Israel’s existential fight is also Western Europe’s last line of defense, and ours
The Ukraine- Russia border conflict fades into proper perspective
Many are lamenting that the Iranian-backed Hamas slaughter of innocent Jewish civilians on October 7 has taken the spotlight off the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has commanded world attention for nearly two years. Yet it may be instructive to highlight the differences between the two conflicts so we may prepare to focus on the one most critical. A classic secular conflict and a religion-driven crusade differ greatly in their genesis and implications.
Russia v Ukraine is an old-style power grab by a secular aging communist regime with designs solely for its own sustenance and maintenance. Russia’s ruthless rulers have degraded her people with more than a century of internal abuse. Riddled by leaders who used imprisonment and torture as a societal tool throughout much of the early and mid-20th century, the innovative and entrepreneurial class have long abandoned the country, leaving it a hollow shell of its once impressive power. Threatened by an expanding NATO presence towards its vulnerable borders, she took steps to recreate a buffer zone in what is presently eastern Ukraine. Russia did not intend to annihilate nor eliminate the Ukrainian people from the face of the earth, nor do they seek a Ukraine-free world. Thus is the nature of secular power struggles between nation states. They don’t endeavor to annihilate an entire population; they seek position and power.
Which contrasts importantly with the Iran- Hamas- Israel war now underway. This is a far more dangerous, existential battle instigated not by a secular regime seeking more power in the earthly realm, but by a theocratic regime driven by a religious belief in the rightness of their struggle, which in many cases is to die a martyr of the cause. There is no more dangerous foe than one who professes to love death, especially if they are near nuclear capable. The Iranian mullahs and their proxies Hamas, Hezbollah and others repeat in no uncertain terms their desire to rid the world of Jewish people and especially the Jewish State of Israel. “From the river to the sea” is interpreted in no other way than the destruction of Israel which sits between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea.
Western Europe shudders behind Israel’s shield
The most shocking thing about these past weeks, even beyond the indescribable acts themselves on October 7, is the global reaction. The explosion of antisemitic demonstrations across the west has revealed a staggering amount of hatred of Jews lingering just under the surface. This demoralizing display of utter hatred is shaking the foundations upon which many have been operating in the western modern age and perhaps allows a full reassessment of what we hath wrought. It seems the west’s coddling of diverse thought and acceptance of waves of immigrants from other cultures may bring with them dangers for which we have not properly accounted.
While demonstrations on U.S. college campuses have been eye-opening indeed, it is also in Europe where real imminent risks arise. Recall Germany opened its borders to Muslim refugees from Syria in earnest in 2015. Since then, European cities have welcomed African and Middle Eastern refugees by the millions. Not to assimilate, but to establish outposts of their native cultures and Islam within Europe. Does it make sense to import the culture of impoverished less literate lands to those of advanced Europe without assimilation? We are finding out. They are coming by boat across the Mediterranean from Africa, by land through Turkey and Greece. London is now 15% Muslim, and today they cannot contain the antisemitic mobs in many areas. There are no-go zones in most European capitals and major cities where native police dare not tread. Only recently have anti-immigrant political parties started to show modest traction as Europe remains mostly in paralyzed catatonia.
In the wake of October 7, many European leaders have given statements of support for Israel and expressed some degree of solidarity with the Jewish people, as has the American administration. Within their own countries, however, they are mostly inattentive to the rising militancy of the anti-Israel demonstrations taking place. “Looking for Jews, looking for blood” is among chants heard in London in recent days. The police forces in Europe are hesitant to crack down on the supporters of terrorism for fear of inciting even more violence. They are caught in a web of their own design, having spent years welcoming Muslim immigrants and congratulating themselves on being open-minded and tolerant. Rather like the Biden administration’s outreach to Iran over the years, it’s hard to turn 180 degrees and identify them now as a problem, but here it is.
The U.S. is not immune with our open border
Given the shocking success of the October 7 attacks in Israel from a terrorist perspective, our wide-open southern border takes on a whole new level of national security risk. Among the five million or more known illegal entries since 2020, we now have hundreds of thousands of newly undocumented military-age males from all over the world within our borders. This does not include the millions of got-aways who actively avoid detection when entering. We don’t know where they are or with whom they are now collaborating, but we need to be assured there are thousands newly arrived within that wish us ill.
If you consider the lengthy and intricate planning required to execute the October 7 massacre, we would be foolish to assume the forces aligned against us will fail to capitalize on the once-in-a-lifetime open border policy under President Biden. It is not politically correct to say the terror threat from radical Islam must now be a renewed focus internally as well as across the western world. We do not choose the times in which we live, but we cannot put our heads in the sand nor in the latest Netflix drama and be blinded to the inevitable risks to our homeland from terrorists among the millions anonymously among us now. In a high-voltage election year.
Meanwhile, if Israel is not fully supported in a manner whereby it is able to defeat the Iranian forces of death in a timely manner, there is little doubt the unrest will spread throughout Europe next. That bed has been made and stands ready to be lit on fire. It pains me to say America is also vulnerable to attacks from within in our weakened state of complicity and complacency. Scripture tells us the final battle will be fought around Jerusalem and will be conclusive. Israel is the true bulwark between us and the forces of hatred, and the time for her defense is now.
Thoughtfully, well written and on point- yes the real enemy is that religious crusade to dominate the planet believing 72 virgins (or is it white grapes) are to be earned. Unfortunately, western society has let that enemy in, and yes not to assimilate but to practice the tenets of Sharia Law that states there is no space for Jews/Christians in this world. I'd also ask why our leaders (political and thought) have driven this agenda.... idiocy, convenient political enemy of their enemy or corrupted agents?