It's no secret that Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is not one of my favorite humans. I am not a fan of militaristic Israeli hardliners any more than I am of violently militant Palestinians. Violence begets violence and violence is always wrong. But I am filled with sadness over the news of Sharon's declining health. In case you haven't heard, he is lying in a hospital intensive-care unit, heavily sedated and on a respirator, after suffering a massive stroke on Jan. 4. Doctors say his prognosis isn't good.
The news throws the Israel-Palestine peace process - including Israeli withdrawal from Gaza - into chaos. And Israel's government is awhirl: While a temporary PM has been chosen, there are many questions over what the new leadership will do in terms of peace. And no one knows what will be the fate of Kadima, the new political party for which Sharon ditched his former Likud Party.
Whatever one's politics, this is sad, sad news. Prayers for Sharon's recovery are surely being sent all over the world. But in the midst of all this sadness, someone has to behave like a jerk. And it isn't surprising that it's right-wing fundamentalist-Christian televangelist, media tycoon, and diamond magnate Pat Robertson.
The good reverend spoke about the Sharon situation this morning on CBN's 700 Club:
I have said last year that Israel was entering into the most dangerous period of its entire existence as a nation. That is intensifying this year with the loss of Sharon. Sharon was personally a very likeable person. I am sad to see him in this condition. But I think we need to look at the Bible and the Book of Joel. The prophet Joel makes it very clear that God has enmity against those who, quote, "divide my land." God considers this land to be his. You read the Bible, he says, "This is my land." And for any prime minister of Israel who decides he going carve it up and give it away, God says, "No. This is mine." And the same thing — I had a wonderful meeting with Yitzhak Rabin in 1974. He was tragically assassinated, and it was terrible thing that happened, but nevertheless, he was dead. And now Ariel Sharon, who was again a very likeable person, a delightful person to be with. I prayed with him personally. But here he is at the point of death. He was dividing God's land, and I would say woe unto any prime minister of Israel who takes a similar course to appease the EU, the United Nations or United States of America. God said, "This land belongs to me, you better leave it alone."
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Aaman
Whose God?
That is all
2 - Phillip Winn
Since Pat is probably not immortal, I assume that his eventual death, aside from making life a little easier for most Christians, will also demonstrate to us that God killed Pat for saying stupid things and embarrassing himself?
I really, really, really wish Pat would kindly shut up. Maybe spend some time reading the New Testament or something.
3 - Warren
The fact that Pat Robertson is still alive is proof that God doesn't kill people for their idiocy, or for disobeying Him.
I don't know of many Christians who take Pat seriously anymore -- I'm not sure why anyone else does. I think most of the people who watch The 700 Club are waiting for the next train wreck -- like I used to do with Bob Tilton.
4 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
You folks are not going to like what I say - but it's not my job to convince you. I live here; you live there. You think you live in relative safety; you will discover you do not.
Pat Robertson is not one of my favorite people either - but in quoting the Book of Joel with respect to Ariel Sharon - he is right on the money.
He didn't mess up the interpretations, as so many televangelists do.
"He was dividing G-d's land, and I would say woe unto any prime minister of Israel who takes a similar course to appease the EU, the United Nations or United States of America. G-d said, 'This land belongs to me, you better leave it alone.'"
Remember his words. You will regret the day you condemned them.
5 - Natalie Davis
Oh, they exist in greater numbers than you know. And these people - and Pat - have friends and sycophants in high places.
6 - Natalie Davis
"You folks are not going to like what I say - but it's not my job to convince you. I live here; you live there. You think you live in relative safety; you will discover you do not."
Ruvy, that's quite an assumption. I have no illusion about living in safety, relative or otherwise. Haven't since I was in pigtails. I know danger is all around and was - even on these hellish shores - prior to 9/11. When bombs blasted in Israel, Lebanon, Baghdad, et al, I already knew the human race was a goner. Just a matter of time... time that is quickly taking its leave.
"Pat Robertson is not one of my favorite people either - but in quoting the Book of Joel with respect to Ariel Sharon - he is right on the money."
