Differences...

Top of the evening all...

With the murders that have taken place, I want to point out some of the differences between Israeli and Palestinian society.

All of Israeli society reacted with absolute horror.  No one said 'it is not our doing, but we cheer those who did it.'

The Knesset voted unanimously to condemn the murders.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Israeli politics, it is not clear that the Knesset would vote unanimously that the sky is blue.

The alleged murderers will receive a fair trial.  If convicted, their bodies will not be dragged through the streets.

Abbas was praised for having the courage to condemn the murders.  PM Netanyahu did not need that type of courage to call the family.  He spoke for a nation.

No effort will be made to shield the alleged perpetrators from the law.

No streets will be named after the murderers.

No murderer will receive a salary while in prison.

No candy will be given to children in celebration.

Folks, I am not trying to play games of moral relativism.  The crimes committed here were an absolute travesty.  No murderer is better than any other.  I am also not trying to say 'we are better than they are.'  It does not matter.  I am trying to point out though that the challenges of living next door to people with such a radically different view of the world are often difficult to overcome.

Have a good evening.

R/SCG