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Abraham S Groswirt, Tijuana BC, Mexico — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:34:37 GMT

I salute the rabbis and volunters, hopefully this act will grow to protect all Plaestinian who only want to make a decent living, so I name them Emasadors of good will as my right of a ex member of the IDF in the war of independence, that is what I fought for, to have a state like the Swis, An Israeli Canton and Arab Canton, all living in peace, but it never happened, what a pity.......If they export their olives or oil, I will be their costumer. Just imagin, Olive oil and olives from the Holy Land.

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Don Ferry, Louisville, KY — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:35:14 GMT

I applaud the Palestinians and the Rabbis for working together in a loving way as all humans should. I believe this is how Jesus would have reacted and lived were he living in these lands today as he did many years ago.
May God bring such peace, harmony and love to all the middle east and to all peoples of earth in the new year.
God Bless,
Don

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David, Ocean City, New Jersey USA — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:52:31 GMT

That's awesome.

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Mwikali, Nairobi, Kenya — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:12:12 GMT

This is what humanity should be about, that we stop being sheep and step up to do what is right. Love, tolerance and respect will go a lot further and resound alot longer than everything else in this world. This story renews my flagging hope for humanity!

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Mike, Nashua, NH — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:16:24 GMT

This is awesome, Steal the land and then work along with the people whom you stole the land from. Awesome indeed !

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Paul, Boston, MA — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:16:28 GMT

Interesting that only the Israeli's and not the Palestinian suicide bombers are held accountable for the downturn in the Palestinian economy - clearly this is a nice balanced article.

"Since the second Intifada (Palestinian uprising) began in 2000, the Palestinian economy has taken a major downturn as a result of the many Israeli checkpoints and closures that restrict ordinary Palestinians from travelling anywhere for work."

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Susan, Denver — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:24:15 GMT

A true unselfish act of kindness. How wonderful, how rare. One small step for olives, one tiny step for humanity. Peace and love.

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Derek Meche — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:24:53 GMT

I hope this serves as an example for everyone in the region. We are all human and deserve respect. The three major faiths of the region, Islam, Judism, and Christianity can all trace their ancestors back to Abraham. Imagine the good we could do in this world if one day all three faiths worked together as children of Abraham.

Good luck and God Bless both the Rabbis and the farmers.

From a Catholic who grew up on a farm.

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Kal, NJ — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:42:52 GMT

Finally, some people with common sense and a pair of balls taking some intuatives in the Middle East. They are doing G-d's work.

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:51:18 GMT

It is really nice to read people in this region are working together towards something positive. The Rabbis and the Volunteers helping the Palestinians access to their trees during the harvest shows how if people just cooperate and help eachother good things will be the outcome. The olive harvest will continue to be a success. There are good things happening it sometimes is hard to find. Thank you for the posting on this subject. Peace to all!

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Winston Ifill — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:52:28 GMT

What a step in the right direction, hopefully, the President would have seen this article. Now is the time for the government to act in bringing these two divided nations together and make this place a prosperous place in the New Year.

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Jim, Levittown, Pa. — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:58:44 GMT

Maybe this action will spread and turn into a peace movement thru out the middle east. Where everyone can get along and the fighting will end.

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Derek Fort Smith AR — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:06:20 GMT

Not only was this "WWJD" this is what every Jew should do. If we want a just world, then we must do our part to ensure justice!

I'd be interested for the author to tell us though, who are these "Palestinians"? Are they, Israeli citizens, or citizens of another state living in Israel, are they descendants of the people who lived in the area in 1948? The article seems to indicate they are not refugees, they are landowners in Israel. Exactly what is a Palestinian? Just curious.

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Alan ,Whitestone, New York USA — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:16:43 GMT

This is a prime example showing that two diverse communities can work together for what is Right and Just. As a citizen of the world,I find this heartwarming; As a Jew I am very proud. Bravo!!

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Sam Shivji, La Mirada, California — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:50:03 GMT

One small step taken by Rabbis and volunteers and if we all followed their foot steps wouldn't this world be a better place and peace on planet earth will prevail and all of can live in peace and harmony.

