VOLUME 13 ISSUE 3 | SUMMER 2019

inFOCUSQUARTERLY Israel

Hillel Frisch on Israel’s Security Outlook | Jan Goldstein and Iris Ricks on Touring Israel | Adam J. Sacks on Jordan’s Politicized Archeology | Benjamin Weinthal on the UN’s Anti-Israel Bias | Brian Blum and Abigail Klein Leichman on Innovation in Biotechnology | Dan Diker on the Roots of BDS | Shoshana Bryen on Israel as a Military Asset | Lenny Ben-David on a Jewish Spy for Germany | Col. (Res.) Eran Lerman on Security Cooperation with Egypt

Featuring an Interview with Ambassador Danny Danon LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

or our annual Israel issue, we at optimistic. Eran Lerman, Benjamin inFOCUS like to bring you the Weinthal and Dan Diker take on Egypt, inFOCUS VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 3 new, the exciting, the unusual BDS and the UN respectively, while in- – and there is a LOT of that – so FOCUS Editor Shoshana Bryen explains Publisher F Matthew Brooks we have fun with it. But it is a conun- the unique basis for the relationship be- drum because for all the hot, high-tech tween American and Israeli security Editor fabulousness in the Third Jewish Com- forces. Adam Sacks shows how Jordan is Shoshana Bryen Associate Editors monwealth, not to mention history and weaponizing archaeology. Travel in Isra- Michael Johnson intrigue, there is also the part of Israel el for people who know Israel is so large Eric Rozenman and its neighborhood that a topic that it requires both Copy Editor makes us worry – and we Jan Goldstein and Iris Shari Hillman have to bring that to the Ricks to do it justice. Brian table as well. Our Israel is- Blum and Abigail Klein Published by: Jewish Policy Center sue this year doesn’t have Leichman worked on the 50 F Street NW, Suite 100 a theme as such. It is, rath- cutting edge of Israel’s Washington, DC 20001. er, a broad look – the story medical research. Lenny of “Fanny” shares space with BDS, travel Ben-David takes care of the intrigue. (202) 638-2411 off the beaten track shares with the ever- Shoshana Bryen will tempt you, nasty UN Human Rights Council. It is too, with four outstanding books to take Follow us on JewishPolicyCenter @theJPC slightly dizzying, but then, so is Israel. to the beach. The end result is a picture of a re- If you appreciate what you’ve read, The opinions expressed in inFOCUS do not markable country and, we hope, an ad- I encourage you to make a contribution necessarily reflect those of the Jewish Policy dition to your understanding of and to the Jewish Policy Center. As always, Center, its board, or its officers. thinking about Israel. you can use our secure site: http://www. To begin or renew your subscription, please Start with our interview with Is- jewishpolicycenter.org/donate. contact us: [email protected] rael’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon, as he walks us through Israel’s Sincerely, improving relations with countries © 2019 Jewish Policy Center around the globe. Hillel Frisch sets the strategic stage, www.JewishPolicyCenter.org and he, like Israel, is both realistic and Matthew Brooks, Publisher

HILLEL FRISCH, Ph.D., is a political scientist and profes- Ambassador DANNY DANON is Israel’s Permanent Repre- sor of Political Science and Middle East History at Bar sentative to the United Nations. (20) Ilan University and a senior researcher at the Begin- Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. (3) DAN DIKER is a Fellow and Senior Project Director at the Featuring Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs where he heads the JAN GOLDSTEIN is Director of North American Tours for Program to Counter Political Warfare and BDS. (24) Amiel Tours. IRIS RICKS is an Israel Tours Specialist. (6) ​ SHOSHANA BRYEN is Senior Director of the Jewish Policy ADAM J. SACKS, Ph.D., studied history at Brown University Center and Editor of inFOCUS Quarterly. (28,37) and holds an MS in education from the City College of the City University of New York. (10) LENNY BEN-DAVID is a former Israeli diplomat in Wash- ington and author of American Interests in the Holy Land BENJAMIN WEINTHAL is a fellow for the Foundation for Revealed in Photographs, 1840-1940. (32) Defense of Democracies. (14) Col. (Res.) ERAN LERMAN, Ph.D., is Vice President of the BRIAN BLUM is a journalist and high-tech entrepreneur Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS). (34) at ISRAEL21c. ABIGAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN is a writer and associate editor at ISRAEL21c. (17) Israel’s Security: Hardly Rosy, but Never Better by HILLEL FRISCH

o size up the technical aspects of A source of light for many are the Solving the problem through immi- writing my inFOCUS article, I United Nations with its affiliated orga- gration to Palestine to establish a Jewish looked at Marian Tupy’s “Things nizations, other international NGOs in homeland seemed to be the appropriate TAre Getting Better – So Why their thrust to enshrine universal hu- solution, particularly as the Western de- Are We So Gloomy?” [Spring 2019] I man rights and bring the planet to a mocracies – “the kingdoms of mercy” in quickly realized that the substance of world that knows war no more. the words of leading rabbis at the time – his excellent article set the basis for an In Israel, they cast a giant shadow closed their doors to Jewish mass immi- article on Israel’s security, even though despite their lofty goals. gration in the second and third decades Israel is never mentioned by Tupy and Israel and its advocates look in be- of the 20th century. “geostrategic security” only briefly. wilderment and of course with gloom Nearly 100 hundred years later, the Many articles on Israel’s security at how Israel accounts for 60 per cent antipathy Jewish individuals and com- begin and end in gloom, for reasons that are probably obvious to those who follow Israel and Middle East affairs. Israel accounts for 60 percent of condemnations in Gloom is the least of emotions histori- cal events such the destruction of the United Nations bodies, when in North Korea alone Second Temple and the last vestiges of 25 million people have been politically enslaved Jewish sovereign in the Holy Land and the more recent Holocaust elicit. and terrorized... The continuous succession of leaders of populous states since then who vowed Israel’s destruction, from of condemnations in UN bodies, when munities faced for not being “Polish,” Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser to Iran’s in North Korea alone 25 million people “Russian,” or “Ukrainian” is now di- Ayatollahs Khomeini and Khamenei, have been politically enslaved and terror- rected at Israel as the state of the Jewish counsel gloom and pessimism. ized for almost as long as the Palestinian nation. The so-called solution, Jewish Especially disconcerting is the refugee problem existed. statehood, seems to have become a ma- Islamic Republics with which Israel jor international problem instead. does not share a common border. Is- ❚❚Zionism was the Answer, And to top it all is the gist of Tupy’s rael’s leaders for decades after the Wasn’t It? article that – even in the best of times, Iranian Revolution still believed that The stance these international orga- indeed, humanity writ large has never Iran’s leaders would change course to nizations and fora take against the Jew- had it so good - most of the human spe- the mutual benefit of both countries. ish state brings into question the very cies are biologically and psychologically Not only has such change failed to validity of modern Zionism, which is the disposed towards being pessimistic! take place, the Islamic Republic spews staple ideology and identity of the vast Yet, Israel’s many security challeng- its invective, continues its nuclear majority of Israel’s citizens. es should hardly elicit gloom. program, and deepens its attempts to Zionism was supposed to be the an- set a missile siege of vast proportions swer to the “Jewish problem.” Jewish in- ❚❚The Good News on the country through its Hezbollah dividuals and communities faced a rising The basis for the good news about Is- proxy in the north, and its Sunni ally, tide of ethnic nationalism in the coun- rael’s security environment can be found, Hamas, as well as directing and fund- tries in which the vast majority of Jews ironically, in the basic historical scheme ing other terrorist activities directed at lived at the beginning of the 20th Centu- proposed by Arnold Toynbee, hardly a Israel. ry, such as Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. friend of either Israel or the Jews.

Israel | inFOCUS 3 Israeli soldiers look at Jerusalem’s Old City. (Photo: Ryan Rodrick Beiler)

Toynbee argued that states and overwhelmed by Arab states working ❚❚Cost Accounting societies that prosper most are those in tandem to war against Israel with In the real accounting, U.S. aid is challenged by their environment. Soviet support that might have called about $3.9 billion – about one per cent States and societies that are relatively for U.S. military intervention, have of what the United States spends on its protected by seas, good climates and long since passed. official and costly allies. Israel is also basic agricultural attributes do less Unlike American allies in Europe the only ally that spends on its military well than those challenged. The em- and Asia, Israel never sought Ameri- budget more than the United States as phasis, however, is being challenged can troops as the “trip wire” they were a percentage of GDP. NATO countries, rather than being overwhelmed. in Western Europe against the Soviet by contrast, spend less than half of what Clearly, Holland could do little against Union and continue to be in Japan and the United States does as a percent- an overwhelming Nazi Germany. South Korea. Neither does the United age of GDP and less than their military Allies of the United States, who States fly sorties or deploy ships to de- commitment to NATO requires. This used to be called the Asian Tigers in fend Israel’s airspace and shores as it freeriding is made possible not only be- light of their substantial economic and does on behalf of those states. cause of the effective American security scientific gains, seem to match Toyn- These key differences show up umbrella, but also because the U.S. is bee’s scheme. Japan, Taiwan, and South in the real as opposed to the formal willing to finance it for advanced states Korea, not only economic miracles but amounts of United States military – who President Trump rightly says deepening democracies as well, were and civilian aid. Israel is officially should foot more of the bills relating to challenged by their environment. That the biggest recipient of U.S. aid. But their own security. they were not overwhelmed is proba- this does not take into account the Israel’s close relationship is a tre- bly due to their alliance with the Unit- costs of American troop deployment mendous boon for the country and re- ed States, which helped balance each within the borders of these European warding to the United States as the joint against its powerful neighbor. and Asian allies, the costs of deploying projects in missile defense and tunnel Israel is fortunate to be an ally, ships and planes and costly joint naval detection well prove. albeit unofficially, of the United maneuvers, which run into the hun- As Turkey under President Recep States, and the days of being possibly dreds of billions of dollars. Tayyip Erdogan slips out of the Western

4 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 HILLEL FRISCH: Israel’s Security: Hardly Rosy, but Never Better orbit and links with the more funda- The weekly and by now almost daily at Iran’s financial life-line; to strike at mentalist currents in the Middle East confrontations against Israel’s security Bandar Abbas is to strike at its imports. and as Egypt becomes absorbed do- fence in Gaza over the past 15 months Nearly four-fifths of container imports mestically with keeping its ship of state reflects this as well. Hamas’s hope that to the country run through this port. afloat, Israel holds a privileged position these activities would generate an inti- Container imports are those finished being the strongest ally in the Middle fada against both the Palestinian Au- goods – cars, trucks, apparel, electron- East to the leading democracy in the thority and Israel has completely failed. ics – countries import that make the world, particularly under the Trump ad- The failure of Israel’s foes to come difference between living in the 21st ministration. This is a cause for celebra- to each other’s aid even pervades Syria, century and the 19th. tion rather than gloom. where Iran is trying to military bases Nevertheless, though the probabil- and establish an arms industry special- ity of Iran’s nuclear strike is small, the ❚❚Facing Adversaries izing in the production of precision effects were one to occur, are great. For three decades at least, Israel, guided missiles the Islamic Republic Israel also has to contend with despite facing numerous enemies, in- could employ against Israel or supply to Iran’s attempts to create a missile siege creasingly confronts them on a one-to- one basis rather than on simultaneous fronts. In 1948, the fledgling state faced Israel’s new enemies, non-state actors such as the the combined (though hardly coordi- nated) assault of the armies of four states PLO, Hezbollah and Hamas increasingly act alone and the more minor contribution of a despite the rhetoric of togetherness… fifth, Lebanon. In 1967, Israel confronted three states and in 1973, two, with im- portant contributions of two others, Iraq and Jordan, whose tanks stopped the Is- its proxy Hezbollah. Israel’s numerous on the people. Iran’s long-term goal is raeli advance on Damascus. sorties to foil this plan (over 200 to date) to provide its proxies Hezbollah and As the passion for war-making of has not elicited any external support, Islamic Jihad, and its ally, Hamas, with Arab states has dwindled, or even been even from Hezbollah. precision guided missiles. This would extinguished in the face of cumulative be a game changer to Israel’s detriment pain, Israel’s new enemies, non-state ac- ❚❚Don’t Call it Rosy in the regional balance of power, which tors such as the PLO, Hezbollah and Though gloom is not called for, nei- is why Israel is focusing on the Iranian Hamas increasingly act alone despite a ther can Israelis evaluate their security build-up in Syria to thwart its aims. rhetoric of togetherness. Thus, when Hez- predicament as rosy. Meeting the two-dimensional bollah confronted Israel for over a month Iran continues its military nuclear dangers – the nuclear ballistic threat in 2006, not only did not one Arab state, efforts and makes advances in missile and the more conventional missile including Syria, Iran’s ally, join the fray, production to deliver warheads. The siege Iran’s proxies are trying to im- neither did Hamas. Hezbollah likewise probability that Iran would launch nu- pose on Israel - are serious challenges stood on the sidelines during the three clear missiles against Israel is small, not to Israel’s security, but they are hardly rounds of warfare between Hamas and least because Iran is a very vulnerable overwhelming. Israel’s ingenuity, its Israel in the winter of 2008/9, 2012, and country despite its vast size. people’s resolve to meet these chal- during the 55-day duel in 2014. Were it to make such a move, Is- lenges and a close relationship with the So divided have Israel’s foes become rael would have no inhibitions about world’s leading democracy and military that even the Palestinians no longer act in destroying the island port, Kharg, from power are the foundations for response unison against it. Since the Hamas take- which over 80 percent of its energy ex- to make sure that even these serious over of Gaza and the Palestinian partition ports are shipped. Oil and gas exports challenges to Israel’s security will not into two de facto “states,” Hamas-con- account for between 40 and 60 percent be overwhelming. trolled Gaza and the West Bank Palestin- of Iranian government revenue (depend- ian Authority under Mahmoud Abbas, ing upon the fluctuating price of energy HILLEL FRISCH, Ph.D., is a profes- when Gaza under Hamas spews flames and the state of Western sanctions). sor of Political Science and Middle against Israel, the inhabitants living un- Another convenient target is Iran’s East History at Bar Ilan University der Abu Mazen in Judea and Samaria, re- second vulnerable nodal point – Bandar and a senior researcher at the Begin- main passive and when the latter protest, Abbas, Iran’s biggest port on its south- Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. Hamas–controlled Gaza falls silent. ern coast. To strike at Kharg is to strike

