All PoconosB2B, News, Classified and all about life in Poconos
  
To view all features of our Web Site, please consider upgrading your web browser!

Read News

Pocono News Section

Local Rabbi Reacts to Fighting in Gaza

Local Rabbi Reacts to Fighting in Gaza - Monday, January 5, 2009 at 4:00PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Jan 5, 2009 @ 04:00pm EST
STROUD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - Through all of the fighting around Gaza, Hamas has accused Israel of killing a disproportionate amount of civilians. However, a Rabbi in the Poconos said that's not true because the Israelis are targeting Hamas strongholds while Hamas is specifically targeting civilians. That Rabbi talked to Eyewitness News about what the violence means to the Jewish community.

Some might say the violence started ten days ago, others would argue the battle began more than ten centuries ago. Rabbi Bibi Melman leads Temple Israel in the Stroud Township. He read from the Jewish Holy Scripture, the Torah, "Remember what Amalek did to you on your journey after you left Egypt."

He told the story of Amalek and his group. It was the first nation to purposely attack civilians in recorded history. The Rabbi said the attack happened around 15-hundred B. C. and it spurred an eternal battle against evil.

He read, "You shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget." It's the battle that rages on today with the descendants of Amalek, Hamas. And Israel is on the front line of that battle.

"His has nothing to do with land. It has only to do with the right of Israel to exist and to defend her people," he said. He explained Hamas has used the Gaza Strip as a staging area to attack Israel for three years. He believes Israel should have fought back a long time ago. "The United States would not even wait one day to respond if Mexico or Canada were to start rocketing and bombing its civilians," said Rabbi Melman.

Hamas has argued that Israel is over reacting and breaking international law by killing civilians but the Rabbi disagrees. He explained, "Hamas is in violation of International Law because they're using their own civilians as human shields and they're purposely attacking civilians."

Rabbi Melman is confident Israel will eventually defeat Hamas. He said,"God has an eternal covenant with the people of Israel and Israel ultimately will be victorious and ultimately evil will be destroyed."

Whether it takes ten more days or ten more centuries, the Rabbi has faith God will keep his promise.

Rabbi Melman said the fighting has brought his temple closer together and encouraged them to pray more. He also asked the community to pray for the Jewish people and to counteract the hatred by loving one another.

 


Discuss this news

Your Name (nickname):
Your Email: (will remain private)
Your Comments:
  


Home | News | Businesses | PA places | Classified | Cars for Sale | Account | Products | Home Recipes | Manuals | Stock Images | Earn Commissions | Advertise | Contact Us | Search
Raw Hack

© 2024 AllPoconos.Com All rights reserved.