Chicago Op-Ed on the Middle East

Guest Blogger
R Phil Lefkowitz
-----------------------------------------
Below is an op-ed I sent out to the local press in Chicago yesterday.
Phil Lefkowitz

OP ED
Building Homes for Jewish Civilians in Jerusalem
By Rabbi Philip Lefkowitz
Agudas Achim North Shore Congregation

On December 13, 1985, the General Assembly of the United Nations issued its "Declaration On The Human Rights of Individuals Who Are Not Nationals Of the Country In Which They Live" It states that aliens have "the right to own property alone as well as in association with others, subject to domestic law".and "...shall enjoy the right to liberty of movement and freedom to choose their residence within the borders of the State." Is there anyone who seriously questions that Jews living in Jerusalem, in their ancient and present capital shouldn't have the minimal rights of aliens?
Statistics regarding the population of Jerusalem during the rule of the Ottoman Empire clearly demonstrate that there is an ever growing Jewish population in Jerusalem. The natural growth of population requires more housing for the Jewish residents of Jerusalem; a natural occurrence in any society. Jews covet residence in the City of David. Thrice daily in their prayers. Jews implore G-d to establish His kingdom in Jerusalem – "and to your City Jerusalem return in mercy..." Prime Ministers of Israel have always stated that the E1 section of Jerusalem is not part of any negotiation, a fact recognized by the Clinton administration.
Unlike Arab nations in the area, Israel offers citizenship to all – Muslim, Christian and Jew. Muslims, citizens of Israel, are elected to its government, occupying seats in Israel's parliament, the Kenesset. Contrast this with several Arab states which by law forbid a Jew to reside within their borders.
As has been amply demonstrated by the recent terrorist attacks from Gaza on the citizenry of Israel , "land for peace" has gone up in the smoke of bombs landing amidst the civilian populations of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem..
Until the Arab states and their supporters. accord Jews the minimal rights of an alien in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations, there can be no peace in the Middle East.