The Intifada: An Insiders View

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By Rabbi Eli Teitelbaum

As Paris burns, and violence erupts everywhere, the French are getting a first-hand look at what an Intifada is all about. Late reports claim that the Intifada is spreading to other European cities outside of France. One wonders if France will now begin to negotiate with the Muslim "freedom" fighters by offering them some land in the midst of Paris in exchange for peace as they demand of Israel. France has a long history of supporting Islamic fundamentalism and Palestinian terrorism, always urging Israel to make concessions for peace. Yet, few believe that Chirac’s government is willing to recognize the legitimacy of the demands of the murderers and rioters or even dialogue with them as it often demands of Israel. The ultimate result of these riots may well be that Europe will reconsider their immigration policies and close their doors to Moslem immigration.

However, Jews must realize that there is no safe haven for them and riots such as we’ve seen in France can easily spread elsewhere. "Never Again" is just a meaningless slogan that may set our mind at ease but is no assurance of safety. While in Israel, a Jew can defend himself against his attackers, it’s not a danger-free zone, and we need Hashem’s constant protection and mercy wherever we may be. In a world in which countries such as Iran have a nuclear capability, no place is safe.

France has a long history of allowing anti-Semitism to sprout forth in its land. The Dreyfus trial is just a small part of that history. The burning of hundreds of wagonloads of Jewish books can never be forgotten. For more than half a decade, French Moslems have been carrying on a mini-Intifada against synagogues and Jewish schools, and have made it dangerous for Jews to wear a skullcap in public. Perhaps, now, France’s policy of appeasement is paying back its deserved dividends.