Sam Shivji

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John, Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:59:42 GMT

I want to thank these Rabbis, for protecting not just the palestinians but also treating them as human beings. Mercy begets mercy and hope and pray that the settlers can see the pain of these people and try not to destroy those olive trees which probably is the only source for several families. My heart goes out for these decent Rabbis and I have seen a video on You tube, how the settlers even kick and drag these rabbis from there beards and hair. I have serious doubt when the settlers cannot show mercy to these rabbis, palestinians are probably dust for them.

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edmond california — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:09:44 GMT

why is it that always you hear a israelis giving a helping hand and hardlly ever any palestinian.however this is a good step if the other side apprieciate it

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Delmar Fairchild — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:14:11 GMT

To know what is right and not do it, is the worst form of cowardice." Confusius.

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Maury, Rockville, MD — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:25:21 GMT

This is a story with many analogs from the Israeli side, and virtually none from the Arab side. It's great, but only so far as it goes. This dispute will never end until both sides demonstrate a willingness to accept the other on the other's terms. A clear majority of Israelis have made this psychological leap; few Palestinians have.

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Joshua, Panama City, FL — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:26:48 GMT

This is directed to Mike from NH. First off the Israelis
did not steal the land from the Palestinians, The romans stole it from the Israelis. Second of all regarding your comment about them working next to the people they "stole" it from: what do you think your doing living on land that was full of Indians. Don't see to many of them around here anymore. Are you paying some sort of restitutions to native americans?

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Lyn, New Mexico — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:36:27 GMT

I think it's important to understand that there are always civilians (non-combatants) in the center of any conflict, just or otherwise, and they strive simply to be able to work, feed and clothe their kids, and achieve some semblance of a normal life. So, regardless of the explosive emotions surrounding our various opinions on the trouble in the Middle East, it's important to separate these citizens on both sides from those who are politically motivated (which in itself is often necessary). I am happy to see that these Rabbis are reaching beyond social, cultural, and politically boundaries to be kind in a world where kindness is in serious deficit.

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Lamia Haddad — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:36:38 GMT

These are Jewish rabbis. The religion factor. Jewish people and Christian-Palestinians and Moslim Palestinians lived together in Palestine for many years in harmony. It is the Zionists who terrorize Palestinians and preach hate and horror in the name of Judaism. The Holy Book never tells anyone to kill or to hurt other people.

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Lyn, New Mexico — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:44:23 GMT

To add to my earlier comment, I think it's important to note that these farmers are also reaching beyond social, cultural, and political boundaries to embrace the Rabbi's assistance So both they and the Rabbi's should be commended for being willing to work together where others have failed.

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Phil Karasick, Seattle, Washington — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:06:25 GMT

Blessed are the Peace-Makers.

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Laura, Houston, TX — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:08:51 GMT

This is wonderful and I wish ALL the people who live there PEACE and HARMONIOUS living together...

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RFFNY1 — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:10:28 GMT

I am profoundly proud of the Rabbis. There is a difference between "history" and "his-story". And the Rabbis actions makes them "eliminationists" as per the racial divides that permeate society all over the world. There is one race, the human race. And when we all acknowledge it, the entire world will be bettor off.

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kevin tulsa oklahoma — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:12:17 GMT

it's about time we stop killing each other in the name of god, and start working with each other in the name of god. Everyone needs to step up and do there part even if the cost of the action is dear.

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R. Lee Rostenchenko, Ravenna, Ohio — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:30:02 GMT

These rabbis have marked themselves with the sign of their faith. I am in both admiration and gratitude for men such as these, and for the Palestinian workers.
Once again we are reminded that, "ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS."
G

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john florida — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:32:59 GMT

why call criminals settlers they are criminals the end. i am sure that all settlers are not criminals. And the rabis also have the support of the Israeli courts and the military to protect the victims of a crime.I think it would be nice if Palestinians returned the favor when it comes to rocket attacks.
Joshua, Panama city:
You have it 100% right Rome drove the Jews from JUDEA but people just will not fess up to it. It does not the liberal let's blame the JEWS agenda. Sorry. it's just the way it is.I have tried to bring it up before and no one till now will even pretend that they read it.