Where did I dispute Robertson's quoting of Scripture? I do have a Bible here; it was quite easy to check and having studied a lot of it, I was already familiar with the passage. Of course, I consider the Bible a nice book largely made up of legends. And if God is going around smiting folks for trying to achieve a difficult peace, there is plenty to regret right here and now - among them, following a nasty, violent deity who plays favorites. I'd rather be blown to bits than to follow someone like that.
Hey, if the big one comes and gets me, I'll have nothing to regret: I'll be getting my wish and I try to live what I believe despite the many conseqences. As it is, I live with regrets aplenty already: Being born in the US, being born in a world that mandates conformity and revolves around greed and prejudice and bigotry and violence, being born to Roman Catholic parents, living in fear of every human I meet (for many reasons - including the fact that people make stupid assumptions and paint others with broad brushes for their own convenience), not learning to play guitar until I was 39... I could go on, but you get my drift.
7 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Nothing personal meant, Ms. Davis. If you understand you do not live in relative safety, you are a wise woman. If you understand that the era and the world you are liing in is coming to an end, you are a very wise woman. Far wiser than many Americans I've known in the years I lived there.
If you can understand and feel ithin you that G-d is not a someone - a huge overgrown human who plays favorites and kills with impunity - but rather an Entity existing outside of time and the Universe He created, you'll acheive Awe of G-d.
Yirát Hasém hareshít hhokhmá. The Awe of G-d is the beginning of wisdom.
Shabbat Shalom
8 - sr
Miss Natalie, "Pray for our sisters and brothers in Israel and Palestine for peace". For sure Natalie your espritdecorps lean to the left. Is that true? What are your views about the news from Iran's great, anti-Israel,leader concerning Israel and PM Arial Sharon? Your opening comments that Israel's PM is not one of my favorite humans lets all know the inherent cause you affront. I can't stand Pat Robertson myself, however you expose your deceitful intentions. Do you believe peace is possible in the middle east? Today I fly my flag of Israel for PM Ariel Sharon and Israel. Must have misplaced the palestine flag. Sisters and brothers in Palestine. [Deleted] GOD BLESS ISRAEL AND GOD BLESS THE GREAT USA. sr
9 - Dawn
I am pretty sure that PM Sharon's health is failing is because he is 77 and not inclined to take very good care of himself. Pat's an idiot, but that's actually beside the point.
Considering Natalie's views, I think she was being pretty kind. It's going to be a difficult time for Israel - 2006 is shaping up to be just as much a winner of a year as 2005. Oh goody.
10 - Aaman
Pat and Ahmedinejad are getting together in a motel off the Strip in Vegas for a drink and to exchange notes on their world visions
11 - Natalie Davis
In my mind, I leap between two positions: Part of me holds God in reverence and is filled with awe, particularly when I see my children and my grandson. Part of me is plagued by doubts. My faith isn't very strong nowadays. It's a sad thing, but when I look at the world - God's creations - and when I see and experience suffering almost without end, it's understandable.
12 - Natalie Davis
I have a suspicion that a human best avoided is hiding behind the handle "sr," but in case that is a mistaken notion, I will respond to this:
"What are your views about the news from Iran's great, anti-Israel,leader concerning Israel and PM Arial Sharon?"
In regard to all of those rejoicing over Sharon's failing health, they make me weep with shame and disgust. To wish another human ill for ANY reason is beyond repulsive.
Peace.
NR Davis
13 - sr
Ruvy in JERUSALEM. Shabbat Shalom. Ruvy, are you in Jerusalem? Asman send me photo's. sr
14 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Shabbat Shalom to you also sr.
I am most assuredly in Jerusalem - the city of David and the eternal and with G-d's help UNDIVIDED capital of the Jewish people.
When I take the bus downtown, it turns left on the Haas Tayelet and I can see the Valley of Judgment (Yehoshafát), Abu Tur, the other Arab villages, "Ir David", and the walls of the Old City. I can also see the Temple Mount. But I don't have the technology to send you photos....
In fact, I have to get off soon and shop. The sabbath (Shabbat vaYigash) comes in at 16:15 our time.
Oh by the way, the Orthodox Christians held a procession in the Old City today, carrying their icons and the like...
Merry Christmas!
15 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
"Israel Resource News Agency confirms that at about noon today, Israel time, doctors at Hadassah Hospital and security officials at the Israel Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv were simultaneously informed that Prime Minister Sharon had died during surgery.
