Challenges for Palestinian Unilateral Declaration of Statehood and Solutions for the Future

Despite the Obama administration’s continued efforts to persuade the Palestinian

Authority to avert its plans ask for full admission as a state at the UN in September, and

resume direct negotiations with Israel, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has

refused to meet with Israel since September 2010. Abba’s refusal to talk with Israel and this

proposed action at the UN is widely regarded as a way to isolate the Jewish State. President

Obama said on May 22 that “no vote at the United Nations will ever create an independent

Palestinian state.” And his Administration has maintained that it would veto any attempt by

the Palestinians to declare Unilateral Statehood.

Would a leader whose Organization is heavily dependent upon foreign aid proceed with actions that cause pecuniary loss to its own interests?

Abbas’ Unilateral move to declare statehood paralleled with their nefarious unity pact with,

Iranian backed Hamas has brought already weak relations between PNA, US and Israel to a

tipping point. Should they continue declaration plans the PNA is challenged with developing

a state wholly dependent on US and Israeli foreign aid. The Catch 22 is that, The US, the

single largest donor to the PA, seeding over $400 million per fiscal year, is prepared to cutoff foreign aid

to the PA.

Furthermore, Israel already warned that should the PA seek to establish a Palestinian

state, agreements reached through the Oslo Accords will be null and void. Israel would no

longer collect taxes on behalf PA, and that would mean that the Israeli aid to the PA and

to Gaza would draw to a close. Under such circumstances the Authority would not survive.

Its Arab partner states have not shown in the past that they are enthusiastic about sharing

their wealth either.

How would a Palestinian state develop and exercise effective control over its territory

and administration?

The chief aim of the Palestinian Liberation Organization would be undermined by

going to the UN to seek membership. It has already failed to gain vital support from key

Security Council members to pass. Now, at best the greatest status is could receive is a

Non-member Status, which is not the intended goal.

Mahmoud Abbas is now torn between pressures within his organization to continue the fight

from those who long await a promised “Palestinian Statehood” and from Hamas, who is

against this political maneuver and characterizes it as a “fata morgana.” If this plan fails,

which it will we will see a revival of Fatah - Hamas clashes. What will we see and what does

that mean for Israel and the United States?

Today, The Palestinian Authority enjoys independent leadership controls of the West

Bank while Hamas controls Gaza- an area the Palestinian Authority claims for its state.

How would the leadership dynamic play out between PLO and Hamas? Iranian president

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and is sworn to support Hamas until the destruction of Israel as a

Jewish state.

Mahmoud Abbas has called for a series of peaceful demonstrations leading to September

21 when the, General Assembly convenes. A failed attempt as statehood sets the tone for

a bevy of potential violence by raising unrealistic expectations, one that a symbolic Non-

Member status would not satisfy.

Should the PLO receive Non-member State status, it would give them access to

International bodies in which to wage all types of allegations and legal wars against Israel.

Considering no border agreements have been reached. This will not bring enduring peace.

By granting PLO UN Sanctioned statehood, the world would reward Hamas for its terrorist

actions, rather than condemn them. A move would undermine efforts and investment the

US, and international community has put into Peace between Palestine and Israel. There

would be no interest in engaging Israel in dialogue.

Solutions

Palestine and Israel have true Partners in Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia,

the United States of America, and the Czech Republic. Palestine must further reject Hamas

who has no interest in Peace with Israel. Hamas is one of 48 organizations classified as

a “Foreign Terrorist Organization” by the U. S. State Department. The danger of setting pre-

conditions as a precursor to direct negotiations is that Israel is not going to give in to that it

forces the PLO into drastic swift decisions that have adverse effects for themselves.

Israel has investment and interest in the wellbeing of Palestinians. Both nations

are capable of working out their issues and coming to an agreement that are mutually

beneficial. History has proved this through successful peace treaties between Israel and

Egypt (1978) and Israel and Jordan (1994), these were only achieved through direct negotiations.

The Best Way forward is for President Mahmoud Abbas to withdraw his campaign.

