Roger Gitlin: Israeli Security; Second to None

The United States could take a lesson or two from Israel on securing its borders. America should take a long, hard gander at the Jewish state if America wants to truly secure its southern border. Tiny, little Israel sits in the cradle of Western Civilization, surrounded by an ocean of enemies, exceeding a billion population. How does she exist? How does the Jewish state of 7 million* endure is this hotbed of hatred. Folks, I am here to tell you Israel not only endures, it flourishes.

On my recent trip to the Holy Land, I shared how impressed I was and remain so with Israel. It is

with my deepest respect, admiration, and gratitude there is a Jewish state. Without an Israel, the globe would be a very different place, today. This World wouldn’t be so kind to the 15 million who call themselves Jews, if it were not for the existence of Israel. To that point, I am certain.

The primary reason Israel enjoys its prosperity is because it is strong. Israel is a military David in a sea of Goliaths. Penetrating the Jewish state is nearly impossible.  I have attached a few jpeg photos of the Israel’s borders. First, there is the Gaza strip, in Israel’s southwest. This 41 mile by 6 mile strip of desert borders Egypt on the South, the Mediterranean on the West, and Israel on the East and North and is virtually surrounded by an electronic fence and in the more vulnerable settlement areas, an 80’ tall by 6’ thick concrete wall. The Gaza is controlled by the terrorist Hamas organization which waits for even the slightest opportunity to attack Israel. In reality, nothing is coming over or through those walls.  Complemented by an omnipresent military, incidents of attack have become rare. That’s me standing next to the fence and as I approach the unapproachable, an Israeli sentry barks at me in Hebrew. I didn’t need a translator to tell me what he said.

I observed a similar imposing presence on the north border with Lebanon. Iran’s Hezbollah waits patiently for the opportunity to attack. It never comes. The United Nations patrols on the border with Lebanon are mere icing on the cake. It’s Israel which protects her borders with incredible vigilance. Turning east toward the Golan Heights and Syria, the enemy awaits the opportunity to pounce. The opportunity never arrives.

Though no less lax, the West Bank and border with Jordan is less demanding because the population is relatively sparse; but, indeed there was a military presence everywhere. For that, I was grateful and appreciative. I let the Israeli Defense Forces know how much this American appreciated their efforts.

There are several memorial sites where many innocents have lost their lives. One such profound memorial was at Nahara Yin where seven young school girls was shot dead in 1999 on a hill facing the Jordan border. During her tumultuous young history of 64 years, Jewish blood has been sacrificed to ensure the existence of Israel. As a son of Abraham, I am soberly reminded that my life is blessed because others sacrificed.

Men and Women must serve on the Israeli Defense Force, with few exceptions. This is a very good requirement. These proud, young Israelis are invested in their country. America could take another lesson from Israel in re-implementing the draft.

Additionally, the Israeli Air force and Navy were also doing their jobs, so folks like me and millions of others annually, can visit the Holy Land and imbue all she has to offer.

On my next reflection, I ask you to indulge me as I reflect on my own Judaism as I reconnect with my 6,000 year heritage.

Shalom for now.

Roger Gitlin is a retired teacher and businessman, formally from Santa Clarita. He founded the Santa Clarita Valley independent minutemen and presently sits on the steering committee of the Del Norte tea party patriots. ROGER IS running for supervisor, district I, Del Norte County. Roger Gitlin lives in crescent city and can be reached at rogergitlin.com or [email protected]