Israel | inFOCUS 5 What to See After You Think You Have Seen Israel by JAN GOLDSTEIN and IRIS RICKS

veryone knows that there is noth- visit. It is the world’s largest erosion cra- century BCE and the seventh century ing like the first-time experience of ter. Most craters are formed as a result CE. The Nabataeans also built Petra. visiting Israel. Even accompanying of a meteor or a volcanic eruption, but In addition, there is a fabulous ho- Efirst-time visitors to Israel and see- Makhtesh Ramon was created by erosion tel located on a cliff at the edge of the ing their faces as they enter the city of Je- 220 million years ago. It is shaped like an Ramon Crater. The Beresheet Hotel and rusalem, pray at the Kotel, climb Masada, elongated heart and forms Israel’s larg- Resort is a five-star hotel and spa in a swim in the Dead Sea, go to Yad Vashem est national park, the Ramon Nature Re- dramatic setting unique in the world. or witness their first encounter with an serve. It contains geological formations The hotel offers spa services and excel- Israeli breakfast is an experience! unparalleled in the world. In addition to lent cuisine. There isn’t anyone who is prepared the sheer beauty and majesty of the cra- for the power Israel has as it brings to life ter, there are many unique things to do ❚❚Voluntouring the stories of the Bible and presents the in the crater and the surrounding area: Volunteering in Israel is an excel- spiritual, historical, cultural and physi- • Take a jeep tour to enjoy the beau- lent way of integrating and immersing cal beauty of the land and its people, the tiful scenery; yourself into the community and culture. Jews and others who also call it home. • Rappel down the cliffs; When one volunteers for the benefit of Israel is the place that you want to return • Stargaze at night; others, one attains the satisfaction of self- to almost as soon as you leave. Fortu- • Hike on the Har Ardon Trail and fulfillment and the knowledge that he or nately, after visitors get their first or even the Negev Highlands Trail; or she has made a positive change. You can second taste of the ancient land and its • Visit Faran, a mini-cosmetics fac- choose from a variety of options based on people, they only have begun to scratch tory that creates a range of 100 percent your skills and interests. It is a great op- the surface of experiences that Israel has natural cosmetics inspired by nature portunity to discover up close the amaz- to offer. and the surrounding desert. ing cultural and natural diversity that Here are a few of the “seldom seen” In addition, The Spice Route Quar- makes Israel the special country that it is. possibilities for those returning: ter is an old industrial area in the town It also gives you an opportunity to work closely with and get to know Israelis. Here are only a few of the opportu- nities available. If you have a specific in- Israel is the place that you want to return to almost terest in an area such as children at risk, as soon as you leave. the elderly, youth and sports or anything else that helps other and builds commu- nities, there are a multitude of experi- ences awaiting you on your next trip. • Fruit Picking at Leket Israel ❚❚Makhtesh Ramon in Mitzpe of Mitzpe Ramon that has cute boutique Leket Israel is the country’s largest Ramon stores, guest houses, bakeries and res- food bank and leading food rescue and The Ramon Crater, or Makhtesh taurants. One can also: delivery network. Leket Israel volunteers Ramon, is a true natural wonder and is • Take a hot air balloon ride; enter fields and orchards at the end of one of the top 10 things to see in Israel. • Enjoy a short excursion to Avdat, a the season’s harvest to glean fruits and Located in the south in Israel’s Negev UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit vegetables that will then be distributed desert, the crater is far enough off the the site of a ruined Nabataean city. Avdat all over the country to those in need. beaten path that tourists don’t often have was the most important city on the in- • Packing with Pantry Packers the time to go there on a first or second cense route after Petra between the first This is an exciting hands-on

6 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 IRIS RICKS: What to See After YouJAN GOLDSTEIN and IRIS RICKS: Think You Have Seen Israel

The Yaacov Agam Museum of Art has an asymmetric canopy over the entrance and exhibits works of the Kinetic Art opportunity to pack commodity food sta- ❚❚The Agam Art Museum artist fashioned to speak to you. With all ples for Israel’s poorest families. Located Yaacov Agam is one of the most his work, Agam shows us that the most in Jerusalem, the facility gives volunteers renowned Israeli artists of all time. His constant thing in life is change. the opportunity to make their contribu- paintings, exhibited all over the world, Though Agam’s art is very modern, tion to society in a meaningful way. both defy and define kinetic art with it expresses an ancient concept of the • Be a Forester for a Day his signature approach using bold colors Jewish people. According to Agam, the The Jewish National Fund’s Forest- and shapes. Agam was born in Rishon whole concept of Judaism is the flow of er-for-a-Day program is a new ecological Lezion in what was then Mandate Pales- time and the unexpected. His philoso- initiative that offers volunteers a unique tine and though he moved to Zurich and phy is that time, by definition, cannot be opportunity to assist JNF in helping to then Paris, a large collection of his art repeated and its events are unexpected. maintain forests, prevent forest fires and found a permanent home in the place of He uses this Jewish notion of the unan- guarantee a greener tomorrow. his birth outside of Tel Aviv. This is the ticipated in his art. His museum is dedi- • WWOOF with the Locals only museum in the world that is dedi- cated to the notion of seeing the world Participants in WWOOF (World cated to art in motion. in a different way, as Judaism—with Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) The recently-opened museum is its linear and progressive view of time, Israel can enroll in a variety of hands-on one-of-a-kind in the way the visitor from creation through development to experiences that are located variously at views the paintings. In most museums, redemption—broke with previous be- a kibbutz, a moshav, a farm or a private one stands in front of a painting and liefs in a cyclical, repetitive view of man home. These experiences include cheese- then moves on. In the Agam Museum, in time. and wine-making, animal husbandry, you must view the work from at least The building’s structure is as inter- green building, and organic gardening several different angles and even then, esting as its contents and reflects Agam’s to name a few. you will not see everything that the artistic concept. This is not a museum

Israel | inFOCUS 7 Sunrise at Makhtesh Ramon crater in Negev Desert, Southern Israel. (Photo: By Byelikova Oksana)

that one should walk through without Rothschild became the patron of the the winery grew American seedlings that explanation. Be sure to arrange a guided settlement and drew up plans for its resi- were resistant to the parasite and subse- tour ahead of time in order to truly ap- dential layout and agricultural economy. quently flourished. Today, the winery is preciate Agam’s genius. We guarantee Zichron was one of the first Jewish agri- the longest-operating institution in Israel’s that an excursion to Israel’s newest mu- cultural colonies to come under the wing booming wine-making industry. seum will be well worth the time spent. of the baron. He brought in planners who Be sure to stop or stay at The Elma designed and allotted housing plots along Arts Complex Luxury Hotel. It is a mag- ❚❚Zichron Ya’acov the main road for the use of settlement nificent architectural complex with out- This charming town is rarely visited farmers. Each lot included a house facing standing views of the Mediterranean on even second or third trips to Israel. the street, a long interior courtyard and a Sea. The hotel has the philosophy that But it’s a gem you don’t want to miss! building for agricultural implements. The “When you stay with art, the art stays Zichron is located 22 miles south of French-inspired architecture included with you long after you leave.” The Elma Haifa at the southern edge of the Carmel tiled roofs and painted wooden windows highlights not only a magnificent array mountain range, overlooking the Medi- frames. These houses can still be seen to- of visual arts but also classical concerts, terranean Sea near the coastal highway. day. Each farmer was given a salary and operas and modern musical perfor- Many people are attracted to the pic- placed under the direction of the baron’s mances. These make it a special destina- turesque setting and historic city center clerk. The Ohel Ya’akov Synagogue was tion for both locals and tourists. whose restored buildings on its main commissioned by Baron de Rothschild Don’t miss the Aaronsohn House- street house restaurants, coffeehouses and a beautiful edifice with an ark made Nili Museum. During World War I, and boutiques selling locally made of white marble was built. The synagogue Zichron became famous for the estab- crafts, jewelry and antiques. opened in 1886 and has conducted daily lishment of the Nili spy ring. Sarah Aar- Zichron Ya’akov was founded in prayer services continuously ever since. onsohn, with her brothers Aaron and 1882 by 100 Jewish pioneers from Ro- After a number of economic failures, Alex and their friend, Avshalom Fein- mania. They purchased land but the dif- Baron de Rothschild helped to establish berg, volunteered to spy on Ottoman ficulty of working the rocky soil and an the first winery in Israel, Carmel Winery, positions and report them to British outbreak of malaria led many of the set- in 1885. This was somewhat successful agents offshore. In 1917, the Ottomans tlers to leave before the year was up. until 1892 when the grapevines were at- caught one of Sarah’s carrier pigeons In 1883, Baron Edmund James de tacked by a parasite. After a brief setback, and cracked the code. Sarah and several

8 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 IRIS RICKS: What to See After YouJAN GOLDSTEIN and IRIS RICKS: Think You Have Seen Israel

Old Carmel Winery builing in Zichron Yaacov, Israel. (Photo: Vladim Lerner) others were arrested. After four days of special. Tel Aviv is today’s world leader in make the most popular Israeli dishes torture, Sarah was able to go home to get culinary experiences, a magnet for food- such as hummus, grilled eggplant and some clothes and while there, she shot ie travelers. Places all over the country spicy Moroccan grilled fish. herself in the throat so that she wouldn’t strengthen the attraction. • Circassian Hospitality be able to give away secret information. • Shuk and Cook In a beautiful village in the north of A unique cemetery also awaits Begin the day with a guided tour of Israel, Kfar Kama, one can learn about you in Zichron. There are colorful and Jerusalem’s colorful food and vegetable and experience Circassian culture and whimsical but moving tributes marking market, Mahane Yehuda. The tour will hospitality including traditional dishes, the graves of children and young people. be followed by a hands-on cooking music and folk dancing. During your workshop with a local chef using fresh visit, a local guide will share the tradi- ❚❚Culinary Experiences products purchased at the market. tional stories and heritage of this Mus- If you really want to understand Is- • Meet with a Druze Family lim minority group that fled Russian rael and Israelis, sit with them across the The Druze are a minority group liv- conquests in the North Caucasus in the table, break bread and listen to the sto- ing in Israel’s Carmel and Golan Heights 19th century. ries they tell. Not only will visitors hear region. Enter a Druze family home and • Bedouin Feast in the Desert about their personal history and cultural learn about the Druze society and its Experience a traditional Bedouin traditions, but they also will get an in- customs. End the visit with a home- feast and take part in fun-filled activities depth perspective on the beginnings of cooked, all-you-can-eat meal. such as pita bread making or camel rid- the still-young state and the role markets • Eat with the Locals ing in beautiful desert surroundings. played in people’s lives. This is a wonderful opportunity to get We will tell you what we tell all of The effect can be seen – and tasted – to know Israelis. Meet and eat with locals our travelers to Israel: Welcome Home today in Israel’s heterogenous cuisine, the inside their homes and absorb the real fla- and we will be waiting for you when you flavorful result of its diverse populations. vors and aromas of Israel. There are a wide return. L’hitr’aot! Hummus, falafel, shakshouka and variety of options in terms of areas of the couscous are only a few of the ethnic country and hosts and hosting styles. JAN GOLDSTEIN and IRIS RICKS foods available in Israel. The unbeliev- • Israeli Kitchen Cooking Workshop of Amiel Tours, Israel prepared this able tastes and aromas are all part of the Enjoy an interactive cooking work- article especially for inFOCUS. Con- richness and liveliness that makes Israel shop with a well-known chef. Learn to tact them at www.israeljourneys.com.

Israel | inFOCUS 9 Selective History & Distortions: Jordan’s Politicized Archeology by ADAM J. SACKS

n the case of Israel’s neighbor and For the history buff, though, Jordan anymore?” And he responded, “This is almost physical doppelgänger, the is a fount of Jewish experience, for both Palestine.” It should also be mentioned Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, it archeological excavation and memory- that a cross marking the spot of the rec- Iseems that the colder the peace the building exercises. ognized baptism site had been officially less it is discussed. Remarkably stable for and recently removed by the relevant the region, Jordan rarely makes head- ❚❚Silence on This, but Not That Jordanian authority. Unlike on the Is- lines. The comparative absence of vola- All this and the de facto peace raeli side, literally a stone’s throw away, tility in this Western-oriented monarchy make the silence on all things Jewish pilgrims here are neither invited nor al- due, in no small part, to its serving as a and Israeli even more deafening and lowed to follow in the path of John the security buffer for Israel. On the other confounding. Any mention of such Baptist and submerge into the river. hand, it is almost unfathomable to imag- things, whether in contemporary tour- In stark contrast, the memory of ine King Abdullah II uttering the recent ism or historical maps, seems strictly Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein appears words of President Abdul Fatah al-Sisi in taboo. The majority of Jordan’s popula- empathically cosseted. Apparently em- Egypt: “If Jews return, we will build syn- tion is Palestinian Arab, with that cul- braced as a champion of the Palestinians agogues.” First, Jordan didn’t really have ture firmly embedded in the everyday and confronter of the West, one greater a recent historical Jewish community of life of the country. So, any enforcement even than Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser, it any note. Second, much of what is today apparently requires little push from is hard to drive for more than ten minutes Jordan was either historically part of above. Israel is never seen on any map, without seeing his silhouette embossed Jewish territory or was earmarked to be nor on graphics that depict the region, on the back of a car or truck. His image such again. Even during the Hellenistic from those offered in hotels to souvenir is occasionally even paired with that of period, the city of Amman was governed stores, nor even on archeological mark- Adolf Hitler. On-street booksellers seem by the Jewish Tobiad clan. ers paid for USAID, which also dutiful- to find the pairing of Saddam biographies [It should also be recalled that “Tran- ly support the prohibition on saying the with that of Hitler’s manifesto, Mein sjordan,” had originally been part of the British Mandate for Palestine, anointed as such by the League of Nations. None The overall message given [by the Jordanians] is other than Winston Churchill proposed that the late twentieth century is not the first time and enacted the rupture of Jordan there- from as an independent Arab province as Jews were seen as oppressors in the Middle East. compensation for Great Britain’s World War I alliance with the Hashemite clan of the Hejaz, far away on the Arabian Pen- forbidden name: identification of the Kampf, good for business. Sometimes insula. Their “revolt in the desert” against territory that in reality is Israel invari- these works appear along with texts that the Ottoman overlords was in pursuit of ably reads “Palestine.” claim to reveal “the secrets of the Tal- an ultimate dream – one large Arab king- At times this obsessive denialism mud.” Given all this, as well as the long- dom centered around Damascus. This was can seem delusional and even comic. shared border and history, one could dashed by the Western powers in post-war Right across the Jordan River, near the presume that at least a few of the many diplomacy. Churchill also acceded to the spot Christians world-wide revere as possibilities for mentioning Israel or the elimination of Hebrew as an official lan- the baptismal site of Jesus, literally fac- Jews would be taken advantage of. That is guage in Jordan as well as an absolute bar ing and pointing to an Israeli flag, I why the looming shadow of things once on Jewish migration to the area.] asked a tour guide, “So, that’s not Jordan present is so glaring.

10 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 ADAM J. Selective History and Distortions: Jordan’s Politicized SACKS: Archeology of this dynasty are far more verifiable than any of those of the Davidic line centuries before. From Alexander the Great until the Caesars of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, under a Jewish banner lay the strongest and most independent state in what we now know as the Middle East (excepting Persia, which of course was an empire to rival Greece and Rome in its own right.) Half of this time, an independent Helle- nistic state and the other half a client state and then province of the Roman Empire, this Jewish history in Judea is in many ways remarkably a modern mirror of our own times. In some ways it seems that the Jordanian authorities are more well aware of this then their Jewish counterparts.