And return to the table to hold direct talks Israel. With talks at a standstill there is a

significant threat to both Israelis and Palestinians. If a two-state agreement is the desired

solution, Israel and the PLO should discuss what would look like, and how both sides

could be satisfied. There has been enormous sacrifice and investment by the US to find a

permanent, peaceful solution reached through direct negotiations. These investments and

initiative should not be thwarted through reckless unilateral decisions.

Israel September 2011

First and foremost the call given by the Lord in Psalm 122:6 to Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: and the promise, They shall prosper that love thee.

Israel is gearing for another month of challenges and threatening from members of the International community who wish to use the United Nations as a launching pad for anti-Israel/Semitic sentiment. 

Durban is a series of conferences which first started in Durban, South Africa 2001. New York city will play host, on September 22,  to "Durban III" a supposedly conference designed to prevent and stifle growth of racism.  

The Durban series, a UN - sponsored,  Conference has long been know as a public field where  calls to abolish the Jewish state of Israel is common place and anti-Semitic slurs are sport.  Answering the call to love Israel in deed are:  Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, the United States of America, and the Czech Republic. These countries deciding against supporting, what many hail as the Birthday of Durban I,  are joining Israel in Boycott of the event. 

                               

There is a growing role for grassroots support to call for an end of negative rhetoric  through peer- to-peer dialogue new/social media, print, dance, and music and all forms of expression.  What Israel needs are real allies in peace. Greater than anywhere else, treats are coming from the net by way of new and social media,  instead of  using these forms to build commonality, some seek to increase a divide by insinuating violence and terror to a broader against targeted   audiences. As it is  aptly named, by the Jerusalem Post, "Electronic Intefada seems to grow stronger inhibit the best efforts at peace. 

Join in the efforts to show love for Israel by:

A  Good Morning from Jerusalem! Enjoy this great aerial photo of our city...

• Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.
• Share Unity Building information.  instead of information that intends to destroy, and characterize
• Get the Facts. Be informed with verifiable issues regarding Israel.
• Spread the Word through your social media network about Loving Israel. 

Aish has suggested 54 Ways  you can help Love Israel at this Crucial time. 

Thanks Always and Be Blessed and Prosperous. 

Matthew Redmond

The Land flowing with Milk and Honey - Israel

Let me take a moment to reflect on what has been an incredible trip to Israel. In brief summary.

traversing the Jordan river through raft and ore was a thrilling experience. We have attended seminars learning a range of topics from the complexities of the Israeli political System, Terrorism in the Middle East, and learning lessons about Palestine -Israeli relations  from an Arab - Israeli reporter from the Jerusalem Post.




Being here has given me an in depth hands on look into the issues confronting Israel. It will definitely give me an leading edge in defending the US-Israeli relationship.

A brief guide on the our latest activities.


On Sunday August 07, 2011
We visited the Wailing wall for a morning prayer. Then proceeded to the City of David where we walked through Hezekiah's underground water tunnel, which is still filled with water to this day. We visited the recently discovered Siloam pool where Jesus performed many miracles. We then walked up stairs from the Pool to Jerusalem dating back over 2000 years ago. We continued to the Israeli Holocaust Museum Yad Vashem, in the New city of Jerusalem. Next we passing through the Israeli Museum to view the Dead Sea scrolls. Later we drove to Kfar Hanokdim for authentic Bedouin experience. We rode Camels and donkey's in the Dessert. We slept in tents ate traditional Bedouin food and enjoyed a campfire over music ans dance.

Monday August 08, 2011
Early Morning we lest at 5am for a trek up Masada to view the morning sunrise via the Roman ramp. Masada was the place for the Last battle against the Romans during the first uprising. We visited historic sights on the Summit of Masada and walk the famous snake trial overlooking the dead sea. After descending Masada we enjoyed a nice lunch  Dead Sea Swim. Then returned to the Ramat Rachel for a Briefing session on Israel.

