Hey John Kerry: Israel is no banana republic or vassal state

Someone should remind U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that Zionism allows Jews self-determination. While Kerry encourages boycotts and a “Third Intifada” against Israel, Israel will do just fine with or without America’s approval. As history repeats itself, America should remember that Israel has lived without understandings with America (and the Arabs) – and indeed will continue to.

Indeed, Prime Minister Begin said it best, and its worth repeating when he told the United States Israel was no “vassal state” or a “banana republic.” Begin also hinted of anti-Semitic overtones in some of the punitive measures taken by the United States.

Worth reading this letter which are applicable today, and remains posted on the website of Israel’s Foreign Ministry (excerpts of which are posted below):

“Now you once again declare that you are punishing Israel. What kind of expression is this – “punishing Israel”? Are we a vassal state of yours? Are we a banana republic? Are we youths of fourteen who, if they don’t behave properly, are slapped across the fingers?”

“Let me tell you who this government is composed of. It is composed of people whose lives were spent in resistance, in fighting and in suffering. You will not frighten us with “punishments”. He who threatens us will find us deaf to his threats. We are only prepared to listen to rational arguments. You have no right to “punish” Israel – and I protest at the very use of this term.”

“You want to make Israel a hostage of the memorandum of understanding. I regard your announcement suspending the consultations on the memorandum of as the abrogation (by you) of the memorandum. No “sword of Damocles” is going to hang over our head. So we duly take note of the fact that you have abrogated the memorandum of understanding.”

“The people of Israel has lived 3,700 years without a memorandum of understanding with America – and it will continue to live for another 3,700.”

“What did you want to do – to “hit us in our pocket”? In 1946 there lived in this house a British general by the name of Barker. Today I live here. When we fought him, you called us “terrorists” – and we carried on fighting. After we attacked his headquarters in the requisitioned building of the King David Hotel, Barker said: “This race will only be influenced by being hit in the pocket” – and he ordered his soldiers to stop patronizing Jewish cafes. To hit us in the pocket – this is the philosophy of Barker.”

“We have enough strength to defend our independence and to defend our rights.”

John Kerry – Am Israel Chai! The people of Israel Live.

Ronn Torossian is one of America’s most prolific public relations experts – and a passionate supporter of Israel.