Isaac Newton said that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. But when it comes to terrorism in Israel, that is not the case. When a motorist rams his car into innocent bystanders, there is currently no proportionate outrage. When a teenager stabs the first Jewish person in sight, it is justified on the basis of his difficult life.
Terror attacks in Israel have become daily events. Stabbings, shootings, vehicular ramming, and other brutal acts are perpetrated routinely. Yet, the responses from Israeli, Palestinian and world leadership has been drastically different. When Israelis take to the streets to defend themselves, they are vilified for using force; whereas when Palestinians unify to praise their “martyrs,” the world remains silent.
Israel is developing an app that will immediately notify security of an attack. Israeli newspapers report daily where the roads are closed or busy due to violent events. Precautions required to travel throughout the country are heightened. Citizens are told to wear backpacks to prevent stabbings from taking their lives. When an Israeli attacks a Palestinian, Israeli leadership immediately condemns the heinous act.
By contrast, Palestinian leadership has been observed passing out candy in celebration of attacks. Knives are hidden inside of household objects like combs. Videos show Palestinian parents praising children for wishing to stab Jews. The leadership does not condemn; they encourage and admire these vicious acts.
World leaders, like UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, find moral equivalence between these diametrically opposed facts, and urge both Israelis and Palestinians to reduce tensions equally.
We must all call for Palestinian and world leaders to condemn Palestinian incitement. Until there is a fair and equitable response, there will be no end to this wave of terror.
Contributed by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign CAMERA fellow, Hayley Nagelberg.