❚❚Modern Jordan’s Message Some of the books for sale on the streets of Jordan. (Photo: Adam J. Sacks) When examining this sole mention of the Jews in the Hashemite Kingdom, ❚❚The Second Jewish Modern Zionism and the necessities one cannot escape the impression that Commonwealth of life in the Anglo-Christian Diaspora Jordanians are really talking about the However, the silence is not total. did however import an outsize influence contemporary State of Israel, and that The deep historical past is not entirely to the Hanukkah story of the Maccabees, they are using a not-so-highly encrypted suppressed by disdain and neglect of which it scarcely had before. Strangely form of code language. The sum effect all traces Jewish. The overarching ex- enough, Jews do not include the books of of their approach here, I would argue, ception to the rule is both strong and the Maccabees in the Tanakh while they is nothing less than an alarming call for compelling, namely the last time Jews serve decisive theological importance those who might prefer to dwell on the had power in the region. This was dur- for Catholicism, particularly for the assumption that historical impressions ing the so-called Second Common- church doctrinal matters of the sacrifice of the Jews highlight spiritual ethics or wealth of the Kingdom of Judea. [The of martyrs and the intercession of saints. progressive cosmopolitanism. Leav- years in questions are generally agreed Some Zionists of the Revision- ing aside for the moment questions of to span from 142 BCE until 92 CE: Ju- ist tendency, following Vladimir Ze’ev historical veracity, the overall message dea received quasi-independence from Jabotinsky, did seize upon the Judaic given is that the late twentieth century the Seleucid Greeks in 142 BCE with expansions of this Second Common- is not the first time Jews were seen as op- the assumption of the office of prince wealth period to solidify a claim to the pressors in the Middle East. and High Priest by Simon and ends East Bank as well as to the land west of To begin with, a summary of the with the last king of the Herodian line, the Jordan River. Jewish historians have Jordanian interpretation of classical era Agrippa II. He ruled largely over non- hotly debated the achievements and the Judea: Recurring if not defining char- Jews including some who lived in what disorders of the Hasmonean state, and its acteristics were the refusal to make due is current-day Jordan and actually op- reputation in the religious world is even with a small state, a persistent problem posed the Jewish revolt against Rome. more sour as, in contravention of Jewish of militancy, the tendency to make war He died in approximately 92 CE.] This law, later rules of the Maccabean line, on neighboring Arabs and service as a is so interesting in part because this they usurped the priesthood as well as client state to greater powers from out- often runs counter to Jewish memory, the monarchy, abrogating the legitimate side the region. Sound familiar? In sum- which in its religious vein chooses to fo- Aharonic and Davidic lineages, respec- mary, the Maccabean state, ultimately cus on the Biblical Davidic kingdom or tively. Though Herod himself lay siege succeeded by a dynasty derived fromthe in its secular variant fastens firmly onto to Jerusalem, apparently desecrating the forcibly converted Idumean peoples the secular and modern Zionist narra- tombs of David and Solomon, the sub- (living on the present-day territory of tive of redemption. stantial world-historical achievements Jordan) though it flew a Jewish banner,

Israel | inFOCUS 11 Anti-western pro-Saddam Hussein demonstrations in Mann, Jordan, during the gulf crisis in 1990. (Photo: Barry Lewis / Alamy)

represented, in the eyes of its neighbors, at any of Jordan’s many historical sites, though the people of Gaza asked for unwelcome forces of modernity and im- it appears only as an adjective modify- Aretas’ help it came too late. perialism, rather than piety or monothe- ing the word “oppression.” One can find istic morality. another depiction of Judea as a ruthless, Not just oppressive but also led by For a deeper look, consult the de- imperialist state inside the renovated a “ruthless” ruler and the echo of a be- scription inside Jordan’s first archeological museum at Petra, the world heritage site leaguered and besieged Gaza is hard not museum on the grounds of the citadel on recently awarded the title of new Won- to cross-reference against contemporary the summit of the capital city of Amman: der of the World. In Jerash, one of the events. It would be surprising if the ef- most extraordinary Roman city ruins fect were entirely unintentional. After the Seleucids achieved domi- in the world, which was once a part of Describing the peaceful, wealthy nation over the entire area from the the Hasmonean kingdom and included and diplomatic regime of the proto-Ara- late 3rd Century BC onwards, the synagogues, mention of any of the Jew- bic Nabatean peoples (who spoke an ear- militant Hasmonean Jews rose up ish connection is conspicuously absent ly Arabic language and migrated from against Greek domination and es- to the point of not labeling a location the Arabian Peninsula northward over tablished their own reign in Pales- where historians agree a synagogue centuries) in contrast to the warlike, tine and the Northern part of Jordan. surely stood: expansionist Herodians, the permanent Most of the Greek cities welcomed exhibit goes onto recount: the Roman army headed by General Aretas II first minted coins, during his Pompey as a liberator from Jewish reign Alexander Janneus was King of King Herod the Great invaded oppression... Judah and he was a ruthless ruler twice, second time taking control of who sought to expand and strength- large parts of the country… Aretas In what I can confirm is the only en the territories of Judah. Around IV whose daughter married Herod instance of the use of the word “Jewish” 100 BC he took control of Gaza and Antipas, son of Herod the Great.

12 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 ADAM J. Selective History and Distortions: Jordan’s Politicized SACKS: Archeology Herod Antipas later divorced Pha- Perhaps even more remarkable is its peaceable proto-Arabian neighbors. saelis in order to marry his brother’s that archeologists now claim to have Furthermore, it had to grapple with the wife Herodias, mother of the famed found the palace site at which that infa- problem of the growing militancy of its Salome, who danced for Herod and mous tale actually may have taken place. population and the persistent ruthlessness in return asked for the head of John Machareus, the fortified hilltop Hero- of its leaders. All the while, even though the Baptist on a platter. The shamed dian palace lies barely 20 miles from the flying a Jewish banner, it was perceived as Phasaelis fled back home to Petra, Jordan River and the border with Israel. a client state of a foreign power that stood escorted by Nabatean guard. Are- Especially remarkable is that this palace for westernization and modernity, in this tas IV, angered by the snub, sent an was first constructed by the Hasmoneans case Rome, whose global hegemony the army to invade Herod’s territory and and then revamped by Herod the Great Jews were seen to serve. captured large parts of it along the precisely to oversee territories on the east As disturbing a picture as this might west bank of the Jordan river. bank of the Jordan. Excavated and digi- appear, sometimes one’s reflection in the eyes of one’s neighbor is worth consul- When examining this sole mention of the Jews in tation and consideration. One would avoid the presence of this selective his- the Hashemite Kingdom one cannot escape the tory only at considerable peril. Entirely impression that Jordanians are really talking about overlooked are the considerable tech- nological and cultural achievements of the contemporary state of Israel... Herod’s Judea, which was often seen as the significant junior partner in Caesar Augustus’s Pax Romana. ❚❚The Message Continues tally reconstructed by a Hungarian team Tthis is literally the long and the So, it appears that duplicity and just a few years back, the site naturally short of what any otherwise uninformed decadence can be added to the cycle of carries special significance for Chris- visitor to Jordan would have to learn war, revenge and retribution between tians. It would also not be farfetched about the Jews and Jewish history. As the Judeans and the proto-Arabs in the to speculate that were Machareus to lie a warning from the past as well as the last century before the Common Era. within Israel it surely would be one of the present, sober narratives of the perils of Left entirely unmentioned is the signifi- main sites of archeological pilgrimage. power might reinforce the exigency of cant Jewish community of Petra which As it is now in Jordan, this site lies on ab- good neighborliness. But just as much undoubtedly contributed to its famous flourishing. Some recent ethnographers have even claimed that the Bedouin of Some recent ethnographers have even claimed Petra have verifiable Israelite ancestral that the Bedouin of Petra have verifiable Israelite trace markers. Jordanian authorities see fit here ancestral trace markers. to refer only to the infamous tale of Salome and John the Baptist. Largely derived from New Testament Gospel solutely none of the major or even minor they could be ample fodder for intran- accounts, some would even claim the tourist itineraries and the one hotel once sigent prejudice. It is a warning from the origins of Christian and therefore global intended to accommodate visitors here past, as well as the present, that a formal anti-Semitism began with the villain- lies a ruin. What few informational plac- peace without historical enlightenment ous portrayal of the Herodians depicted ards exist on the site make no explicit and lacking popular support will be un- there. Putatively secular modern Euro- mention of the Kingdom of Judea or the derstood in the skewed language of an pean culture would also find its uses for Judaic character of the site. “old” Middle East, not the “new.” these tales. Richard Strauss in his 1905 opera of Salome used the Judean court ❚❚What to do With the Picture ADAM J. SACKS, Ph.D., studied his- of Herod as a template to depict “female When we are offered a composite tory at Brown University and an earned hysteria” and critique the decadence of picture by Jordanian archeological au- an MS in education from the City Col- European society brought on, so the thorities of this classical history we are left lege of the City University of New York. implication goes, by the pernicious in- with the impression a Jewish entity that He is joining the faculty of the School fluence of the Jews and especially their refused to make due with a small state and of Humanities of the University of sexually uninhibited women. had a particular tendency to make war on Hong Kong in the Fall as a Lecturer.

Israel | inFOCUS 13 Calling Out the UN Human Rights Council’s Anti-Israel Bias by BENJAMIN WEINTHAL

he pro-Israel community is rarely shy last year. The so-called UN Independent Hamas-organized “March of Re- about lambasting the profoundly in- Commission of Inquiry ignored the role turn,” a multiweek campaign dur- vidious UN Human Rights Council, of the U.S.- and EU-designated terrorist ing which thousands of Gaza civil- Twhich year after year singles out the organization Hamas in engineering the ians−including women and children Jewish state among all the countries of the violence. In an effort to stop Hamas ter- – repeatedly rioted at the border with world for unparalleled criticism. rorists and supporters from entering Is- Israel. Groups of armed Gazans used While written condemnations of the raeli territory, 189 (according to the UN- these riots as cover to attempt to Council’s bias, and quotes to the media, HCR) Palestinians were killed, and 9,204 breach the border. are par for the course (and highly im- (again, according to the UNHCR) people portant), a demonstration in Geneva in were injured. Dubowitz and Kittrie noted: March against the UNHRC infused ef- Israel’s government noted that most forts to debunk the anti-Israel narrative of those killed and injured in the riots Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s leader in with renewed energy. The organization and the attempts to breach the border Gaza, admitted that the march was UN Watch, which seeks to reform the were young men of fighting age, and said designed to generate civilian casual- UN’s reactionary policies and structures, that the number of those injured was in ties – to sacrifice “that which is most termed the event a “historic protest rally.” the range of 4,000. Predictably, the UN dear to us − the bodies of our women UN Watch mobilized the demonstration. report failed to address Hamas’s use and children.” The plan worked, he Hundreds of protestors, including of grenades thrown at Israeli soldiers. claimed, as “our people” forced onto the outspoken American ambassador to Hamas also engages in ecological ter- “the world’s television screens . . . the Germany, Richard Grenell, challenged rorism by dispatching kites and balloons sacrifice of their children.” Hamas the UNHRC’s infamous Agenda Item 7 – across the border to carry out arson at- official Salah Bardawil later admit- defined as a review of the “Human rights tacks and to detonate bombs. The goal is ted that most of those killed by Is- situation in Palestine and other occupied not only environmental destruction but raeli troops defending the border were Arab territories” – the measure used to also to murder Israeli civilians. Hamas operatives. But the television punish Israel at every council session. It The UNHRC and the inquiry inves- images had already done the intended is the UN body’s only permanent element tigators are wholly ill-equipped to ad- damage to Israel’s reputation. targeting a particular state. No country but Israel is permanently singled out for opprobrium at the UNHRC. No country but Israel is permanently singled out for opprobrium at the UNHRC. ❚❚UNHRC and the War Against Israel The UNHRC has devoted seven re- ports to Israel, accusing the Jewish state of dress Hamas’s asymmetrical warfare. As ❚❚At the anti-UNHRC Protest various human rights violations and war Mark Dubowitz and Orde Kittrie, my col- All of this helps to explain why crimes. The most sensitive report dealt leagues at the Foundation for Defense of hundreds of people across Europe, in- with an UN inquiry that concluded in Democracies (FDD) wrote in an August cluding President Donald Trump’s most February 2019 that Israel may have com- 2018 Wall Street Journal commentary: prominent ambassador on the conti- mitted war crimes and crimes against nent, Richard Grenell, participated in humanity during Hamas-sponsored pro- The most prominent recent example the demonstration in front of UNHRC tests/riots on the Gaza Strip-Israel border [of asymmetric warfare, ed.] is the headquarters in Geneva.

14 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 Calling Out the UN Human Rights Council’s Anti Israel Bias BENJAMIN WEINTHAL:

The Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room in the United Nations Headquarter in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo: Martin Lehmann)

“The belief that a single country and commander of British forces in Afghan- council continues politicizing and a single people merit such attention on a istan, spoke at the anti-UNHRC protest. scapegoating of countries with posi- permanent basis. This belief is motivated He commented on the recent UN report: tive human rights records in an at- by one thing: anti-Semitism,” Grenell tempt to distract from the abusers in said at the protest in Switzerland. Agenda I have first-hand knowledge of what their ranks. For too long the human Item 7, “speaks to the fundamental flaws Hamas and the IDF have done and rights council has been a protector of of the Human Rights Council that it sin- I gave evidence to the commission of human rights abusers and a cesspool gles out Israel on a permanent basis.” inquiry. I told them from my profes- of political bias. While Israeli and Jewish media out- sional experience the reality on the lets in the Diaspora covered the rally border, and they did not listen to one Marie van der Zyl, president of the against the anti-Israel discrimination at word of what I said. This report is a Board of Deputies of British Jews, recog- the UNHRC, the American media did not tissue of lies, abuse, prejudice and nized improvement in British policy. “We devote much coverage to the event. For distortion and is not worth the paper congratulate the UK on its new and prin- example, a New York Times dispatch date- it is printed on. cipled stance on announcing that it will lined Geneva noted in one paragraph in fulfill its promise to vote against all resolu- its article about the UNHRC session that Nikki Haley, then–U.S. ambassador tions tabled under the UN Human Rights a protest took place, writing: “The Human to the UN, jolted many UN members Council’s discriminatory Item 7,” said van Rights Council’s activity on Israel prompt- into rethinking their anti-Israel bias. der Zyl. The United Kingdom, however, ed pro-Israeli demonstrations on Monday In June 2018, Haley famously rebuked rankled Israel advocates by abstaining outside the United Nations in Geneva. Se- the UNHRC while announcing the U.S. in March on UNHCR Resolution L25 − nior American diplomats joined Israel’s withdrawal from the body: which was considered under a different ambassador to the United Nations and Agenda Item − accusing Israel of “possible pro-Israeli groups from around Europe Regrettably it is now clear that our war crimes and crimes against humanity.” in denouncing what it called the council’s call for reform was not heeded… Hu- anti-Israeli bias and anti-Semitism.” man rights abusers continue to serve ❚❚Germany’s Anti-Israel Policies To its credit, Voice of America de- on, and be elected to, the council. Germany, while not involved in the voted coverage to Grenell’s remarks. The world’s most inhumane regimes March vote because it is not currently a Col. (ret.) Richard Kemp, former continue to escape scrutiny and the UNHCR member, waged a diplomatic

