The other day we ran a post by David Wilder, spokesman for the settlers in occupied Hebron, because his community plays an important role in Israeli politics but its views are not well-known in the U.S.; our mainstream press doesn’t report them. Wilder then commented on that post and directed readers who want to know more about settlers’ views to a document he wrote called, “Breaking the Lies. Revealing the Facts. Questions and Answers about Hebron.” Wilder writes at the outset, “You may not agree with all that is stated, but at the very least it is straightforward; as we say it, as we believe it, and as we live it.” The following Q-and-A appears on page 14.
What’s your solution to the present conflict?
There aren’t any magic answers or simple solutions. The situation here is very complex. No one is willing to make real compromises because the issues are primarily religious and no one is willing to compromise on religion. However, I believe the beginning of a solution is recognition by Jews, primarily in Israel, but also elsewhere, that Eretz Yisrael [biblical name for land that includes the West Bank] really belongs to the Jewish people. If Jews reject this concept, how can we expect our enemies to accept it?
The second part of a solution is mass Aliyah to Israel. Today there are six million Jews in Israel. When there are 12 millions Jews here, the Arabs will take us more seriously. Presently most Jews do not live in Israel. If this land is so important to us, why aren’t they here? When the Soviet Union opened its gates, allowing Jewish emigration to Israel, Arafat begged them to prevent Jews from coming to Israel. This is one of their greatest fears. People will come to Israel. If not because of love of Israel, then because of Obama the First, or the Second or the Third. Jews from Europe will come home to Israel as massive extremist Islamic populations fill France, Spain, England, and elsewhere. When Judea and Samaria are populated by millions of Jews, peace talks will change, out of necessity. What will the White House suggest doing with a million displaced people?
Note that Wilder moved to Israel from the U.S. in 1974. Our headline is based on the fact that most Jews outside Israel live in the U.S.