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Joshua, New York, NY — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:37:39 GMT

Its nice to see Jews helping Arabs. What we never see is Arabs helping Jews. Where are the Arab moderates that help the Jews and protest against terrorism? Where are "the Muslim Imams for humanity"? Where are the Arabs who dare to stop their brothers from committing terrorist acts?? The problem begs the question of humanity towards Jews...

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Manuelito Tomason — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:40:03 GMT

I commend the rabbis for their courage to do the right thing. Echoing Lyn, I also believe that the Palestinians should be commended as well for working with the Rabbis; surely the more extreme elements of the Palestinian resistance are not happy to see that.
Have some sympathy for Native American Indians. One and two centuries ago they had to deal with Manifest Destiny. During the 20th century Palestinians have to struggle for existence against Zionism. Recognize that less than 10% of the population of historic Palestine in the late 1800's was Jewish. 90% was Palestinian - whether Christian or Muslim.
Notice that the article (at least the link was ) "Harvesting Unlikely Allies in Israel." If I read correctly these events actually took place in the occupied West Bank, which is not Israel.

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Femi — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:00:41 GMT

God bless the Rabbis and God bless the farmers!!! Peace and love to the whole world in the new year. I pray a peaceful and prosperous Isreal living in Peace with all Arab neighbors will happen in my life time.

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Peter, Issaquah WA — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:26:39 GMT

Acts of good faith go unpublished far to often. Truth is, for the most part these people want to get along and in daily life they do. The exception is the radical ends of each side. These are the people who make the news and give us the impression that all Palestinians and Jews are hostile towards each other. Think about it, will you ever see a front page headline 'Jews helping struggling Palestinians'?

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S, Boston, MA — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:49:54 GMT

To Abraham Groswirt: they are already exporting olive oil and olives from the Holy Land, and it's usually fair trade. See www.canaanfairtrade.com and www.holylandoliveoil.com.

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Mark Leap,Altoona,Pa. USA — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 23:14:36 GMT

Is this another blog to support the american supply of propaganda ? The jews are not willing to give anything ....can not they live with GODS children?
oztoona

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rexanne montgomery alabama — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 23:17:53 GMT

I will pray for the grace of God to bless

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R Hamilton Ellenton Fla. — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 23:45:26 GMT

I cannot think of a more beautiful story in these hard times of strife Hats off to all those who thought out the idea and put it into motion

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dan vasse — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 23:59:41 GMT

Love breeds love, hatred breeds hatred! No nationality is above the other. We must work together for peace!

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Michela, Phoenix, AZ — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:06:46 GMT

To Maury from MD who said: "This is a story with many analogs from the Israeli side, and virtually none from the Arab side. [...] A clear majority of Israelis have made this psychological leap; few Palestinians have"

The US media focuses on Israeli acts of kindness, but that doesn't mean that there are no Palestinians being kind to Israelis. As per your second comment, do you have stats corroborating that? Opinion surveys show that up to 40% of Israelis would be ok with forcefully deporting the Palestinians to Jordan? Isn't that the equivalent of "pushing the Israelis to the sea"? I think both groups have been radicalized after decades of war, and only acts of kindness like these will take them out of the mess...but you seem to care more about judging others than about appreciating kindness.

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Michela, Phoenix, AZ — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:16:34 GMT

To Paul from Boston: You said "Interesting that only the Israeli's and not the Palestinian suicide bombers are held accountable for the downturn in the Palestinian economy - clearly this is a nice balanced article"

If you read the article carefully, it did not say that the root cause of the problem was the fault of Israel or the Palestinians. It just pointed out the restrictions of movement imposed on the Palestinians prevented them from working and this was the main cause of the devastation of their economy. It is debatable whether these restrictions were justified for safety reasons or not, and the author did not address that debate.

You missed the main point of the article (an example of kindness and peace) and just focused on confirming your own political view. It's because of people like you who only focus on the "we vs them"/"we're right, they're wrong"/"we deserve dignity/they don't" mentality, that the conflict in the region goes on....

