also how the kidnappers have not yet been found.
The Judea and Samaria region is not like Gaza or Lebanon, where it is difficult for Israel to rescue captives. The Shin Bet returned to Judea and Samaria during Operation Defensive Shield in 2002 and has remained deployed there on the ground since. So what has it been doing since the kidnapping? This is an unavoidable question.
There is also a puzzling attitude of doubt being shown toward the courage and balanced reasoning displayed by Rachel Frenkel, the mother of kidnapped teen Naftali Frenkel. She definitely believes her son will return. She is a woman of faith. And why should she think differently until it is proven otherwise? (Let's hope this does not occur, and that the boys are alive.) She has stuck to her values and is also being realistic. By saying, "God does not work for us," she is taking into account the possibility of very grave outcomes. But she has a positive and moving message for her listeners -- don't break.
No one demands that any mother be so strong. And no one has demanded that bereaved mothers (Frenkel is certainly not one) such as Rivka Guber, Atara Sturman and Miriam Peretz be so exemplary. Frenkel is cast of the same steel. Her determination has shocked her critics of little faith. The example she sets is a threat to them, from within themselves. Indeed, "A man lives within himself."
No one is required to be like her. But only a contemptible person with a closed heart can disapprove of her.
טעינו? נתקן! אם מצאתם טעות בכתבה, נשמח שתשתפו אותנו