Submitted by Chana Givon, May 15, 2007 17:29

How sad to think that, after keeping the dream alive for centuries and celebrating the unification of rhe eastern and western parts of the same City, we hear a voice of defeatism from Hillel Halkin! If our ancestors had not dreamed of our return, we would not be here.

Thankfully, Halkin's opinions were not those of Israel's heroes who fought and died for this elegant little country! Surely, he knows of the hand-to-hand fighting with the enemy in the Old City during the 6 Day War in order to spare any destruction to Holy sites. Seared into our national memory -and into each heart - are the words, "The Temple Mount is in our hands!" The jewel in the crown!

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of a miracle we applaud the day of reunification. In place of the destruction of nineteen years - synagogues and cemeteries - we are witness to restoration and renewal; it matches our spirit!

Mr. Halkin should remember that appeasement is only a starting point for more of the same. It is time that our adversaries learned that peace does not include capitulation to their whims which grow each day. Israel freed eastern Jerusalem for all religions in 1967 and so it must remain - free under Israeli guardianship.

We invite Mr. Halkin to share our optimism.

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