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bert trim — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:20:34 GMT

Wonderful, truly great people. Now, if we can only get these Rabbi's to ask the Palestinians to lay down their arms and hatred towards the Jewish people. That would certainly be the accomplishment of the century. Sounds like we should give them the entire "ball of wax" At least someone's on the right track.

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Mark Kerrin, Jacksonville, Florida — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:35:04 GMT

A Thank you is still in order. Even though it may be a basic right. I feel the holding back of saying thank you is just plain pride. While there is nothing wrong with having pride one should not let it interfere with common courtesy.

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Richard Miller — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:40:29 GMT

Yes in the land of the hopeless, even the hungry wolf brings hope.... yes take their land and let them work in it instead of kicking them out. Lesser of two evils indeed is nice but its still Evil

Maybe Mexicans in California one day will say this is our land because many years ago it was all spanish so now there are enough of us here that we will take it away from the Americans and start slaughtering them.

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John/Ohio/USA — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:22:23 GMT

WOW great story " one small
step" wonderfull. But what about these comments ? How
deep does this hate go that
people can not accept this
beautiful act just for what it is ?

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Zahra, New York — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:37:01 GMT

It is a step in the right direction. For those who see this as a leap on the part of the Israelis but don't see any effort from the Palestinians-- you should consider the socio-economic situation. Due to sanctions and violence, most Palestinians are barely surviving. It is hard to reach out and help others when you aren't in a position to give help. I wish there were more articles such as these circulating rather than those about violence in the name of religion and beliefs. I am Muslim, and I am saddened that Israelis and Palestinians have used the name of religion to support their underlying agendas. Some of my closest friends, who have my utmost respect, are Jewish. I have been fortunate enough to see openmindedness and compassion from people of both religions. It is my hope that this compassion continues to expand.

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Jim Lagutaris, Temecula, CA — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:55:13 GMT

Finally a story from the holy land that gives one hope. We in America are quick to demonize the Palestinian people because of the likes of Hamas and other radicals. This shows that they are decent people and deserve peace as the rabbis would not put forth this noble effort if otherwise. I hope one day there is peace there.

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Naim Kozi -Brooklyn NY — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 01:58:33 GMT

To Maury who believes that the Israeli's have made the "psychological steps of reconciliation". The Rabbis have not taken a step towards reconciliation, (yes-many Palistinians and Israelis have) but they put themselves in harms way to protect Palistinians from criminals (in this case the settlers). Reconcilliationstarts starts and ends with the nation that holds all the cards, the nation with the power and influence. And yes we need more people like the Rabbis.

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Quinn — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 02:00:34 GMT

This is very moving! we are all human being, let everyone live peacefully. No one is better than others.

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delil paul, amsterdam, the netherlands — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 02:21:44 GMT

Peace on earth, goodwill to all men from Yeshua a Mashiach.

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Mike Gallagher, Charlotte, NC — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 03:12:05 GMT

The Rabbis are compensating for an intollerable condition whereby the Zionist 'Settlers' are systematically stealing the Palestian lands. Justice will be served when the Palestinians asert authority over their territory.

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ray anderson harper oregon — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 04:10:09 GMT

I don't understand the whole thing, I wish someone would educate me on the entire deal between the Palestinians and Isrealis.

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TIM, BEMIDJI, MN — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 05:04:08 GMT

Our God is the same. This region can provide bountifully, with hard work and ingenuity.
Disagreements, caused by the need for control of others, to be right, to impose ones own vision upon another, have lead to conflict. Cooperation, forgiveness, courage, and an inclusive vision, will prove prosperous to all. Common projects with an equal balance of control, and power given to the contributers will result in trust. It will transform everything. It would so affect the world to see this example of common goodness that it would ignite a movement bigger than any witnessed since the removal of the iron curtain. Developing water resources, investing in education, solving common problems, bridging differences and recognizing the complex etiologies of those differences.

Bless the people who faithfully tend to their olive crop. And bless the Rabbi's for recognizing the inaliable rights of these special people. I challenge every settler and farmer to get to know his neighbor and to walk in their shoes, so that they might walk in yours.