Israel | inFOCUS 15 war against Israel at the UN in 2018. appeal from the Central Council of Jews admission to the UN, Maas criticized Diplomats working for Chancel- in Germany to proscribe Hezbollah as a the UN’s treatment of the Jewish state, lor Angela Merkel, who said in Israel in terrorist organization, amid rising Jew- stating, “Israel is still being denounced, 2008 that its security is “nonnegotiable” hatred in the Federal Republic. treated in a biased manner and margin- for her administration, voted 16 times to alized inappropriately in UN bodies to condemn the Jewish state in 2018, along- ❚❚Changes on the Horizion? this day.” side authoritarian regimes including the In March, the Free Democratic It is too soon to know whether Maas Islamic Republic of Iran. Out of 21 anti- Party, an opposition party in the Bund- will reverse Berlin’s anti-Israel track re- Israel resolutions that year, Germany’s estag, introduced a pro-Israel resolu- cord at the UN. Germany’s foreign min- ambassador to the UN in New York tion calling on the federal government istry is permeated with anti-Israelism Christoph Heusgen and the country’s to act “in the bodies and specialized and Merkel has made no serious effort to UN diplomats voted 16 times against Is- agencies of the United Nations (such as rope in the hostility toward Israel from rael, and abstained on four. the UN General Assembly, the UN Hu- Maas and the German diplomatic corps. A telling example was that German dip- lomats defended the anti-Semitic policy Out of 21 anti-Israel resolutions (in 2018), of Kuwait Airways to refuse passenger service to Israelis at Frankfurt’s airport. Germany’s ambassador to the UN in New York Sustained pressure, along with criti- Christoph Heusgen and the country’s UN diplomats cal media reports, on Germany’s anti-Is- rael voting record at the UN might lead voted 16 times against Israel, and abstained on four. to fundamental changes during Merkel’s tenure. With Merkel planning to step down as Chancellor in 2021, a left-wing A number of Israeli diplomats see man Rights Council or UNESCO) to German government could intensify Heusgen as stoking anti-Israel bias. dissociate [Germany] from unilateral, Germany’s already anti-Israel voting be- Heusgen in March compared Israel’s se- primarily politically motivated initia- havior at the UN. curity measures against Palestinian ter- tives and alliances of anti-Israeli Mem- rorism with Hamas rocket attacks. Put ber States, and protect Israel and legiti- ❚❚Conclusion simply, for Berlin’s top UN diplomat, a mate Israeli interests from unilateral To return to the protest at the recognized terrorist organization is the condemnation.” Free Democratic Party UNHRC in Geneva, it is worth not- moral equivalent of the only democracy legislators Bijan Djir-Sarai and Frank ing that the list of high-profile speakers in the Middle East. This sort of demoni- Müller-Rosentritt drafted the resolution. along with media attention helped to zation of Israel is allowed by Merkel and Merkel’s governing coalition of Chris- draw attention to contemporary anti- her Social Democratic foreign minister tian Democrat, Christian Social Union Semitism unfolding within an organiza- Heiko Maas. and Social Democrat legislators rejected tion that, in theory and practice, should Maas, who said last year he went the effort to change her administration’s seek to combat modern anti-Semitism. into politics “because of Auschwitz,” has anti-Israel voting pattern. The rise of anti-Semitism in Europe advocated a largely pro-Iranian regime A breakthrough of sorts took place can’t be divorced from UNHRC-spon- policy. His deputy Niels Annen celebrat- in May. Health Minister Jens Spahn, a sored anti-Semitism. One litmus test for ed Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution at Teh- prominent member of Merkel’s cabinet, major European powers, who have been ran’s embassy in February. Annen also played a critical role, for the first time, in complicit in turning Israel into a state rejected a full ban of the terrorist entity rolling-back Germany’s anti-Israel voting punching bag at the UNHRC, will be to Hezbollah in Germany. After the United record at the World Health Organization reverse their anti-Israel voting pattern. Kingdom outlawed all of Hezbollah in (WHO) in Geneva. Spahn is an openly European countries could also consider February, Annen said Germany would gay member of the Christian Democratic replicating the American decision and not ban Hezbollah from its soil. Union party who has criticized Merkel pull the plug on their participation at In addition to the UK, the U.S., Can- over immigration policy. The American the UNHRC because of its theater of the ada, the Netherlands, the Arab League embassy in Berlin tweeted, “Thank you, absurd character. and Israel all classify all of Hezbollah as Jens Spahn, for your leadership in stand- a terrorist entity. The EU and Germany ing against anti-Israel bias at the UN.” BENJAMIN WEINTHAL is divide Hezbollah into so-called political And that same month, while mark- a fellow for the Foundation and military wings. Merkel rejected an ing the 70th anniversary of Israel’s for Defense of Democracies.

16 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 Israel’s Amazing Med-Tech Innovation Stream

[Editor’s note: We wanted to highlight test that determines which bacteria in a MBAs at the Technion (Israel Institute one aspect of Israel’s innovative medi- patient’s body are resistant to which an- of Technology). The two approached the cal research. We couldn’t choose just tibiotics – in just four hours. That com- university’s technology transfer office one – so this article combines three pares favorably with the day or two or and asked which researchers had tech- recent stories reported by Israel21c, more required for traditional diagnostic nologies that were mature enough to be an online magazine dedicated to tests. The result: physicians can more turned into a company. spotlighting Israel’s diverse culture.] quickly prescribe the antibiotics that “We met with five different profes- will work. sors,” Abensur Bessin relates. “We want- Nanosynex: This will entail some change in be- ed something that had a short time-to- Stopping the Superbug Surge havior among doctors, who tend to pre- market—five years or less.” by Brian Blum scribe a broad-based treatment rather That’s how the two were introduced than taking blood or urine samples and to Prof. Shulamit Levenberg, dean of lmost 700,000 people around waiting for results. It’s not that physi- the Technion’s biomedical-engineering the world are estimated to die cians are in cahoots with the bad bacte- faculty. Levenberg and her team had al- each year – not from the illness ria; their patients come in suffering and ready been working for several years on Afor which they went to the doc- doctors want to provide fast relief. “But the microfluidic “chip” that would be- tor or hospital – but from an infection every minute counts when you’re deal- come the basis of the Nanosynex kit. resulting from contact with antibiotic- ing with resistant bacteria,” Abensur Paris-born Abensur Bessin was par- resistant bacteria. Bessin says. If you don’t get your test re- ticularly interested in identifying a med- In the United States alone, two sults back for a couple of days, it may al- ical technology around which to build a million patients contract infections ready be too late to stop resistance from company. Her father has a firm in France from superbugs; 23,000 people die from developing. that distributes diagnostic tools across those infections. Goldman Sachs econ- Antibiotic overprescribing is a Europe. With the marketing channels omist Jim O’Neill estimates that by the particular problem in primary care, already in place, Levenberg’s invention year 2050, more people will die from where it is viruses—not bacteria—that was a match. “We knew there was a huge antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections cause most infections. About 90 per- potential,” Abensur Bessin says. “There than from cancer. cent of all antibiotic prescriptions in was no debate on the need to create this.” One of the ways superbugs develop the United States are issued by general Nanosynex incorporated in 2017 is when a patient is prescribed the wrong practitioners. and has raised $1 million with another antibiotics. The bacteria “learn” from Nanosynex is creating a kit that $500,000 pledged from the Israel Inno- that incorrect treatment and can share will be sold to laboratories; it contains vation Authority. The five-person com- their newfound resistance with other disposable cards, a fluorescent reading pany is operating out of the Technion’s bacteria. “The body becomes an incuba- device and software to do the analysis. in-house accelerator but will be moving tor for resistant bacteria,” explains Diane The technology is based on “mi- to its own offices soon. Abensur Bessin, chief executive officer crofluidic” features, requiring a small- In 2018, Nanosynex was one of 10 of Nanosynex, an Israeli startup work- er quantity of bacteria than other companies accepted into IBM’s Tel Aviv- ing on a novel approach to help physi- testing technologies, Abensur Bessin based accelerator for healthcare start- cians avoid mis-prescribing antibiotics. explains. The sample is mixed with ups. The company receives blood for “If we give a patient the correct a fluorescent dye; the intensity of the testing from Rambam Healthcare Cam- treatment at the right dose, then no re- fluorescent signal is proportional to pus in Haifa and Shaare Zedek Medical sistance will be created, the patient will any bacterial growth. Center in Jerusalem. The head of Ram- be cured faster, and other patients won’t Abensur Bessin came up with the bam’s microbiology department is on be infected by resistant bacteria,” Aben- idea for Nanosynex with co-founder Nanosynex’s scientific advisory board. sur Bessin says. Brazilian native Michelle Heyman, Abensur Bessin says when Nano- Nanosynex’s solution is a diagnostic while both were studying for their synex results were compared with those

Israel | inFOCUS 17 from existing diagnostic devices, “they that costs over $100,000,” says Livne. “We looked at a number of different were exactly the same but done in half The optics add-on would be a dis- infections and vaginal infections stood the time.” posable chip device sold at a pharmacy out because they are very common but Slowing the rise of the superbugs for less than $20. You’d put the relevant unfortunately most women don’t go for is just the start of what Abensur Bessin biological liquid onto the chip, whether treatment because it’s so unpleasant,” hopes will be a “long-lasting business urine, saliva or a teardrop, “in a conve- Livne explains. that will grow internationally.” nient way so it’s not disgusting or unhy- “Possibly 80 percent of women do In the meantime, if your doctor tells gienic. The camera takes and analyzes anything to avoid going to the gynecolo- you to wait a few hours before he or she the pictures and sends you and your gist so they try over-the-counter and prescribes an antibiotic, don’t become physician automatic results.” home remedies instead. But they are in too anxious: it will be for the good of Diagnoz.me is not the only Israeli pain and it lowers their quality of life. your health — and the wellbeing of the company pioneering the home diagnos- We can help these women because col- entire planet. tics sector. lecting the sample and running the test TytoCare of Netanya and New York is very easy and done in private.” Diagnoz.me: sells a home exam kit and app that lets The technology can be adapted to people perform basic medical exams detect each type of relevant bacteria, in Smartphone into Diagnos- guided by a doctor. The device includes this case those that cause vaginal infec- tics Microscope instruments to check ears, throat, heart tions. by Abigail Klein Leichman and lungs, skin and body temperature Diagnoz.me is now raising seed and transmits those images and sounds funding. Livne estimates it will take f your eye is oozing and red and you to the physician. about two to three years for the product suspect you have an infection, you Healthy.io of Tel Aviv, which re- to reach the market. Meanwhile, Livne have to make an appointment with cently raised $18 million in a Series B and Epstein are seeking strategic part- Iyour doctor and get a lab analysis be- round, sells a smartphone-based home nerships and continuing to develop the fore you can start treatment with anti- urinalysis kit and is starting a test-and- product with a medical advisory board biotics. Physicist-turned-biologist Ariel treat service in the UK for urinary-tract including, among others, the former Livne wondered if the whole process infections in collaboration with phar- head of the Women’s Health Depart- could be done at home by pairing some macy chain Boots. ment at the Lin Center in Haifa, and simple optics equipment with his smart- Livne explains that most home di- an obstetrician/gynecologist who heads phone to analyze biological samples – in agnostics developers are using PCR, a Femicare VZW in Belgium. the case of an eye infection, a teardrop. technology that identifies the DNA of That is the basis of the startup Di- specific bacteria. Eosinophils: agnoz.me of Jerusalem, cofounded by Diagnoz.me uses a different tech- Cells related to allergies and Livne in November 2017 with Tamir Ep- nology, fluorescence microscopy, which asthma may destroy cancer stein, with the help of a pre-seed grant has been around for over 100 years – but by Israel21c Staff from the Israel Innovation Authority. it wasn’t until about 2017 that smart- “Our innovation is that we en- phones had the right high-level specs to surprising new study from Israel able the smartphone to see bacteria,” make Diagnoz.me possible. “The physi- finds that malignant colorectal Livne says. “Once you see bacteria you cian receives the same kind of informa- cancer cells can be eliminated can perform medical diagnostics. Our tion as from a lab, including bacterial Awith eosinophils—white blood technology transforms a low-cost dis- count, to know what you have. If you cells that originate in bone marrow and posable together with a regular smart- need a prescription, that can be done may once have killed off intestinal para- phone into a high-end medical diag- electronically as well,” says Livne. sites, but which today are responsible for nostics microscope.” The founders won a 3 million Euro chronic asthma and allergies. Still in the proof-of-concept stage, prize at the Health 2018 Summit held in The research, published in Cancer Diagnoz.me aims to enable patients to Rishon LeZion. Immunology Research this year, was led run tests at home, receive lab-grade re- Livne and Epstein have decided that by Prof. Ariel Munitz of the Tel Aviv sults within minutes and instantly share Diagnoz.me’s first use-case will be vagi- University Sackler School of Medicine them with their physician. nal infections, the most common gyne- department of microbiology and clini- “We have shown that our image- cological problem, accounting for more cal immunology and conducted by his analysis software can detect bacteria as than 10 million office visits per year in doctoral student Hadar Reichman, in accurately as a high-end lab microscope the United States. collaboration with colleagues in Tel Aviv

18 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 BRIAN BLUM and ABIGAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN: Israel’s Amazing Med-Tech Innovation Stream

A eosinophil white blood cell among red blood cells. (Illustration: Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock)

Medical Center’s gastroenterology de- severity of the disease. kill tumors independently of known tu- partment. “Eosinophils are white blood “We found that the higher the mor-fighting cytotoxic T cells.” cells that secrete powerfully destructive number of eosinophils in the tumor, He believes eosinophils could be proteins,” Munitz said. “They may have the less severe the disease, which rep- used in treating cancer if their robust played an evolutionary role in combat- resents a clear correlation,” said Mu- anti-tumor response somehow could be ing parasites. But now that most people, nitz. “We identified that the cancerous unleashed pharmaceutically, or by com- particularly in the West, enjoy good hy- environment attracts these cells, which bining treatments to harness the potent giene and few parasites, the eosinophils infiltrate the tumors and flourish there forces of both eosinophils and cytotoxic have become destructive agents, causing for a long time.” T cells. allergies and asthma. The researchers subsequently tested “We have discovered a new target “Our new research theorized that their hypotheses in various mouse mod- for immunotherapy for cancer patients since eosinophils are capable of killing els of colorectal cancer. They discovered — the eosinophils,” concluded Munitz. parasites and can cause damage in the that eosinophils displayed potent anti- “We hope that our research will serve as lungs of asthma patients, they might play tumor activities and could directly kill a foundation for drug development in a a role in cancer treatment and would be tumor cells. number of different approaches.” able to kill tumor cells.” “We also found that when eosino- The study was supported by the Is- The largest eosinophil reservoir phils were activated by a protein called rael Cancer Research Foundation, the is situated in the digestive system, so IFN-gamma, they induced an even Israel Cancer Association and the Israel the researchers initially decided to test greater tumor-killing response,” Munitz Science Foundation. their theories on colorectal cancer. In explained. “Following various extensive the first stage of research, they selected analyses, we concluded that eosinophils BRIAN BLUM is a journalist and high- samples from tumors of 275 patients to have unique and distinct activities in tech entrepreneur at ISRAEL21c. ABI- determine the number of eosinophils in comparison with other cells present in GAIL KLEIN LEICHMAN is a writer a tumor as compared with the stage and the tumor. For example, eosinophils can and associate editor at ISRAEL21c.

Israel | inFOCUS 19 Israel at the UN: Marking Progress An inFOCUS interview with Ambassador DANNY DANON Ambassador Danny Danon is Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, having previously served as a member of the Knesset, as Minister of Science, Technology and Space, and as Deputy Minister of Defense. His term as Permanent Representative has seen several notable achievements: recognition of Yom Kippur as an Official UN holiday; acceptance to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space; consultative status for two Israeli NGOs; adoption of an Israeli UN resolution on Agricultural Technologies for Sustainable Development by the General Assembly. Israel held the first ever international summit at the UN against the boycott, divestment and sanction movement, and the Israeli Mission hosted event in remembrance of the Jews persecuted in Arab countries. In June 2016, Danon was elected as chair of the UN Legal Committee, the first Israeli ever to hold a committee chairmanship.

inFOCUS: ​It seems there’s a dif- looking forward to more of Amb. Danon: We​ are very grateful for ference between Israel’s rela- those kinds of votes? the position your previous ambassador tions government-to-govern- Nikki Haley took at the UN in public ment with many countries and the way those same countries behave in the United Nations. Is this something that you have Israel is coming back to Africa – and Africa is seen and is there a way to deal coming back to Israel and we are very proud of that. with that?