Tuesday August 09, 2011
We visited Israel'a version of Arlington Cemetery Mt. Hertzel where we paid tribute to Israels national figures and Fallen IDF soldiers. We visited Bethlehem the Birthplace of Jesus and David there we toured with a Palestinian guide different sites in the area. We ate Lunch visited the Church of the Nativity, shepherds field and returned to Jerusalem for a evening dinner and educational program.

Wednesday August 10, 2011
Today we visited the Temple Mount / Dome of the Rock and had a briefing session there. Spent time at the Machne Yehuda, Explored the caves at Beit Guvrin. Then we participated in an Archaeological dig on site. We are now at the Kibbutz Yad Mordechai on the Kibbutz Mashabei Sade

For a Essay of Photo's for the above described events  visit facebook or flickr

Shalom From Israel 3 Day Recap

We have arrived in Israel! A beautiful land with flowing with development and culture. a mixture of historical traditions and flourishing life.  

We started our Israel mission with t learning fundamental leadership principles through the most humblest of  profession's, farming, . with a dramatic lesson in leadership focusing on three subjects in nature that are common in Israeli culture

1. Sheep and Goats - 

From Psalms 23: we learn over 23 effective leadership qualities by a Shepherd and flock. 

2. Water

Per year Israel receives 30 days of rain  which is equivalent to 180 of rain per year that England receives. Learning how to work with limited resources in 30 days will determine your year.  The Lesson is Resourcefulness 

3. Hyssop

Low lying compared to a cedar of Lebanon, It looks like brush-weed but it's potent make up if more powerful than all the cedar of Lebanon. The Lesson is Humility. 

Next we drove along the Mediterranean Coast to Caesarea, to visit a city Build by King Herod.  Where we visited King Herod's innovation in the Roman Capital of Israel. We viewed beautifully restored Roman theaters  where many christian martyrs where sacrificed for entertainment.

From there I had time to reflect on Jesus's Teaching on the Mt. of Beatitudes. What an awesome privilege to meditate on Matthew Chapter 5 and Pray for the teachings of Jesus to be realized in my life.

Our first day was filled with revelations = to Aesop Fables, many of which I can take and impact my life and the life's of others in a real peaceful way.

The Second Day was filled with a packed schedule as well. We began the morning by Boat ride on the Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is especially significant since it's where Jesus performed many miracles, and centrally located in the City of Tiberias, it is as important economic natural resource.









From there we traveled to the Golan Heights to view first hand the former Syrian Fortifications, and hear  from Kibbutz dwellers profiles in courage during the Yom Kippur War. We were near the Syrian Israeli Boarder.










That evening we enjoyed a Bon Fire and time of singing and meeting local Israeli's.


Today! Was a Fun informative day of celebrations we met privately with IDF soldiers on the Lebanese Israeli Boarder. (This meeting was highly secretive and confidential, so we are not able to post pictures. After an intense look at the work of the IDF on the Lebanese Boarder we  went river rafting in the Jordan River near Jericho City. After we Went to lunch in Tiberias city where we ate St. Peter's fish on the Sea of Galilee.

After we made our assent up to Jerusalem, here we stopped at the Haas Promenade to remember the Lord Death through communion with amazing views of the Old and New cities of Jerusalem.









This is a rapid recap of the past three events It did not cover all the things we have done but I though it befitting to choose from the highlights of the past three days more pictures, information, and reports will be forthcoming. I will spend another 9 days in Israel before returning home to USA

Flying to Israel

I will leave in soon for Israel. This trip, sponsored by CUFI, will bring together 40 protestant young college leaders from various denominations, who share a common values, mainly our Support for an independent Jewish state of Israel.

The Trip will prove to be an excellent power experience. I hope to gain an in depth look at the progress of the state of Israel and am very interested in hearing, first hand,  residents share their stories about their life in the Jewish State. I understand that the culture and way of life has elements of both  secular and traditional Jewish customs.

Israel is a  burgeoning mix of western and eastern influences which reflects its culturally diverse citizenry. So in one view as a humanities major I'm anticipating viewing the nuances the Arts in the 21st century and it's effect on  jewish life.







