Self Respect means Knowing How and When to say "NO!"
                     by Gershon Ben Shabtai
                       November 25, 1991
                                
       It seems that the PLO is reading my column and even taking my advice.  Even
before entering into negotiations the Palestinian delegation has listed twenty-five points which
they demand.  
       There is no  "palestine".  They have no country, no history and no future.  They are
a collection of Arab refugees from other Arab nations who have perpetrated a fraudulent
political creation whose sole purpose is to discredit the legitimacy a Jewish State of any size. 
Yet, despite this, they are not afraid to boldly state a long list of nonsensical demands before
Secretary of State Baker, and announce them to the entire world in advance of negotiations.
Thus, should they "back down" on any of them it would seem as if they have "compromised"
in which case Israel too must make a similar gesture.  Yet the Jewish State, which certainly
has minimum requirements which must be clearly defined before going to negotiations, is silent
about them.  Why is this?
       It reminds me of the memorable comment by former Prime Minister, Golda Meir, to
the then President Ronald Reagan, "We don't want to be a nuisance."
       Yussie Sarid, the inimitable self-hater of the "Citizens Rights" (read Arab rights)
party in the Knesset and self proclaimed enemy of Rabbi Meir Kahane, z"l, reacting to Bush's
obvious political slap in the face to the Israeli Prime Minister by his announcing the
Washington venue for the continuation of Peace talks before first consulting with Shamir in
person, insisted that the lives of Israeli citizens are more important than the honor of the Prime
Minister and thus we should hasten to respond positively to the American President.  
       This is a perfect example of how we Jews have brought upon ourselves all the
problems we face.  It matters not what George Bush says nor how he says it.  For those who
believe that we are totally dependent upon the good graces of the United States for our
existence there is nothing to do but accept any and all demands made upon us by that country's
government.
       Is this what we have become?  Are we nothing more than a vassal of the United
States of America, to be used to further her interests in the region regardless of how that use is
harmful to Jewish interests, including that of our very existence?
       I understand Yussie.  Anyone who does not know that the Hand of G-d is the only
thing preventing Israel from perishing every minute of every day, cannot help but feel
dependent upon the USA and fear for his very life should we offend its president.
       But Yussie is wrong-- dead wrong!  It is only the G-d of Israel who protects us and,
should we take steps that offend him, we bring tragedy upon our nation.  
       If Shamir has an ounce of national pride and self respect he will announce that his
preference for the venue of continued peace talks is Jerusalem.  He would be willing, however
to go to any Arab capital as well.  To agree to continue this absurd charade in any other
location is to recognize that peace is not the objective.  If we willingly accept that premise and
yet feel obligated to take part in this farce, then we will never be able to stand up to the real
issues in the actual negotiations.  Somebody has to teach the Prime Minister how and when to
simply say "NO".