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Larry Katz — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 05:08:30 GMT

As a Jew and a Christian I am glad to see the Rabbis'
do the right thing and reach out to their Arab neighbors. If these neighbors, in turn, stood up to their Muslim brothers and denounced the hatred and violence aimed at the Israelis, there would not need to be any restrictions on their access to the olive vineyards.

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Joe Quintana, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 05:13:20 GMT

These people have the solution, we can all learn from it. If only these people were our world leaders, just think what a world we could live in. God bless the Rabbis and farmers.

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Ross Rupley, Kona, Ha. — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 06:07:16 GMT

I guess it's great that rabbits can help out, but I'm not sure what a bunch of bunnies can do.

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Harrison Anderson, Japan (But always a Chicagoan) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:57:52 GMT

We live, we work, we toil, we kill, we spin our wheels, but do we ever really truely get anywhere. Because of course we die and the cycle begin again.

I guess we all have our parts we should play and it so nice just to say and give praise. But, as a rancher once told me, "nothing gets done unless you dirty your hands son".

How are your hands?

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AL HERMAN — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:17:53 GMT

TO DEREK FORT SMITH ( AR ), WHAT IS AN AMERICAN? WHAT IS AN ENGLISH? WHAT IS A BELGIUM? WHATIS A FRENCH?
WHAT IS A GERMAN? A PALESTINAIN IS THE RIGHTFULL OWNER OF PALESTINE AND NOT ISRAELZ AS CLAIMED. IT IS PALESTINE FOR HUNDRED OF THOUSANDS OF YEARS, NOT JUST LIKE AMERICA THREE HUNDRED YEARS OLD.

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PhilistineTheArtLover — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:46:44 GMT

After the good rabbis leave the settlers will still terrorize Palestinians all year long. The settlers usually get drunk then go out taunting and doing physical harm to Palestinians they encounter on their way.
Hardly any of it is news in the US. But when a Palestinian loses his mind after all this and harms anyone it become an "international terrorist" event.

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Robin O, Houston, Tx — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:14:34 GMT

To the Rabbis and volunteers, I say God bless you, protect you and continue to give you the strength to carry on. For the people in the region, may be "One good turn deserves another," in this instance, tantamounts to oversimplification. But you have to be tired of hating,killing and dying. There is no gain-saying this is not what God intended. I hope you reach in and find the peace you sorely need, we all sorely need.

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Robin O, Houston, Tx — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:16:52 GMT

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jorge — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:59:09 GMT

It seems funny to say that the world would be a better place if we'd just be nice to each other but it is undoubtedly true. And it's easier and cheaper to be nice. And people don't get killed, maimed and psychologically ruined by it. The far reaching effects of being nice are all good--people are nice in return and things get done in the fastest, easiest way and everybody profits from it in many ways and we become contented. Being nice=contentment. The people in this article bear that out. Seems like a no-brainer, doesn't it?

And yet, for the most part, we just can't seem to do it very often. We'd rather make war, cause devastation, terrorize people, destroy the environment. You have to wonder what's wrong with us when we prefer to do the wrong, harder thing than the right, easier thing.

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Ruby, Houston, TX — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:16:37 GMT

This is wonderful! Please tell us how others may contribute to the works of "Rabbis for Human Rights". If they are willing to protect the rights of others, I am willing to help make it possible financially, for them to do so. I am sure a lot of people would be.

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Tim, Frisco, TX — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:39:20 GMT

I salute these courageous rabbis;may their tribe increase. The question is, will the imams respond similarly? See Romans 12:17-21 for Paul(Saul)of Tarsus' admonition, circa 60C.E.

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(Luis,Fitchburg,Ma): — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:35:06 GMT

At this time of chaos among this two nations,it's heartwarming to read such a news, that rabbis have something that the humanity had lost,"solidarity".

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Tim, Frisco, TX — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:44:07 GMT

I salute these courageous rabbis;may their tribe increase. The question is, will the imams respond similarly? See Romans 12:17-21 for Paul(Saul)of Tarsus' admonition, circa 60C.E.