With the world captivated in the recent events in Middle East Where oppression and  breach of human rights  in many parts of the Greater Middle East has given rise to growing cadre of youth voice many of whom fled streets to riot in hunger for freedom and liberty.   We have seen this played out in Tunisia, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, just to name a few. In the midst of  these events lso served as a highlight to 1 Nation in the Middle East that stands are a protector of Human Rights and Dignity, A staunch democracy and  true American Partner, Israel.

Our trip comes at a crucial time, support for the US - Israel relationship is pivotal. I am hoping to bond with our other participants who share  people who support Israel as an independent Jewish state.


This Fall I will engage campus peers in support of the US - Israel Relationship. i'll share with you further next time...

enjoy this Video of Israel Accomplishment  and gift of ingenuity to our world

Remember Israel

Today I take the time out to reflect on the Glorious day that Israel was created as a State in 1948!

I am just two days away from one of the leading evangelical Israel advocacy Summits in the world Christians United For Israel  Washington Summit. CUFI on Campus is bringing 700 Pro-Israel students will gather in Dc to be inspired, informed and challenged about issues related to Israel and her right to exists as a self governed nation without the foray of terrorism.


I can go on and on about terrorism groups, who target anything "Jew". Globalism and it's effect's on nations sovereign right of self-determination. But maybe for another post. But Now I want to focus on interesting facts about the State of Israel and her contributions to society as a whole, highlighting the investment in her citizenry.



 Enjoy these amazing Fact.

• Israel is the only country in the world that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees.

• 1. Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to the population in the world.

• Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than any other nation by a large margin -109 per 10,000 people - as well as one of the highest per capita rates of patents filed.

• Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds right behind the US.

• Israel has the highest average living standards in the Middle East. The per capita income in 2000 was over $17,500, exceeding that of the UK.

• When Golda Meir was elected Prime Minister of Israel in 1969, she became the world's second elected female leader in modern times.

• Israel has the largest raptor migration in the world, with hundreds of thousands of African birds of prey crossing as they fan out into Asia.

• The cell phone was developed in Israel by Motorola, which has its largest development center in Israel.

• Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers was produced by Haim Saban, an Israeli whose family fled persecution in Egypt.

• In 1984 and 1991, Israel airlifted a total of 22,000 Ethiopian Jews at risk in Ethiopia to safety in Israel.

• Most of the Windows NT operating system was developed by Microsoft-Israel.

• Voice mail technology was developed in Israel.

I've highlight a few breakthrough achieves since Israel has become a state. And for a country and population relatively so small and an economy a-little over $200 Billion, their achievements are enormous. Something to think about until next Blog!



I'll finish with a passage from Numbers 24:1-9(KJV):

1.And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. 

2.And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.

3.And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:

4.He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

5How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!

6As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.

7He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

8.God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.

9.He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee
Matt 

June 2011 Preparing for Advocacy Mission to Israel

The Countdown has begun til the time I will join with 39 other young Christian leaders, who share my passion and love for Israel and the Jewish people,  touring Israel for 13 days in an advocacy mission sponsored by Christians United for Israel.

CUFI's Founder Pastor John Hagee is one of the Evangelical communities  foremost outspoken supporter for Israel not only in word but in deed. In July CUFI will host it's 6th Annual Washington Summit in Washington D.C. Second to AIPAC's policy summit, CUFI's Washington Summit is the premier  pro-Israel advocacy conference held in DC every year.

There are three books that are required readings for our group, I would highly recommend for any who wish to become well versed on the issues surrounding Israel.  

1. Standing With Israel: Why Christians support the Jewish State by David Brog.
2. The Case for Israel  by Alan Dershowitz.
3. Saving Israel: How the Jewish People Can Win a War That May Never End by Daniel Gordis.

I will continue to give updates on a rolling basis on Israel! and current and latest news I find interesting to post!

Until Next time

Cheers and God Bless