Thank you Edith,

From those people who are interested in peace you heard last week a sigh of relief. Another truce deal between Israel and Palestinians was signed. It did not happen on the lawn of the White House as in 1993 - but we thank God even for small favors. The reason that it could happen at all, are the two no-nonsense personalities who dealt with this matter this time. First - Mr.George Tenet, who could not be duped by the Arabs; as the CIA director knows very well who is the real attacker. And then, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who is not only right, as also his predecessors were, but also strong.

Can the truce hold? No! The fact alone that Israel was requested to promise truce, is an insult to justice. Israel has never attacked the Arabs - unless to defend itself. Another truce agreement is not needed. What is needed is, that the Arabs stop attacking. That's all.

Before the establishment of Israel the Arab leadership made the historic error to request the Palestinian Arabs to evacuate the land. They were promised that after the war they would return victoriously and take over the beautiful land, which Israel had created. I remember personally, as well as it was noticed by many others, how groups of Arabs strolled along Allenby Street in Tel Aviv and pointed to houses which they would claim for themselves after the victory. A few days later, snipers started to shoot from the high tower of the Mosq in Jaffa at pedestrians on Yarkon and other streets in Tel-Aviv.

And a few weeks later six regular Arab armies joined their brethren in war. Israel defended itself heroically and with God's help survived. The price it paid were 11,000 casualties - which would be translated, compared to the American population - to 35 million.

The Arab leadership could not keep its promises. The evacuees, now refugees were concentrated in camps or joined their brethren in one of the 22 Arab states.

After World War II, about 60 million refugees were re-located from various countries and absorbed. The Jewish State contributed to this by taking in and saving 5 million Jews, who were persecuted, needed a shelter and had no other home to go to. The Arab countries could and should have done so - which - with all their riches, would have been an easy task. The refugees could have lived amongst their own people, with same language, culture and religion.

But to do so, would have been a confession by the Arab leadership to have failed. So they added to injury also shame. The refugees were kept in camps - were taught to hate the Jews and to blame them for all their misery. The vision of beautiful Tel-Aviv was kept alive. A "Jihad" - a Holy War was declared and constant enticement and more promises for victory, made even suicide-murderers of innocent people to holy martyrs.

No Arab leader can sign today an agreement with Israel, which would not permit the promised "return." The Signing of such a condition would mean to sign a death sentence against himself. Therefore, the Arabs have to continue their pressure step by step, with accusations, propaganda, false promises and war.

A typical response, after signing of the new truce agreement was given by the eloquent promoter of Arafat's deceptions Mrs.Hanan Ashrawi. She declared with indignation; "Nobody has the right to request from us to put our fighters into prison." She seems to have forgotten that exactly this was signed in the Oslo agreement. She then continued; as 'a civilized nation,' we can not punish anybody without due-process." Obviously this was not said in reference to the actions of the hailed suicide martyrs. And then she claimed - and I am not joking - "we have the right to protect our Democracy!" To this I can only ask: "What Democracy?"

As long as the Palestinians will try to fool themselves and the world, the first victims will stay their own people, to whom they gave false promises from beginning. When the Arab leadership will have the guts to face the truth, they could contribute to a better life for their people, for Israel and also for the world.

I am Shlomo Fleischmann

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