Dear editor:
My reply is to the "Attack on Gaza" letter that appeared in your column in the Dec. 30 issue.
To concur with Justice Richard Goldstein's comment that Israel was guilty of war crimes is blindly endorsing the slaughter of innocent Israeli men, women and children over the last several decades by Yasser Arafat and his PLO and othyer "Palestinian" groups. This is absurd.
Where was this outcry when Hezbollah was lobbing rockets into civilian areas three years ago? Where are the cries of cease and desist when homicide bombers laden with explosives enter Jewish civilian centers?
I clearly remember the cries from liberals when Israel went into Lebanon after Hezbollah. Israel was accused of "over-reacting." To deny Israel any pre-emptive military action would be the same as denying us any moves against the terror threat aimed at the United States today.
The only "peace" that Muslim extremists want with Israel is that of their extinction.
There is ample historical evidence of over 1400 years of Islamic hatred for the Jewish people. One only needs to take time to listen to the anti-semitic rants from the Iranian president.
Israel and this land belong to God and His chosen people. The Bible is very clear on this. God gave Israel to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and their descendants forever. And through Ishmael was a physical descendant of Abraham, he was not chosen (Romans 9:8).
A reading of the Quran, especially the book of Surah, reveals Islam's attitude toward Christians and Jews (Pagans). Israel has a right to exist and to defend their people. Just as we do. "...I will bless them that bless thee (Israel), and curse him that curseth thee..." God, Genesis 12:3.
Pastor Neal Arthur Th.M.
Hope Vision Ministry