Amb. Danon: I​ feel that there is a gap between the public UN and the private UN where publicly they will condemn Amb. Danon: Yes,​ I think so, but we support during the votes of moral clar- Israel, but privately they will admire have to convince people more. That’s ity. We appreciate that endorsement for Israel. I am pleased to think I was able what I have to do and in every bilateral us and it is good when other countries to close that gap in the time that I was meeting I have with a head of state, I see that the U.S. is behind Israel. elected to my previous position at the tell him, “The great bilateral relations UN, and now more and more countries or trade relations that you have with Is- iF: ​Do you think that being the are publicly supporting Israel. We saw it rael, we want to see that reflected also first Israeli elected to a UN in the vote that took place last December here in the multinational arena when it Committee – the Legal Commit- about a resolution condemning Hamas comes to a vote in the UN.” And as we tee – helped other countries and its attacks on Israel - where we got meet more people, the fact that they are to see Israel in a more positive 87 of the member states publicly to vote afraid or shy about bringing it up – as if light? And what do you see for the condemnation and only 57 voted it means admitting to it – to me means coming after it? against the condemnation. [Editors Note: that we should bring it up. It failed to reach the 2/3 majority needed Amb. Danon: ​It was a very important to pass.] iF: Is​ some of that related to precedent when I began to run for that the position of the United position. Many people in Israel were skep- iF: ​Do you think this is a trend States government? How we tical about the chances to get elected. But that we’ll see more of, are you behave in the UN? I said that even if we lose it it’s a victory,

20 inFOCUS | Summer 2019

Ambassador DANNY DANON: Interview but I won and I received the support of 109 member states. It was a very impor- tant precedent. And when I chaired the committee, many countries recognized that Israel, just like any member state, could handle it properly, professionally and we achieved a lot as the chair of the committee. Now I think all positions are open for Israel at the UN. I think our next role should be a seat in the Security Council of the United Nations. It is about time, after 71 years, that Israel should sit in the Security Council. iF: ​Do you think that you will get it?

Amb. Danon: I​ don’t believe in my life that we will get anything. We have to fight, to demand and I think we have to start a campaign, collect the support and the votes – and eventually we’ll be there. My philosophy is that I think we can make it happen. iF: Can​ you talk about Israel’s relations with the African countries. Is there a group of African countries that Israel calls friends in the UN?

Amb. Danon: ​Sure. I have brought many ambassadorial delegations on missions to Poland to visit [the concen- tration camp at] Auschwitz and then to Israel, and many from Africa joined me. Ambassador Danny Danon I think today we are experiencing a new between those and the West- in the EU for that. But you need full con- era with Africa. Israel is coming back to ern Europeans. Israel seems sensus among the 28 EU member states Africa – and Africa is coming back to to do better with Hungary to pass such a resolution, and some of Israel and we are very proud of that. I and Czech Republic and those those countries you mentioned blocked don’t want to name names but I think we countries than France and it. I think today we have very important have to name at least one name, which Germany. friends, we are grateful for that. We have is Rwanda, with which we work very other issues but we deal with them. Do- closely at the UN and we even opened an Amb. Danon: Increasingly,​ our Eastern mestic anti-Semitism in Europe is one of embassy a few months ago in Kigali, the European friends are not afraid to take them. But we are of between making the capital of Rwanda. positions supporting Israel within the Eu- distinction between collaborating with ropean Union (EU), within the UN, and them in the international arena but at the iF: The​ other group of coun- we are grateful for that. One example is same time demanding more action in the tries that is interesting to when President Trump decided to move domestic arena. us is the Central European the United States Embassy to Jerusalem, countries and the Visegrad a few Western European countries tried iF: ​Turkey being a special case. countries, and the difference to pass a resolution condemning the U.S. Do you have problems with

Israel | inFOCUS 21 Turkey in the UN? Sunni Arabs as well as us, so we do have by having direct dialogue. Amb. Danon: Unfortunately,​ we see that to work together. Not only the leaders every once in a while, Turkey is trying but also people-to-people. iF: In​ the United States some- to lead a fight against Israel in order to Regarding the Organization of the times it seems as if Ameri- score points domestically. Whether it Islamic Conference (OIC) and division can Christians, Evangelical is issues with Gaza or the Palestinians, with the Islamic countries, yes, it’s a Christians especially, believe Turkey tries to stir the pot. We have felt large group but we are fortunate because more firmly that Israel is the Turkey’s involvement in many resolu- they don’t always vote against Israel. homeland of the Jewish people tions against Israel. And we can work with many countries than some of the Jewish orga- in the OIC. nizations. I’m not going to ask iF: ​Let’s move slightly to a dif- you to comment on Jewish or- ferent area, and that is the iF: ​In 1967 the UN Security ganizations but how do you Sunni Arab countries. First, Council passed Security Coun- work with them? In your role as Israel and the Gulf Arab cil Resolution 242, which as ambassador to the United states talk to each other in required the Arabs to do Nations, how do you deal with different ways, do you see a something, to give Israel the the American Jewish Commu- problem with what used to be recognition of its legitima- nity? called the Arab Street? And cy in the region. Most of the second, the Islamic Block in peace process conversation Amb. Danon: I​ work very closely with the Jewish community, and in general we have tremendous support coming from them. I marched on Fifth Avenue ​I think that we should respect all UN resolutions, in the Israel Day parade, and I receive that same support every day. So, we are but in order to look forward, the bottom line is to grateful for that support. Yes, sometimes have direct negotiations. we have difficulties, we have criticisms – and we are open to that – but overall, I believe that we do have the support of the Jewish community, and we welcome that. And no matter what happens in the the UN is a big problem for Is- we’ve been hearing is not about U.S., no matter the political situation I rael, anything they don’t want the Arab states and Arab rela- think the support will continue. is unlikely to pass. How do you tions with Israel, but rather deal with both of those issues? the Palestinians. Is the goal iF: ​And you meet with them reg- of UN resolution 242 still con- ularly? Amb. Danon: We​ do collaborate with sidered Israeli policy and is it many countries quietly at the UN. I still considered UN policy? Amb. Danon: Absolutely,​ whenever I went to Dubai two years ago. And we need them to be involved I will call them have quiet relations with many other Amb. Danon: I​ think that we should to speak about and discuss the challeng- countries. I think we can expect more. respect all UN resolutions, but in order es that we have, and some of them will When I speak with my colleagues I tell to look forward, the bottom line is to offer their help and solutions. them they should not be afraid of so- have direct negotiations. That’s what I called public opinion. When you hear tell my colleagues in the Security Coun- iF: One​ of the things on the President Sisi, the way he speaks about cil. We can speak to you about history, table is the Trump administra- the importance of the peace treaty with about revolutions but when you look at tion’s efforts at peacemaking, Israel – I think if he can do that every- the actual reality in the Middle East, which has been delayed for body else can do that. So that’s why the only way to move forward is to have different reasons. Does Israel we expect more from those countries, direct dialogue exactly like we did with have an opportunity to have especially when we have a common the Egyptians after many wars and with input into the thinking of the enemy and a common threat. Iran is the Jordanians. So yes, we can go back to president’s envoys? Are they do- spreading a lot of money around the re- history and speak about resolutions, but ing this while they talk to you gion and provoking hatred. Against the I think the only way to move forward is or is it more that they’re going

22 inFOCUS | Summer 2019

Ambassador DANNY DANON: Interview to come to Israel with a plan? Amb. Danon: Indeed,​ the U.S. is our countries of the United Na- Amb. Danon: It​ will be an American greatest friend. We do have other tions - friend countries and plan, not an Israeli plan, and we respect friends and we are grateful for them other countries – about Is- the efforts of the administration and – Canada, Australia and many, many rael. What should they know the work that is being done very seri- other countries as well, and we are that they may not know, that ously. The president’s team met with grateful for them all. With Russia and you want them to know? many, many Israelis and they heard a lot of opinions, but at the end they will come up with their own recommenda- tions. But we will respect their offering; ​I work very closely with the Jewish community, and we will be open-minded as we will look at it. Unlike the Palestinians, who say in general we have tremendous support coming in Gaza that they will ignore it and they from them. will reject it without even opening the file. This is not the case with Israel. We will be more open-minded and respect- ful, both of the plan and of the effort to put it forward. China, we have strong bilateral rela- tions but many times when it comes to Amb. Danon: It​ is, actually, a short iF: I​ love that answer. In the votes in the Security Council they will answer. They should take a step back context of UN, the United oppose the U.S. and they will oppose and look at Israel with a new lens. We States has been Israel’s clos- the position of the U.S. But we do have are here and want to work with them. est friend on the UN Security a dialogue with them; we do speak with I think they can look at what we have Council and elsewhere. How them, we engage with them, but we achieved in 71 short years, and know we are you doing with Russia and don’t always get their support. are eager to help them to improve their China? Israel seems to have a lives as well. new relationship with Russia iF: ​My last question, which you outside of the UN. Is that re- can spend the next hour on iF: Mister​ Ambassador thank you. flected in the UN? because the question is, what would you like to tell the Amb. Danon: My​ pleasure.

Chairman: Richard Fox Board of Fellows: The Jewish Richard Baehr, William J. Bennett, Honorary Chairman: Mona Charen, Midge Decter, Policy Center Sheldon B. Kamins David Frum, Rabbi Daniel Lapin, Michael A. Ledeen, Michael Board Vice Chairmen: Medved, David Novak, Daniel Marshall J. Breger Pipes, John Podhoretz, Norman Michael David Epstein Podhoretz, Dennis Prager, Ilya Shapiro, Tevi Troy, Ruth Wisse General Counsel: Jeffrey P. Altman

Board of Trustees: Diana Epstein, Cheryl Halpern, Joel Hoppenstein, Eliot Lauer, J. Philip Rosen, Walter Stern

Israel | inFOCUS 23 Terror and Anti-Semitism in the Physiology of BDS by DAN DIKER

he roots of the Boycott Divest- unmasks BDS’s tyrannical character U.S. State Department’s 2010 definition ment Sanctions (BDS) were plant- and helps shift the public discourse of anti-Semitism and the internation- ed in radical left wing and Is- from considering BDS a grassroots, ally accepted International Holocaust Tlamist soil, and its extremist goal political protest campaign, to recogniz- Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) 2016 is eliminating the State of Israel. Since ing it as the radical-left version of the working definition of anti-Semitism, 2018, powerful evidence has emerged better-known right-wing extremists’ which includes, “denying the Jewish exposing BDS’s anti-Semitic physiol- totalitarian crusades that have demon- people their right to self-determination, ogy, its “DNA” that includes ideological ized Jews as pretexts to massacre them. e.g., by claiming that the existence of a “genes” from Islamic and Palestinian State of Israel is a racist endeavor.” nationalist terror organizations. ❚❚It’s About Israel’s Existence. The BDS movement is embodied by Though BDS presents itself to the ❚❚BDS Denies Israel’s Exis- an anti-Semitic anatomy that categori- West as a peaceful, nonviolent, grass- tence as a Jewish State cally denies Israel’s right to exist. BDS is roots organization that seeks social Despite the IHRA’s definition of not, as is commonly thought in Western justice and human rights for Palestin- anti-Semitism, BDS leaders and activ- circles, a political critique of the Jew- ian Arabs, it obscures its operations via ists have remained uncompromising in ish State’s longstanding security poli- Palestine Liberation Organization and branding Israel an illegal and illegiti- cies against Palestinian terror. Neither Hamas-affiliated NGOs (non-govern- mate implant in the Middle East. Bargh- is BDS intended as legitimate criticism mental organizations) in the Palestin- outi has said, “No Palestinian, a rational of decades-old governmental policy ian Authority-controlled city of Ramal- Palestinian not a sell-out Palestinian, of building and developing communi- lah and the BDS leadership in the Gaza will ever accept a Jewish state in Pales- ties east of the 1949 armistice lines in Strip. BDS activities in both areas are in- tine.” Lara Kiswani, executive director the West Bank and the Golan Heights. tegrally connected to Islamic and Marx- of the Arab Resource and Organizing BDS founder Omar Barghouti has stated ist-Leninist terror organizations. BDS Center stated, “We’re resisting colonial- ism in Palestine, and colonialism entails all of occupied Palestine, from Haifa, to The Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement Jerusalem, to Ramallah.” Denying the Jewish people the right to self-determi- against Israel is embodied by an anti-Semitic anatomy nation, including by claiming that the that categorically denies Israel’s right to exist… existence of the State of Israel is a rac- ist endeavor, is precisely described in the clauses of the IHRA definition. Even more egregiously, anti-Semitic in no uncertain terms that, “Definitely, has masked its goals in the language of statements made by the Islamist terror most definitely, we oppose a Jewish State justice and human rights. organization Hamas, which sits on the in any part of Palestine.” To be clear, the Palestinian-led BDS National Committee, have called Understanding the anti-Semitic global BDS movement does not ex- for genocide of the Jews in its charter, and terror physiology of the global ist just to criticize Israeli policy; it cat- which states (Article 7): “The last hour BDS crusade is important for two rea- egorically rejects Israel’s existence as the would not come until the Muslims will sons: it facilitates governmental and nation-state of the Jewish people. BDS fight against the Jews and the Muslims parliamentary action by democratic rejectionism explains why the move- would kill them, until the Jews would countries; and equally far-reaching, it ment by definition contravenes both the hide themselves behind a stone or a tree

24 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 DAN DIKER: Terror in the Physiology of BDS and Anti-Semitism

Graffiti on the Israeli security barrier dividing the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Abu Dis. (Photo: Ryan Rodrick Beiler) and a stone or a tree would say: Muslim, Palestinian Liberation Front, and other to its constituent terror group members the servant of Allah, there is a Jew be- largely European-funded political orga- being outlawed by the U.S. and the EU. hind me; come and kill him.” nizations sit as co-equal members of the The Ramallah- and later Gaza-based It is no surprise that the new anti- BDS National Committee (BNC), which BDS crusade has exported its ideology Semitism calling for the destruction of was founded in Ramallah in 2007. and tactics to university campuses across the Jewish state is voiced by Hamas and The above-mentioned organizations the United States and Europe. Students Hezbollah, whose paymaster is Iran, a fall under the umbrella of the PNIF – the for Justice in Palestine (SJP) has become regime that has promised the annihila- Palestinian National and Islamic Forces its arm on approximately 250 university tion of the State of Israel since the mul- in Palestine. The PNIF was founded in campuses across North America. BDS lahs took power in the late 1970s. 2000 during the so-called “second inti- is a classic anti-Semitic political warfare fada” (known in Israel as the “al-Aqsa campaign, masquerading as a human ❚❚The BDS National Commit- terror war”) by Yasser Arafat and Mar- rights, social justice, and equality organi- tee in Ramallah and Gaza wan Barghouti, head of the al-Aqsa Mar- zation while harassing, intimidating, and Palestinian terror groups outlawed tyrs Brigade, an offshoot of Fatah. (Ara- even assaulting Jews and Israel-friendly in the United States and European Union, fat’s Fatah is the largest PLO faction.) students on campus. The AMCHA Ini- including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, (a It was inspired by both pan-Arab and tiative headed by Professor Tammi Ross branch of the Iranian regime), Hamas, Islamic ideologies. PNIF’s aim during Benjamin at the University of California the Popular Front for the Liberation of the intifada was to coordinate terror and Santa Cruz has documented the demon- Palestine, PFLP General Command, political action against Israel, which led strable and intensifying anti-Semitic

