Carolyn Olbum lives in Ketchum.
By CAROLYN OLBUM
"Middle East conflict surfaces in valley" by Tony Evans (Aug. 11) has brought front and center intense opinions and feelings. If they were quoted correctly, I question some of the comments by local citizens.
In 1948, U.N. Resolution 181 created the Jewish state of Israel. Arab leaders rejected the offer to create their own state and chose to fight Israel instead. More than 160,000 Arabs accepted Israel's invitation to stay within Israel. They and all minorities have social, political and cultural rights.
Israel is 1/625th the size of the Arab world. Five and a half million Israeli Jews are surrounded by 300 million Eastern Arab Muslims. Don Leibich is critical of Israel as a Jewish state. Is he critical of Arab states? Diane Peavey says Israel is a strong military power and "should not be frightened." I doubt that the Israel Defense Forces are frightened. However, this skilled and disciplined military is prepared to defend its citizenry and borders. Isn't that what a military is supposed to do for its country?
Don Leibich stated that Israel fired upon "an international flotilla of aid to the impoverished area," referring to Gaza. The IDF was boarding the ship to check for hidden weapons that would be used against Israel (which has happened previously) and was fired upon. The Israelis defended themselves. The people of Gaza have not demonstrated a desire to live in peace side by side with Israel, as Leibich and Peavey have said, but have launched thousands of rockets into Israel. Israel allowed the flotilla and others to pass after checking for contraband.
Israel has contributed humanitarian assistance to over 140 countries, including Gaza and countries half a world away. Within days of the Haiti earthquake, Israel was there setting up a field hospital. "Save a Child's Heart" is an Israeli humanitarian project dedicated to improving cardiac care for children from developing countries regardless of the child's nationality, religion, color, gender or financial situation.
Israel contributes to the world in science, technology and the arts. As Warren Buffet said, "If you go to the Middle East looking for oil, you don't stop in Israel. But if you go looking for brains, energy and integrity, it is the only stop."
I do not profess to know the answers or suggest a resolution to this 60-plus-year conflict. I do suggest we let the Israelis and Arabs work out their differences. And, that we examine some deep-rooted issues that might be simmering here at home.
