History gives us perspective on Israel

Richard Cohen's column "What about anti-semitism is mainstream?" is, for the most part, excellent. However, he (along with, sorry to say, President Obama and, unfortunately, much of the world) is guilty of disseminating revisionist history and perpetuating a myth. Doesn't anyone read recorded and verifiable history any more?

What's this myth about Palestinian aspirations, implying that all they want is a Palestinian homeland? The only aspirations they have ever had are finding ways to eliminate Israel and now they have apparently found a way for the United States to help them do it,

The United Nations established Israel as an autonomous Jewish homeland on May 14, 1948. The Arab/Palestinians refused autonomy when it was offered at that time and, instead, chose to continue to try to wipe out Israel. Israel has fought back, time and time again - and has prevailed time and time again. Israel has won land from its attackers and has given land back to its attackers in the hopes of establishing peace. It hasn't worked.

Now Mr. Cohen, President Obama, and much of the world are asking Israel to give more. They are asking Israel to move even more of its sworn enemies right next door while, at the same time, are asking Israel to stop expanding. In effect, they are asking Israelis to not have any more children because, as a population grows, so must expansion of housing occur to accommodate that population.

They asking Israel to put even more of its enemies right next door and, at the same time, not expand. The end result would be that Israel would be outnumbered by its enemies on what is rightfully its own land. Mr. Cohen, et al, have bought into the Arab/Palestinian myth and revisionist history and, in so doing, they are asking Israel to self-destruct.

Judith A. Carlson

Des Plaines