Israel | inFOCUS 25 activity of BDS organizations, particu- larly in its 2018 report. SJP activity has included swastika graffiti on campus following a Gaza solidarity weekend at the University of North Carolina, and the posting of mock eviction notices on doors of Jew- ish students’ dorm rooms at Emory University in Georgia, to name two ex- amples among scores. These expressions of anti-Semitic intimidation and harass- ment have silenced pro-Israel and even “Israel-neutral” students. The SJP national network was founded by a former mid-level Hamas affiliate, Hatem Bazian, who today is a professor at University of California- Berkeley. Bazian has called for the sub- version of the United States in addition to his denial of Israel’s right to exist. He is chairman of AMP, American Mus- A pro-BDS protester. (Photo: Takver/Flickr) lims for Palestine, a direct outgrowth of three Hamas-supporting organiza- states, managed to push through the UN doublespeak revealing his lack of sincer- tions: the Islamic Association for Pales- General Assembly adoption of the infa- ity in the peace process. His successors tine, Kind Hearts, and the Holy Land mous “Zionism is racism” resolution in in the Palestinian-controlled areas of the Foundation for Relief and Develop- 1975, which was annulled in 1991. “Zi- West Bank and Gaza are like-minded, ment, which were either disbanded or onism is racism” as an idea, was hatched using one set of terms in Arabic, and an- closed following the al-Qaeda Sept. 11, in 1965, when the Soviet Union, the arch other that is palatable to Westerners. 2001 attacks in New York, Washington, anti-Semitic power at the time in the Arafat’s strategy to mainstream Pal- and Pennsylvania. Holy Land was des- General Assembly, refused to recognize estinian political anti-Semitism against ignated a terror-financing organization anti-Semitism as a form of racism, such the Jewish state climaxed in 2001 at and shuttered by the American govern- as apartheid or Nazism. In the USSR, the UN-sponsored World Conference ment. AMP was the outgrowth of and “Zionist” was a euphemism for Jew. Against Racism (WCAR), also known as populated by unindicted members of Arafat and his comrades learned to Durban I. In South Africa, at Durban’s these three organizations. Unsurpris- employ political warfare from the So- NGO Forum, Israel was targeted as the ingly, Hatem Bazian also serves as viets and the North Vietnamese, who embodiment of evil, and like the apart- president of SJP. It doesn’t take a micro- encouraged the PLO to market its ter- heid regime in South Africa, would have scope to detect the anti-Semitic DNA of rorist insurgence as “resistance” in the to be dismantled. Durban’s final declara- the leading BDS movements today on American college campuses.

❚❚Historical Roots: Arafat at Anti-Israel activists insist that anti-Semitism can the U.N. only be perpetrated against Jews as individuals or The anti-Semitic rhetoric that is characteristic of the BDS movement was groups, but not against the State of Israel. previewed by PLO leader Yasser Arafat, who, in his 1974 speech at the United Nations, labeled Zionism “racism.” He called for a “world free of colonialism, “people’s war” strategy they themselves tion affirmed Israel’s “Acts of genocide imperialism, neo-colonialism, and rac- used in their wars with the West. Ara- and practices of ethnic cleansing as a ism… including Zionism.” Arafat, to- fat’s cries of “Jihad, jihad!” in Morocco, racist system, which is Israel’s brand of gether with anti-Western “non-aligned” immediately after the Oslo Accords, was apartheid.” Durban’s NGO declaration

26 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 DAN DIKER: Terror in the Physiology of BDS and Anti-Semitism is widely considered the anti-Semitic fuel the most terrible chapter in German IHRA and State Department definitions. that powered the global BDS movement. history,” reviving memories of the Nazi Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has similarly This movement was conceptualized in motto, “Don’t buy from Jews.” French delegitimized Israel by engaging in Ho- 2002, piloted by the Palestinian Aca- President Emmanuel Macron has de- locaust revision, saying that Palestinian Arabs assisted Holocaust survivors in Israel, a complete fabrication and even ...the language they employ when referring to Israel inversion of the historical record. includes the terms Nazi, apartheid, racist, and Anti-Israel activists insist that anti-Semitism can only be perpetrated genocidal regime, which all fall under the IHRA against Jews as individuals or groups, definition of vilification... but not against the State of Israel. How- ever, the language they employ when referring to Israel includes the terms demic and Cultural Boycott of Israel in clared BDS to be anti-Semitic, as have Nazi, apartheid, racist, and genocidal 2004, and formally launched in 2007 as Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian regime, which all fall under the IHRA the BDS National Committee. Democratic Union party and outgoing definition of vilification of Israel that British Prime Minster Theresa May. represents the same historical patterns ❚❚Countering BDS and messages embodied in classic anti- One way of combatting BDS’s an- ❚❚The Challenge to America Semitic incitement. ti-Semitic character is to refer to the In the United States, Elan Carr, Pres- Overcoming the anti-Semitic BDS IHRA definition, which was adopted ident Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for crusade is a challenging task that re- by the U.S. State Department and vir- Monitoring and Combating Anti-Sem- quires moral clarity and strong political tually all European governments. The itism, has said that there is no distinc- will. The underlying principle motivating IHRA definition is based on the prin- tion between anti-Semitism and anti- this mission was stated cogently by Na- ciples of the “three Ds” test (Demoni- Zionism. Governors of all 50 states, 27 of tan Sharansky at a March 2019 consul- zation, Delegitimization, and Double which have outlawed BDS, have spoken tation on the new anti-Semitism held at Standards) formulated by former Israeli out against the movement. On the other the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. Minister and Soviet Prisoner of Zion, Natan Sharansky, together with Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer. The 3 Ds determine what con- stitutes anti-Semitism against Israel as Overcoming the anti-Semitic BDS crusade is a the collective Jew. Claims of dual loyalty challenging task that requires moral clarity and by Jews, using classic anti-Semitic sym- bols or tropes against Israel, Holocaust strong political will. denial or revision, denial of Jewish self- determination, branding Israel “a racist endeavor, applying double standards, or holding Jews collectively responsible for what happens in Israel” – all fall under hand, some American politicians such Sharansky invoked the former Soviet dic- the IHRA definition. as Congresswoman Rep. Ilhan Omar tator Joseph Stalin, saying, “History has With anti-Semitism rampant in the (D-MN) have perpetuated the charade come full circle, and just as in the ‘good British Labor Party, and violence against of anti-Semitism hiding as political old days’ of Stalin when they spoke of Jews in France and Germany reaching critique of Israel. Omar who famously Zionist, they meant Jews, and when they unprecedented post-World War II lev- tweeted about American Jews exhibiting spoke of Jews, they meant Israel.” els in 2018, some European leaders are loyalty to a foreign power, has also stat- beginning to wake up. In May 2019, the ed, “Drawing attention to the apartheid DAN DIKER is a Fellow and Senior Proj- German parliament passed a resolution Israeli regime is far from hating Jews.” ect Director at the Jerusalem Center for condemning BDS as anti-Semitic, noting These quotes masquerade as criticism Public Affairs where he heads the Pro- that, “the pattern of argument and meth- of Israel, drawing in political progres- gram to Counter Political Warfare and ods of the movement are anti-Semitic,” sives, when in reality, they are demon- BDS. His most recent book is Decep- and that “their ‘Don’t Buy’ stickers recall strably anti-Semitic polemics, under the tion: Unmasked, with Adam Shay (2019).

Israel | inFOCUS 27 Israel: A Security Asset for the United States by SHOSHANA BRYEN

ne of the few points of unbound- ❚❚Where We’ve Been and increasingly desperate Iran, is as much in ed bipartisan agreement in Where We Are need of capable allies now as it ever was. Washington has for decades been The origins of U.S.-Israel security At the same time, as the Syrian civil Othat U.S.-Israel security coopera- cooperation are in the Cold War under- war winds down and ISIS is bereft of its tion is right, good, mutually beneficial standing that the United States could not land base and oil revenues (though not and worth every nickel spent on it. It is engage all the adversaries of all its allies its threat capabilities), Israel finds itself well–grounded in facts and acknowl- and friends around the world. with new, positive relations in the Sunni edged benefits to both sides. The first US-Israel Memorandum Arab world, a deeper relationship with Today, however, support for Israel of Understanding (MOU) on military Russia on security matters, and politi- is becoming polarized. Even within the cooperation was signed in 1981, recog- cal hostility in Europe that has not yet United States military, younger officers – nizing “the common bonds of friend- manifested itself in a lowering of secu- and certainly cadets and midshipmen in ship between the United States and Is- rity cooperation. Israel’s place in NATO’s the service academies – have been exposed rael and builds on the mutual security Mediterranean Dialogue appears secure, to one or more of the following canards: relationship that exists between the two despite the increasingly hostile relations • That a close relationship with Israel nations.” It was embraced warily at first with Turkey – which are also a reflection precludes a close relationship with Arab States. This despite the clear shift in Gulf Arab States’ position not only on Israel as a partner in addressing Iran, but also Israel went from being considered a net security Israel as a legitimate state in the region. • That the United States is defend- consumer to net security producer... ing the State of Israel. This despite the fact that no American soldier has been dispatched to defend Israel, and despite the return of more than 75% of Ameri- – the Americans were unconvinced they of Turkey’s increasingly hostile relations ca’s security assistance funds through would receive anything of value and the with the rest of NATO. purchases in the United States – plus the Israelis were concerned about continued The United States is Israel’s ally of results of Israel’s research and develop- freedom of action. first choice. And Israel remains the one ment. This percentage is set to rise. But, it worked. Israel went from be- country the United States can rely on to • That Israel uses American security ing considered a net security consumer defend itself by itself and in coordination assistance to oppress hapless Palestin- to net security producer, meaning the with American interests. ians. This despite the facts of security as- United States did not have to expend re- sistance above, and Israel’s clear need for sources to defend Israel, and Israel par- ❚❚But Why? border security. ticipated in making the Middle East and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks believes The election of several pro-boy- eastern Mediterranean regions more se- it has to do with the unique nature of our cott members of the House of Repre- cure by its presence. two societies, starting with the Jewish sentatives, and the retirement of sev- Today, the volatility of the Middle is people’s demand of the prophet Samuel eral staunch supporters of Israel are unlikely to be constrained. The United to have a king. God told Samuel to ex- indications that this misinformation States, desirous of removing its soldiers plain what having a king would mean, will continue its malicious spread in from the region even as it understands the and if the Israelites still wanted one, to Washington. risk attendant to a resurgent Russia and give them one. Rabbi Sacks:

28 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 SHOSHANA BRYEN: Israel: A Security Asset for the United States

An allied fighter jet taxis out to the runway during Blue Flag, a multilateral exercise hosted by the Israeli Air Force in 2017. (Photo: IDF)

What happened in the days of the two things are often confused, but ac- Covenant is central to the Mayflower Prophet Samuel is a social con- tually they’re quite different. Compact of 1620. It is central to the tract, exactly on the lines set out by In a contract, two or more people speech of John Winthrop aboard the Thomas Hobbes in “The Leviathan.” come together to make an ex- Arbela in 1630. It is presupposed in People are willing to give up certain change… which is to the benefit of the the most famous line of the Decla- of their rights, transfer them to a self-interest of each. ration of Independence… “We hold central power, a king, a government, A covenant isn’t like that. It’s more these truths to be self-evident, that all who undertakes to ensure the rule of like a marriage than an exchange… men are created equal and endowed law internally and the defense of the A covenant isn’t about me, the vot- by their Creator with certain inalien- realm externally. er, or me, the consumer, but about able rights.” In fact, One Samuel, Chapter Eight all of us together. Or in that lovely They are self-evident only to people is the first recorded instance in all of key phrase of American politics, it’s who have internalized the Hebrew history of a social contract. about “We, the people.” Bible. But what makes the Hebrew Bible Biblical Israel had a society long be- unique… and makes it completely fore it had a state… And there is only End, Rabbi Sacks. different from Hobbes and Locke and one nation known to me that had That is the center of America’s secu- Jean-Jacques Rousseau is that this the same dual founding as biblical rity relationship with Israel – the notion wasn’t the first founding moment of Israel, and that is the United States that our two countries have the same Israel as a nation, as a political en- of America which has its social cov- founding principles, the same respect for tity. That took place at Mount Sinai enant in the Declaration of Indepen- the social contract and for the social cov- when the people made with God not dence in 1776 and its social contract enant. I have taken more than 400 Amer- a contract but a covenant. And those in the Constitution in 1787. ican security professionals – primarily

Israel | inFOCUS 29 U.S. Soldiers with the 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment and Israeli soldiers during Austere Challenge 2012 in Hazor, Israel. (Photo: SSgt Tyler Placie/ U.S. Department of Defense)

retired American admirals and generals of the world capabilities complement those of the U.S.; – to Israel in more than 30 trips. And at • A well-developed military infrastructure its intelligence services cooperate closely the other end of their careers, I have sent • The ability to maintain, service, and with ours – to our benefit; and large num- more than 500 cadets and midshipmen repair U.S.-origin equipment bers of American troops train in Israel. of our service academies to Israel before • An excellent deep-water port in Haifa Added in 2006: The establishment of they received their commissions. And I • Modern air facilities police-to-police counterterrorism train- can say that they all understood the fun- • A position close to sea-lanes and abil- ing in Israel. Can you imagine the Amer- damental and profound principles that ity to project power over long distances ican police learning tactics from Saudi guide both the United States and Israel. • A domestic air force larger than Arabia, China or Venezuela? They don’t always agree with Israel’s many in Western Europe and possessing politics – or Israel’s defense choices – or more up-to-date hardware ❚❚The Practical Result any other single aspect of Israeli political, • Multilingual capabilities, including In 1967, in the 1970 War of Attrition, military and social life, but I never found facility in English, Arabic, French, Farsi in 1973, and over Lebanon in 1982, Israel one that didn’t believe in the relationship and the languages of the (former) Soviet fought pro-Soviet forces and provided between Jews and the land of Israel, and Union intelligence information and Russian between Israel and the United States. • Combat familiarity with Soviet/Rus- equipment to the U.S. Most of the equip- sian style tactics and equipment ment had never been inspected close-up ❚❚The Practical Relationship • The ability to assist U.S. naval fleets, by American troops that then expected Starting there – and you have to start including common equipment to face them in battle. there – you quickly reach the practical • The ability to support American opera- It was the aftermath of Israel’s Yom aspects of our partnership. Those haven’t tions and to provide emergency air cover Kippur war that led to the American changed since 1979, when I first pub- • A democratic political system with a “combined arms doctrine” that was so lished a “quick reference guide” to securi- strong orientation to support the United successfully deployed in Operation Des- ty cooperation. Israel brings to the party: States and the NATO system. ert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990/1991. • A secure location in a crucial part Added in 1996: Israel’s military R&D In 1981, Israel’s bombing of the Iraqi