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Scott Denbina — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:24:57 GMT

I'm certainly no sympathizer to the Palestinians, yet I am totally aghast to discover that any Israeli, settler or otherwise, would, of all things, attempt to disrupt an olive harvest, regardless of who owns the trees. Olives hold a sacred place, of all fruits, and it is disrespect toward Almighty G-d to mess with the olive harvest. The Rabbis are doing the RIGHT thing, and the truly Jewish thing. Settlers who would disrupt an olive harvest, are nothing but godless hooligans. Fight over something else if you must, but leave the olives alone, OK?

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Christopher O. Kershaw — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:07:56 GMT

The God of Abraham, Isaas, and Jacob created both the
heavens and the earth. Jews, Christians, and Muslims are to live on it as brothers and sisters. Did I miss part of the movie?

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donna e. — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 17:15:05 GMT

I have been told that there will ultimately be no "real" and lasting peace in the middle east until the return of Jesus Christ. Period. So while these individuals are spiritually enlightened and truly do "love their neighbors" this is not a "tangible" peace--not yet, we'll all know when that time has come.

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Naomi Zielinski, Rainier, OR — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:00:31 GMT

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called the sons of God." (Matt. 5:9)

Well Done!! May the rabbis and their volunteers continue to show God's love. No matter the creed, basic human kindnesses are a blessing.

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Alejandro, Philly, PA — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:52:24 GMT

Wow. American readers are hailing rabbis who protect palestinan farmers from criminal gangs of settlers. That's good. But where did these settlers get all the money to commit their criminal activities ? Answer: United States tax exempt "charity" foundations are probably biggest contributors.

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Voislav, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:53:17 GMT

This is a patch and only temporary. What is needed is a solution to the ongoing strife culminating in peace. A few, standing in the way of harm in an effort to slow down violence, is a far cry from peace.

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Mike New York — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:56:21 GMT

A wonderful story indeed! It takes alot of courage to say what Rabbi Yehiel said in the article. Bless you Rabbi. Quote: "It’s difficult for me as a rabbi to say this," said Rabbi Yehiel Greiniman of Rabbis for Human Rights, "but I believe there are people who say they do things in the name of the Torah when in fact they go against it." It's horrible that the native Palestinians live in squalor in their own country, but hopefully, people will open their eyes and realize we all live on one Earth.

p.s. to Derek from Fort Smith- what is an isreali anyway? Citizen of an area that was a country from a few thousand years ago? Or a descendent of a European settler who emigrated to this land no more than 90 years ago living in occupied Palestine?

p.s. to Joshua in New york- Actually, if you are as religious as you indicate, the Romans didn't steal anything. The covenant God made with the Jews was to live by His law and His word. If the Jews could do just that, then God would always keep the nation of Israel. The Jews resisted many threats to ancient Israel, even against staggering odds. If the Romans conquered them, then one of two things occurred. Either God betrayed the covenant (which is sheer sacrilege) or the Jews failed to live by their own codes of conduct. (Hmmm isn't that what Rabbi Yehiel was just alluding to?)

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N. Fines, FL — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:54:37 GMT

Many countries have land holdings won during wars and no one accuses them of stealing the land. I admire the Rabbis for doing God's work and caring more about what's right than what's popular. Did no one else notice that the settlers are said to "see it as their right and no thank you's are said"? It is that attitude of entitlement that is separating people all over the world, including in our country, and it is what I see as the reason that there probably will never be "peace on earth". If a kindness is done, it should be repaid with gratitude, no matter who you are or what you see as your "right".

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liverpool — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:33:36 GMT

i thinks it good to see some people of isereal being tolerate towards the palastinians, seen as they have completly taken over there country and have made them trapped ion there own country, wish the government were like these rabbi's

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rob, oakland, ca. — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:30:57 GMT

How is it that Jordan doesn't have some legal claim to at least the west bank? I thought that Jordan owned the west bank at least until they joined Syria and Egypt in invading the U.N.- founded state of Israel. Shouldn't Israel and Jordan agree to give the west bank back to Jordan, with security measures to protect Israel? Then, Jordan can help cultivate olives.

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Chui Tey, Australia — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 06:21:52 GMT

Joshua of NY,

Regarding the lack of "Arabs helping Jews".

I don't think the Arabs are in a position to help out with the checkpoints here.

Maybe you can find a story of a Jew helping a German in WWII Germany?