The jihad against us is only partly about physical violence – it is mostly about mental intimidation and exploitation of our weaknesses.
The current state of affairs in Israel is full of lessons and truths – the sooner we learn them, the sooner we can stop the attacks.
1. We can stop feeling guilty There are a few good things that have come out of the recent wave of terrorism in the streets of Israel. The first is that the facade that jihadists are somehow struggling for self-determination, social justice or any other noble idea has been unmasked. It is clear to us now that unlike what we’ve been urged to believe for the past 30 years, jihadists don’t want peace.
They want to annihilate Jews, Judaism and the State of Israel. Which is great news! Because once the pretense is dropped, we stop falling for it and begin unloading the guilty feeling that we are at fault for everything, for instance that building in Jerusalem or Judea is causing this war.
Those few voices who still try to blame the victims sound delusional and their ideas are being debunked. At the same time, there is a realization that within Israel there exists a hostile minority that simply does not accept the legitimacy of a Jewish state. Clarity is forming, and it will lead to victory.
2. The Jewish fighting spirit is back The second good thing is that the Jewish fighting spirit is back on the streets. Men and women, old and young, are responding to terrorism with defiance. Pepper spray, rolling pins, umbrellas, selfie-sticks, feet, fists, running and especially shooting – Israelis are shooting bad guys (and gals).