Nobel Prize Winner – Israel’s Survival Questioned

December 4, 2006

“Too many Jews don’t understand why they are here, ” Aumann told the College of Judea and Samaria in Ariel. “If we don’t understand why we are here, and that we are not America, or just another place in which to live, we will not survive. The desire to live like all the nations will sustain us maybe another 50 years, if we are still here. ”

He said the war with Lebanon came about because of “national fatigue.” He quoted Prime Minister Olmert, who said Israel is tired of wars and sacrifices. Aumman, who lost his son Shlomo in the first war with Lebanon, said, “Fatigue in the State of Israel’s situation will lead to death, as occurs with mountain climbing. If a mountain climber is caught on the side of the mountain and it starts to snow, if he falls asleep, he will die. He must remain alert. ”

The Nobel Prize winner said the disengagement from the Gaza Strip was “a tactical and ethical mistake. It gave the Palestinians the wrong message and became a factor leading to the war with Hizbullah. The Arabs’ understanding in the wake of the expulsion was that they had succeeded, and that they have to continue on the same path. The expulsion, therefore, brought about the launching of Kassams [rockets] on Israel and the abduction of the soldiers. The expulsion transmitted the message that we can be moved even from Tel Aviv, and not just from Gush Katif…Last summer we set back peace and understanding with our neighbors at least 10 years. After the expulsion, no words will convince them that we intend to stay here forever. ”

By Ron Ross,
Israel Mosaic Radio

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