Thank you Edith,

Last week America had a first major victory in it's fight against terrorism. The disorderly retreat of the Taliban from their capital, was an important, but only a first step in the right direction. The importance lay in the lesson to the obstinate fanatics that their interpretation of God's wishes doesn't protect them, when trying to impose their will onto others. The first confirmation of this rule was seen in Kabul, when there where not enough barbers to shave all the many beards, when suddenly music was heard in the streets and yes, some female ankles became visible. With all the gigantic progress of mankind, with all the acquired knowledge, certain people who need to force their own special opinions on others, may bring destruction, not only of humanity but even of all humans closer than ever before.

Last week the General Assembly of the United Nations took place. This gathering of various nations should act like a symphony, whereas the variety of instruments should generate harmony and peace. In reality it creates a cacophony of disagreements and confrontations. Our President spoke about peace, freedom and truth. Few of the many speakers did the same. Though in semantics all knew to sound truthful - their words did not match their real intentions. Yassir Arafat's pitiful outcry for help for the plight of the Palestinians was accepted with sincere sympathy. When he mentioned the number of the Palestinians killed in the uprising, nobody advised him: " just to stop the uprising!"

The United Nations may be a platform for the nations to paint over the hard problems with nice sounding platitudes and vague resolutions which can be interpreted in this or the other way. As a Band-Aid, they may serve at best as a temporary solution, but nothing more.

The greatest hurdle for mankind to overcome is bigotry and hatred. The Jewish people have a long history of being blamed for various crimes. Poisoning of wells, drinking of blood, causing of plagues and others. The Nazis blamed the Jews for creating Polio. As evidence," they pointed out, that the two doctors who discovered the vaccine - Dr Jonas Salk and Leonard Sabin - were Jews and knew about it, because, because ... they created it in the first place.

Last week, the Arab Media was full of explaining why the Jews attacked America on September 11. This week, another discovery was made in the Arab world, about Israel's Anthrax-attack. It is so easy to spread a lie but so hard to prove the truth.

Last week, the General Assembly of the Jewish Communities took place in Washington. I was privileged to be part of the delegation who represented the Jewish federation. When we have to notice the animosity against our people in anger, we have to see also the getting together of our own people with blissfulness and pride. It gives us the feeling, that here we stand, though sometimes different, but united in our heritage and spirit. We are ready to protect our life and faith with the Almighty's decree: "Am Israel Chai."

I am Barry Cohen

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