30 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 SHOSHANA BRYEN: Israel: A Security Asset for the United States nuclear reactor at Osirak meant the U.S. purchased a variety of Israeli-developed exercise in which Israel and the UAE flew knew it wouldn’t be facing a nuclear- systems and participated in joint de- together, signaling a change in Israel’s re- armed Iraq in 1991. velopment of anti-tunnel defenses, the lations with Persian Gulf countries. After 9-11, Israel “opened the clos- Arrow Missile Program, the F-35 Joint Late last year, Israel hosted the larg- ets” for the U.S., supplying battle-tested Strike Fighter Plane, THEL Laser Pro- est aerial training exercise in its history experience in combating terrorism and gram, the Advanced Urban Combat – Blue Flag, in the Negev Desert. Seventy urban warfare. Americans benefitted Training Facility as well as Iron Dome. foreign aircraft from around the world, from Israel’s tactics against car bombs, After the 2014 Gaza War, during hundreds of pilots and air support IEDs and homicide bombing. which Israel was roundly criticized by team members. Participants included After the 2003 allied invasion of the American administration for alleg- the United States, France, Italy, Greece, Iraq, American military personnel were edly not taking proper precautions to Poland, Germany, and India. It was the first time French, German and Indian contingents have trained in Israel. In 1981, Israel’s bombing of the Iraqi nuclear And if you thought you would ever see the Luftwaffe flying in Israel, you reactor at Osirak meant the US knew it wouldn’t be have a better imagination than I do. facing a nuclear-armed Iraq in 1991. Reciprocally, this year Israel partici- pated in US-EUCOM’s Spirit X exercise in Germany with nearly 4,400 American and European troops. being introduced to Israel’s bomb-sniff- limit Palestinian civilian casualties, the ing dogs. The U.S. wanted such dogs, but Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ❚❚Conclusion the training period is fairly long. The IDF Gen. Martin Dempsey said: Israel and the United States are was willing to make Israeli dogs avail- drawn together by common values and able, but they only took commands in Israel… did some extraordinary common threats to our well-being. The Hebrew. It was quicker to train the Ma- things to try to limit civilian casual- bipartisan support of our ally Israel is rines than retrain the dogs, making some ties, to include… making it known a testament to those values as well as to interesting scenes in Baghdad that they were going to destroy a the practical recognition that the threats In September 2007, the IAF de- particular structure. The IDF is not require cooperation in intelligence, stroyed a Syrian-North Korean nuclear interested in creating civilian casu- technology, and security policy. plant, extending the U.S.’s strategic arm alties. They’re interested in stopping We have that with Israel. But more and providing vital information on Rus- the shooting of rockets and missiles than that, the United States and Israel sian air defense systems, which are also out of the Gaza Strip and into Israel. share an intimate understanding of na- employed by Iran. tionhood. The British – our other best General Dempsey surprised his au- friends in the world – can’t say that ❚❚In Today’s World dience – the Carnegie Council for Ethics rights are inalienable and come from Not a single American serviceper- son needs to be stationed in Israel. Aside from training missions, there have been American soldiers stationed in Israel Americans benefitted from Israel’s tactics against since 2009, working with the US-Israeli car bombs, IEDs and homicide bombing. co-designed X-band radar system – a de- ployment that helps the U.S. and Israel monitor threats from the east. And, as a reminder, Israel’s missile in International Affairs – by telling them The Creator. For the British, rights came defense capabilities – developed and he had already sent an American delega- from the earthly King or Queen, and produced in conjunction with American tion to Israel to learn lessons from the only those rights the sovereign chose to industry – not only protect Israel from IDF, “including,” he said, “the measures give – which is why we had a Revolution. Hamas and Hezbollah missiles, but pro- they took to prevent civilian casualties.” tect the United States from emerging Israel has been a partner in U.S. and SHOSHANA BRYEN is Senior Di- threats from North Korea and Iran. Var- multi-lateral military exercises for years – rector of The Jewish Policy Center ious branches of the U.S. military have interestingly, most recently there was an and Editor of inFOCUS Quarterly.

Israel | inFOCUS 31 Fanny, the Jewish Spy for Germany in World War I by LENNY BEN-DAVID

Editor’s Note: This is an excerpt from “aliyah” – immigrating to Palestine. the author’s forthcoming book, Se- Perhaps her loneliness made her easy crets of World War I in the Holy prey for Curt Prüfer, a polyglot German Land, Revealed in Photographs. diplomat known for his philandering. But Prüfer was also the head of Ger- pying in the Holy Land is a very man intelligence in Palestine, and he old profession, dating back more charmed Fanny into becoming one of than 3,500 years to when a dis- his spies against the British. The British Sguised Joseph accused his broth- were allied with Czarist Russia, and it ers of spying in Egypt. [Genesis: 42] probably wasn’t too hard to turn Fanny, Moses sent 12 spies to Canaan to check an anti-czarist socialist (who even dal- on the land’s inhabitants, defenses, and lied with the Bund as a teenager). economy. [Numbers:13] And, upon en- World War I had broken out and tering the land after 40 years of wander- Prüfer provided intelligence to the Ot- ing in the desert, Joshua sent out two toman leaders and assisted in planning spies to reconnoiter the fortress city of the Turkish attack on the British-con- Jericho. [Joshua: 2] trolled Suez Canal. World War I in the Holy Land was Prüfer dispatched his recruit and also well-populated with tales of es- paramour to Egypt in May 1915, where pionage and some very intriguing spies she was welcomed as a doctor at the providing intelligence for the German, overcrowded British military hospitals British, and Turkish armies. They in- and as an ingenue in British, Russian, clude a Christian Jerusalemite who French, and Jewish circles in Cairo and spied for Britain, a Jewish Jerusalemite Alexandria. Egypt was a candy shop for reporting to Turkey, a Russian Jewish the young, attractive German doctor woman who spied for Germany, and and spy.

Egypt was a candy shop for the young, attractive Fanny (Source: My Motele, by Benny German doctor and spy. Gvertzman)

information to her German spymasters. She embarked across the Mediterranean the well-known Jewish espionage ring, Fanny’s family connections cer- accompanying a badly wounded French NILI, working for Britain. tainly helped as well: Fanny – Minna soldier. In Rome, she delivered her in- Fanny was the nickname of a Weizmann was her full name – was the formation to the German ambassador young, attractive Berlin-trained doctor youngest sister of the Zionist leader and to Italy, not aware that the embassy was who immigrated to the Jewish home- pro-British scientist Chaim Weizmann. under British surveillance. Weizmann land from near Pinsk in Russia in 1913. Minna Weizmann in Egypt ran was arrested and taken back to Egypt for She was the first of her family to make into a dilemma: how to deliver her trial – and possible execution. “Instead,”

32 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 LENNY BEN-DAVID: Fanny, the Jewish Spy for Germany in World War I

Minna, or “Fanny,” Weizmann (circled) sitting in the bottom row with her family in Pinsk, Belorussia, in 1904. In the top row, (circled) is her brother Chaim. Another brother, Shmuel, was executed in the Soviet Union in 1939. A sister, Masha, and her husband, were sentenced by the Soviets to the Gulag in Siberia in the late 1940s. When released, they moved to Israel. wrote blogger FarOutliers, “Weiz- returned to Russia.” CIA analyst James gathering, she met British Army Cap- mann’s considerable charms, combined Noone suggests in his article The Mod- tain Alfred Noel Law, a Christian. The with old-fashioned chivalry, produced ernization of Intelligence, “Minna’s le- intermarriage was a rare event and may a far more pleasant outcome… She was nient treatment has led to speculation be one of the factors explaining why she deported to Russia in the fall of 1915.” she was a herself a double agent [who is barely mentioned in Chaim Weiz- Weizmann was shown “remarkably worked] against Prüfer.” mann’s autobiography. tender treatment,” according to Scott After the war, Weizmann re-em- Dr. Minna Weizmann practiced medicine until her death in 1925 at the age of 35. World War I in the Holy Land was also well- Her German handler, Curt Prüfer, returned to Germany where he worked populated with tales of espionage and some very in the Foreign Ministry. In December intriguing spies providing intelligence for the 1937 he joined the Nazi Party, and in German, British, and Turkish armies. 1943, he was appointed head of the ministry’s Oriental Department where he oversaw the liaison with the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin Al- Anderson in his book Lawrence in Ara- igrated to Palestine where she worked Husseini, a sworn enemy of the Jews of bia: War, Deceit, Imperial Folly and the in the Hadassah-Rothschild Hospital’s Palestine. Making of the Modern Middle East. obstetrics department in Jerusalem. A Central Intelligence Agency She rented an apartment from the well- LENNY BEN-DAVID is a former Israeli (CIA) study on The Role of Military Intel- known Hebraist Eliezer Ben-Yehuda diplomat in Washington and author of ligence in the Battle for Beersheba in Oc- and attended the high society salons American Interests in the Holy Land tober 1917, reported she was “generously of Jerusalem. Apparently, at one such Revealed in Photographs, 1840-1940.

Israel | inFOCUS 33 Egyptian Mediation in Gaza: A Strategic Asset by Col. (Res.) ERAN LERMAN

t is in Israel’s interest to solidify the others in the region, including the Egyp- this situation, it is the Egyptian leader- Egyptian role in the Gaza Strip in the tian leadership, who share Israel’s sense ship that retains the role of CEO (Chief context of “conflict management” as of threat and order of priorities. Executive Officer) in full control of the a governing policy concept. Egyptian operation as a whole. For obvious geo- I ❚❚ participation in the efforts to stabilize Egypt as the CEO political reasons, Hamas has no choice the situation in Gaza serves as an impor- Much in the same way as Israel uses but to oblige the Egyptians. tant component in the vital Egypt-Israel Russian good offices in Syria, Egypt’s This offers Israel several benefits relationship. It also helps erode Hamas’s contribution makes it possible to deliver in their own right (beyond the impact pretension of jihad. unambiguous messages to the Hamas of achieving calm with Hamas). Israel’s A temporary and fragile calm was leadership. These messages, in turn, rest clear and overt preference for an Egyp- established vis-à-vis Hamas and other upon Israel’s proven ability to exact a tian role was indeed manifest through- “resistance groups” in the Gaza Strip heavy price from Hamas by military out the rounds of fighting in 2008-2009 during the run-up to the Israeli elections means. This establishes a triangular dip- (“Cast Lead”), 2012 (“Pillar of Defense”) on April 9, 2019. This came in response lomatic maneuver that is aimed, from and 2014 (“Protective Edge”), and sev- to significant economic gestures by Is- Israel’s perspective, at bringing about a eral smaller conflagrations since. Para- rael, but it was by no means a solution restored calm for as long a period as pos- doxically, it was easier to enlist Mu- to the basic problems posed by the dan- sible, but without falling into the trap of hammad Mursi’s regime in the effort in gerous and complex military and politi- direct dialogue with forces committed 2012 to curb Hamas. Israel put him in cal reality in this part of the world. The lingering frustration of the residents of the border areas (the Gaza “envelope,” in Egypt … makes it possible to deliver unambiguous Israeli parlance) and that of many other messages to the Hamas leadership. These messages, Israelis with Hamas provocations is un- derstandable and justified. in turn, rest upon Israel’s proven ability to exact a Still, there are no magic solutions heavy price from Hamas by military means. hidden up anyone’s sleeve. A systemic and persistent engagement in manag- ing the conflict, without a “decisive out- to Israel’s destruction. a situation in which, if he did not act to come” as traditionally understood in On the economic side of the equa- end the fighting, Israel would opt for an Israeli security doctrine, is probably the tion, Qatar (closely supportive of the extensive ground maneuver, and he may pattern best suited for Israeli needs in Muslim Brotherhood, and hence also have then faced the stark choice between the foreseeable future. The alternatives Hamas) plays the role of funder for the acting as a responsible Egyptian leader are costlier and more difficult, and their Gaza Strip – a role which Egypt, for ob- (to sustain peace with Israel) and doing chances of success are doubtful. vious reasons, cannot possibly play. The his duty as a Muslim Brother (to help In this context, a unique role is use of cash-filled suitcases, reminiscent and protect Hamas). Mursi indeed com- played by Egypt – or to be more precise, of old Hollywood crime films, is due to mitted himself to the effort to restore by the Egyptian intelligence services – the staunch refusal of the Palestinian calm, and won accolades from Secre- which can be used with “plausible de- Authority (PA) leadership in Ramallah tary of State Hillary Clinton for his role. niability” and without granting diplo- to provide any proper banking and fi- Things were far murkier in 2014, due to matic recognition to the de facto Hamas nancial services to the “rebel held” area the deeply-held mutual hatred between regime in Gaza. This is of broad strate- of Gaza. But even if Qatar does serve Hamas and Egyptian President Fattah gic importance, both for Israel and for as the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of el-Sisi’s regime – yet at the end it was

34 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 C again Egyptian mediation that played Authority, Cyprus, Greece and Italy – is ❚❚Egypt in the Eyes of the West ol . (R a key role. Today, the Egyptian admin- another step in that direction. At the level of ideas and symbols, the istration has developed a sophisticated At the same time, the mediation political leadership and the policy profes- es .) ERAN LERMAN: Egyptian Mediation in Gaza: A Strategic Asset and effective approach combining re- is of great importance for Egypt itself. sionals in Egypt have long been commit- wards for the Hamas leadership with And again, Israel has an interest in any- ted to the concept of “Egypt’s Role” (Dawr significant leverages. thing that the Egyptians themselves see Masr, in Arabic) in international affairs: as conducive to their stability and to the namely, the senior position in the Arab ❚❚The Bilateral Relationship chances of economic growth. A severe and regional context, which among other For Israel, it is of primary importance deterioration in the situation in Gaza, things reflects their open access to all play- to broaden cooperation with Egypt. The and a level of distress that may lead to ers – including Israel. They use this role to bilateral relationship has shown remark- pressure to throw the border open, are conduct grand diplomatic bids that would able resilience over 40 years, through significant tests and moments of crisis. It held firm despite regional events, such as the Israeli raid on Iraq’s nuclear facility in At a time of unprecedented strategic affinity with 1981, the Lebanon War in 1982, the Pales- the Egyptian leadership, Israel shares (if indirectly) tinian uprising of 1987-1990, the failure of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, the sec- Egypt’s interests in this respect as well. ond intifada violence that erupted in 2000, and the rounds of fighting ever since; and despite the internal turmoil in Egypt af- ter Sadat’s assassination and again since viewed in Cairo as a nightmare. The last bolster Egypt’s standing and utility as an Tahrir Square in 2011 and the ouster of thing that Egypt needs is millions more indispensable factor – both in the eyes of President Hosni Mubarak. At the root of mouths to feed. Beyond that, the grow- the West as well as her own Arab allies the 1979 Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty lies ing grip by Egyptian intelligence on and donors. This becomes more impor- an Egyptian awareness of Israel’s military events in Gaza can serve to force the Pal- tant in the face of sharp criticism being might; but it is also bolstered by common estinian terror groups to cease and desist hurled at Sisi’s regime by elements in the interests and common challenges. from all aid to the “Sinai Province” (mu- U.S. Congress and some European circles, Today, the relationship has reached hafazat sina’) of ISIL (the Islamic State in over the issue of human rights abuses. By new heights, due to the common stand the Levant, another name for the Islamic contributing to a reasonable conflict man- against terror in Sinai on one hand, and State in Iraq and Syria) and other sub- agement, and avoiding crisis deterioration against Turkish subversion in the east- versive elements in the peninsula. Such and bloodshed, Egypt thus enhances her ern Mediterranean on the other. With a support from within the Strip had previ- historic role. At a time of unprecedented partnership in restoring calm in Gaza, ously played a role, which the Egyptians strategic affinity with the Egyptian lead- and in an age of integration in the field are well aware of, in the rise of these ership, Israel shares (if indirectly) Egypt’s interests in this respect as well. There is also a major consideration Today, the relationship has reached new heights, that goes beyond the bilateral dimen- due to the common stand against terror in Sinai, sion. Under present circumstances, the entire region now witnesses a “resis- on one hand, and against Turkish subversion in the tance” movement with a jihadi pretense eastern Mediterranean, on the other. like Hamas (and at its side, a typical proxy of Iran, Palestinian Islamic Jihad) finding itself again and again seeking the help and relying upon the power of energy supply, there may even some groups, which conduct a murderous and and influence of a nation such as Egypt. change in the generally shrill anti-Israel ruthless campaign against the Egyptian This, even though Sisi is a sworn enemy, atmosphere in the Egyptian public do- forces and against local tribal elements at the ideological and strategic levels, of main. In this respect, the creation, in that dared to stand against ISIL. At pres- Islamism in all its forms. Sisi’s speech at Cairo, of the EMGF – the Eastern Medi- ent, Egypt seems to have achieved an ef- al-Azhar University, on January 1, 2015, terranean Gas Forum, bringing together fective deterrence against further Pales- remains a formative text of the direct Egypt, Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian tinian support for terror groups in Sinai. confrontation against the intellectual