Israel Resource News Agency has again spoken with officials from both Hadassah and the Israel Ministry of Defence who were officially informed at noon of Sharon's death."
Ms. Davis, "Israel Resource News Agency" is David Bedein, one of the most reliable investigative reporters in Israel. If he says that Sharon is dead, he is dead. Don't worry about the man's failing health.
The appropriate prayer for the neshamá (the soul that G-d gives a person) of Ariel Sharon is "El Maléh Rahhamím" - the funeral prayer.
16 - Joseph Johaneman
Just found that article announcing Sharon's death. For those who want to read it, you can find it here
If it's true, it's a sad day. Email me that prayer Ruvy (in English, if you can, I don't know Hebrew). I'll say a prayer for Sharon.
[Personal contact info deleted]
17 - Shark
Ruvy, as The Great Troll would say:
"Take your Zionist bullshit off my bridge."
PS: Based on comment #4 -- in the future -- EVERYTHING YOU SAY IS SUSPECT.
=====
Kudos to Phillip Winn and other Christians who publicly criticize the Robertsons of the world; as with moderate Islam, moderate Christians have an obligation to protect the integrity of their true religion -- especially when it becomes a tool for terrorists and madmen.
Note that the Far Right loves the Old Testament and wants the Ten Commandments nailed to the foreheads of every citizen, but you don't hear a lot ABOUT THOSE PESKY BEATITUDES, do ya?
Ironic, that.
18 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Shark, I'll say to you what I'll say to any other Christian.
The Book of Joel is a book of prophecy in the Hebrew biblewarning against dividing the land. It is a text Christians allege to believe in.
The sitting government of this country has undertaken to divide this land - its leader has been stricken with a stroke. If you have trouble with the causality, obviously, you have trouble believing in the books you say you do.
This is not my poblem.
Work it out yourself.
19 - Shark
Ruvy, the idea that some omnipotent Big Daddy gives a Real Special flying fuck about your land, your 'tribe', and your mythology -- to the point where "He" intervenes in a man's brain functioning in order to PUNISH him for trying to bring PEACE to your fucked up part of the globe -- well, it's JUST FUCKING SICK.
It's amazing what some twisted "covenant" between an Imaginary Landlord and a buncha egotistical tribal primates can do to one's sense of reason and morality.
I've read a ton of heinous BS on this site, but Ruvy, you take the crown.
PS: Yer on My List, dude.
: )
20 - Shark
Ruvy portrays God as Cosmic Entity:
"...If you can understand and feel within you that G-d is not a someone - a huge overgrown human who plays favorites and kills with impunity - but rather an Entity existing outside of time and the Universe He created, you'll acheive Awe of G-d"
Ruvy sees God as Petty Vindictive Asshole Intervening in a Dispute Over Some Gawdfersaken Desert Hell-Hole:
"The sitting government of this country has undertaken to divide this land - its leader has been stricken with a stroke. If you have trouble with the causality..."
~Hypocrite much?
21 - Shark
Troll, hope you don't mind me invoking your Holy Name -- although in the spirit of the local medieval superstitions, I probably shoulda spelled it:
"T---L"
Please forgive me.
22 - troll
shark - feel free to take my name in vain any time
actually we trolls don't rate as even minor deities - more like a pesky pre-christian forces of nature
but the last time I argued Torah and the mysteries with G-d over tea and checkers it was revealed to me that the children of the covenant fell from grace in his eyes when they picked up guns in Warsaw
He said - "You become what you resit" ... and so it in Israel
troll
23 - sr
Ms. Davis, I conclude you are a nice person. Never once did you degrade yourself with language shark bait seems beholding to. Peace be with you Ms. Davis. sr
24 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Troll writes,
"the last time I argued Torah and the mysteries with G-d over tea and checkers it was revealed to me that the children of the covenant fell from grace in his eyes when they picked up guns in Warsaw
He said - 'You become what you resist' ... and so it in Israel"
Troll, I honestly hope for your sake that you are NEVER forced to take up arms to defend your home or loved ones. From what you say it wll do one hell of a doppelganger on you.
25 - troll
Ruvy - did someone say that it was going to be easy being a Jew?
troll
ps thanks for your concern