Israel | inFOCUS 35 Palestinian security forces patrol the border area of southern Gaza Strip with Egypt in 2015. (Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/Alamy)

deviation from the proper path of Islam, struggle between ideological camps, the managing (and indeed perpetuating) the a deviant interpretation put forward Islamists are not quite sure that they still separation of Gaza from the PA – which by the Muslim Brotherhood (including have the upper hand. currently serves Israel’s interests. The Hamas as an offshoot of the movement) None of this should bind Israel’s Egyptians continue to pay lip service to the as well as by al-Qaeda, ISIL and their ilk. hands if Hamas and the other terror hopeless “reconciliation” between Fatah and Hamas. But this is an effort doomed to fail. For Israel, in the foreseeable future, Israel has an interest in anything that the Egyptians the present level of Hamas’s dependence themselves see as conducive to their stability and to upon Egyptian influence from outside is distinctly better than some of the alterna- the chances of economic growth. tive scenarios. This includes the idea (that some Israelis had toyed with) of Egypt ex- ercising direct sovereignty in Gaza. The ❚❚Eroding the Myth groups re-ignite and resume their large- Egyptians have shown no interest of any Over time, the combination of Is- scale provocations. Restoring deterrence sort and would reject it out of hand. For Is- raeli pressures, a deterrent effect (even and reinforcing it are much more impor- rael, too, this would entail an unacceptable if limited and fragile) and intense Egyp- tant duties than the diplomatic interest risk. To rule in Gaza, the Egyptians would tian engagement, all help in eroding vis-à-vis Egypt. However, as long as all need to station a large component of its the myth of the jihadi “resistance.” The activities are part of the ongoing pattern modern, mobile military within a short efforts the Hamas leadership has been of the last 12 months – in which Egypt drive from the heart of Israel. putting in for a year now are overtly de- plays a major role in trying to (literally) The present pattern, despite its signed to extract more material gains. lower the flames, including the incendi- painful cost, is a better choice in term of As such, they also raise – in a certain ary kites and the explosive balloons Pal- the balance of power. sense – question marks about the move- estinians have sent over the fence with ment’s ideological commitment to jihad Israel – Israelis have an interest in fur- Col. (Res.) ERAN LERMAN, Ph.D., is at all costs. Thus, the very reliance upon thering Egypt’s influence, in the context Vice President of the Jerusalem Institute Egypt, at times of crisis and distress, of better “conflict management.” for Strategy and Security (JISS), where this may indicate that in the regional power This present pattern also helps in article first appeared as a policy paper.

36 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 Beach Reading reviews by SHOSHANA BRYEN

f you think of beach reading as fluffy irreplaceable human beings; and it holds – against elections, which, in his view, romance novels with a margarita on the certain values – human life, freedom, have empowered not only Palestinian side, these books are not for you. But if progress – as objective: Values for every- dictators, but jihadists across the region. Iyou think of beach reading as an oppor- one, at all times, in all places.” As the Trump administration wades tunity to slow down, learn something, and How does that work? into Middle East peace brokerage, he and examine your beliefs without social media Journo’s assessment of forms of the managers of administration policy interruptions, you’re in luck. Here are four government – democracy, dictatorship, would do themselves, the regional players, books for your vacation suitcase: monarchy – gives Israel an edge for of- and the American people a service to read • What Justice Demands: Israel and the fering individuals freedom and prog- this very American, and very wise, book. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict by Elan Journo ress, though it clearly isn’t perfect. His Time: A couple of hours to read; sev- • Jews Make the Best Demons: “Pal- assessment of what he calls “Palestinian eral more to assimilate a pro-American estine” and the Jewish Question by Eric grievances,” to which he is sympathetic, Middle East policy. Rozenman castigates Palestinian leadership for op- • Israeli National Security: A New erating as a collective and ignoring the ❚❚Jews Make the Best Demons Strategy for an Era of Change by Charles actual lives of real Palestinian people. For This book is irritating. And impor- Freilich decades. And generations. He is very spe- tant. Irritating because you wanted to • Armies of Sand: The Past, Present cific about the origins of the Palestinian think that anti-Semitism – especially in and Future of Arab Military Effectiveness “refugee” problem, and about its resolu- Europe – isn’t a problem, but in fact you by Kenneth Pollak tion. The chapter on “The Palestinian know better. Important because Eric The first two turn the prism on mate- Cause” is a carefully built history of the Rozenman, a journalist and columnist rial you probably know, and thus are good movement and its allies, and the effects it for a wide range of newspapers and orga- for self-examination – and examining has had on its own people. nizations, [Disclosure: he is a consultant community leaders, politicians, and pun- to the Jewish Policy Center] makes you dits. The third is both descriptive and pro- look where you didn’t want to. scriptive. The fourth offers a deeper under- He starts with “the dilution of con- standing of Israel’s wars and its enemies. tent but intensification of form,” that has resulted in the increasing “delegitimiza- ❚❚What Justice Demands tion” of Israel. The heart of the book is Libertarian author and director of the observation by a progressive political policy research at the Ayn Rand Institute, thinker that, “In general, truth is a relative Elan Journo frames the conversation thing, and if you state something which is about American policy in the Middle factually untrue, it may, nevertheless, in East as a question of justice. Or many fact, be considered to be true if it ought questions of justice. In a book less about to be true.” Israelis and Palestinians than about Anyone who has spent time on social Americans, Journo posits that America media knows that’s true, and it is espe- has been unable to be the honest broker cially true of anti-Semitism and the Pal- it would like to be because politicians – In the end, Journo believes the Unit- estinian “narrative.” regardless of party – chose one of three ed States should stand for freedom and Rozenman applies the principle to (useless) positions: 1) Finding the Middle justice for as many people as possible. Europeans, Palestinians, supporters of Ground; 2) Doing Right by Israel; or 3) That inclines us toward Israel and away Palestinians, the American left – and Doing Right by the Palestinians. This, he from the Palestine Liberation Organiza- its subset of intersectionality advocates says, misses the point. tion, Palestinian Authority and Hamas, – who “selectively demonize Israel and Rather, we need a secular, moral and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance celebrate the Jews’ terrorist enemies, the framework “concerned not with collec- Movement as Palestinian leadership. To- Palestinians, as poor, suffering victims in tives, but with the lives of individual, ward the Palestinian people and – oddly the name of ‘social justice.’”

Israel | inFOCUS 37 Are you ready to throw the book chapter; a day to get over it; and several didn’t do much for security, either. down in dismay? Don’t. Really, don’t. But days to assimilate the content and the ex- His belief that Israel is too dependent get ready for a broad, deeply disconcert- cellent footnotes. on the United States – a fair point – also ing intellectual ride. leads him to see “a resolution of the Pales- Rozenman skips around through ❚❚Israeli National Security tinian issue would be one of the most ef- Jewish, American, European and Israeli Pick and choose carefully in this fective means possible of reducing Israel’s history, Nazis, Islamists, collaborators, book. Charles Freilich, a senior fellow at dependence on the United States…” OK, Palestinians, and more. Nowhere else will Harvard’s Belfer Center and a former Is- yes. But how? With whom? Under what you find buzkashi, Paul DeMan, Aunt raeli deputy national security adviser, is a circumstances? Frieda, Khalid al-Wazir, the Internation- profound believer in a “peace process” re- al Criminal Court, Rue Copernic, Rabbi sulting in a “two-state solution” for Israel Menachem Schneerson, and the Holy Ro- and the Palestinians. It heavily influences man Empire sharing space with Bataclan, his strategy for Israel in certain areas – Samuel Johnson, Kimberle Crenshaw, including, in Chapter 10, the “Special Ilan Halimi, Rwanda, Ilan Pappe, and the Relationship” between the United States Peace of Westphalia. and Israel. In the section on Foreign Policy Re- sponses (Chapter 9), Freilich describes the Oslo and post-Oslo search for “peace.”

It is certainly fair to say that Israel went to great lengths to achieve peace… based on major territorial withdrawal, accompanied by security guarantees… unfortunately, as the peace process This line of political thinking winds floundered, Israel’s goals have nar- through the chapters, but don’t be dis- rowed from conflict resolution and couraged. Freilich is a great writer and peace, to conflict management, mili- his broader understanding of Israel’s tary deterrence, and war avoidance, classic defense doctrine, new strategic with a focus on stability. environment, changing military threat, nuclear and regional arms control policy, In a key theme, it took only a few de- The obvious question is “why?” With- the military response today, and more are cades before the Holocaust, a singularly out an answer, it is hard to understand the definitely worth the price. Jewish experience, was appropriated by observation at the end of the section that: Time: How much do you have? You non-Jews (and some Jews), well-meaning “Israel’s West Bank policies have eroded its don’t have to read from one end to the oth- and not, who changed the debasement, international image, and it has come to be er. Skipping around is more worthwhile. dislocation and horrific torture and mur- viewed as a pariah state. Israel has ceded der of Jews into political fodder. Jews as the battle for ‘soft power.’” ❚❚Armies of Sand metaphor: Jews are the “new Nazis” and Actually, it is Freilich, and others The old joke about Jewish holidays Palestinians the “new Jews.” Or Jews want who refuse to mount a defense of Israel’s is, “They tried to kill us; they failed. Let’s “too much” compassion for their history defense, who are ceding Israel’s position eat.” The old axiom about Arab-Israeli and a “dispensation” for “crimes” they in the international arena. wars is, “They had Russian equipment commit. “Je suis Charlie” - no one else The “peace process” also informs and tactics; Israel had Western/American is really Charlie Hebdo and the French his recommendation in Chapter 12 for equipment and tactics. We won; let’s eat.” magazine’s staff massacred by jihadists – “Separat(ion) from the Palestinians as Not so, according to this fascinating but appropriating him, or the Holocaust, foremost national objective… Unilateral- study of not only Arab armies and tactics, scores political points. ly if necessary… on the basis of demogra- but also the relationship between cultures The conclusion will not surprise you: phy and security.” Such unilateral border and the militaries they produce. anti-Semitism is, indeed, the world’s old- drawing would necessarily include terri- Starting with an excellent over- est hatred. And dressing it as anti-Zion- tory east of the Green Line – which would view of the 1967 Six-Day War, former ism doesn’t change it. certainly add to the “pariah” narrative. CIA military analyst and current resi- Time: A half hour for the first And the unilateral withdrawal from Gaza dent Scholar at the American Enterprise

38 inFOCUS | Summer 2019 BOOK REVIEW: Beach Reading

Israeli armored unit stands in the Negev during the Six Day War. (Photo: Israeli Government Press Office) Institute, Kenneth Pollack, notes that not The Mongols did not become great Pollack’s examination of Arab all of the Arab armies in the war – or in horse archers purposely so that they culture and its variants is interesting, the 1973 Yom Kippur War – were actu- could conquer Eurasia. The Mongols but what emerges as truly useful in ally Russian-armed and trained. To make became great horse archers because assessing military capabilities are the the differences clear, he takes the reader those were the skills they needed to trends across the region: conformity, carefully through those countries and on survive on the twelfth-century Eur- centralization of and deference to au- a detailed dive into Russian military op- asian steppe. However, once their thority, passivity, group loyalty, ma- erational and tactical constructs in World society developed this skill and Mon- nipulation of information, atomiza- War II. He notes the effectiveness of the gol culture began to produce large tion of knowledge, personal courage, Russian Army against the Nazis, al- numbers of skilled horse archers, it and ambivalence toward manual labor though at a horrendous price in lives lost gave Mongol warlords such as Geng- and technical work. – but the Russians knew that was coming his Khan a military tool that enabled Pollack presents no judgment – and had accounted for it. him to conquer Eurasia. just expert information well-organized and accessible to the non-militarily There is more. inclined. With that in mind, skip to Chapter 18 to begin to understand how The advantages that culture may that affects military organizations and grant to warfare does not mean that fighting operations, including some ex- that culture or its society are some- ceptional Arab fighting organizations. how superior in any way except in And, finally, a very useful chapter war making at a particular moment on non-state militaries including Hez- of time… (a society can be) badly bollah, al-Qaeda, and ISIS. hamstrung because its culture is Time: Forever. You will come back not producing sufficient numbers of to this one often and it will be time people with the traits best suited to well-spent. the dominant mode of warfare at the time. In the late twentieth and early SHOSHANA BRYEN is Editor of in- twenty-first centuries, that was exact- FOCUS Quarterly and Senior Di- The chapter on culture and the ly what happened to the Arabs. rector of the Jewish Policy Center. “dominant mode of war” is a stopper.

Israel | inFOCUS 39 50 F Street NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20001

❚❚A Final Thought ...

The❚❚A Final ThoughtRoot ... of the Conflict tk Hint: It is not the absence of a Palestinian State territorial integrity and political independence of every State tk The UN once understood the 1967 Six-Day War as a in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and war of Arab aggression against Israel. The Security Council recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force. recognized that the root of the “Arab-Israel conflict” was not All of that was to be given to Israel not by the Palestin- where Jews lived, but that they had sovereign rights to a Jew- ians, who did not and do not meet the requirements of a ish homeland — which the Arabs did not accept. The Arab state, but the belligerents of 1948 and 1967. Egypt and Jordan position, in the view of the UN, was wrong — Israel had an have done so. Israel is still awaiting acknowledgement of its absolute, undeniable and irrevocable right to a sovereign sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence presence in the historic Jewish homeland. from Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and the countries that supported The Security Council decided that Israel should not the war — Algeria, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Su- be forced to give back territory as it had in Sinai in 1956 dan, and Tunisia. Today, Israel demands that the Palestinian without a resolution of the underlying problem. In that Authority (PA) — successor to the PLO in the West Bank — frame of mind, it passed Resolution 242 with its central accept those terms as well. The PA has refused. clauses (i) and (ii): It should have been simple. In 1967, the Arab states (i) Withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories should have acknowledged that their obstructionism in 1948 occupied in the recent conflict; was illegitimate and the establishment of Israel was legal and Not all the territories — American and British diplo- just. Some of the countries that have to make their peace mats insisted then and do now — and accompanied by: with Israel will be in Bahrain, and the fundamental principle (ii) Termination of all claims or states of belligerency of UN Resolution 242 should be on the table. and respect for and acknowledgment of the sovereignty, Fifty-two years late is not too late.