European Jews Should Be Allowed to Start Defending Themselves

Feb. 24 2015

As life becomes increasingly dangerous for European Jews, and as European governments prove unable or unwilling to defend them, they must begin bearing arms and learning how to use them, argues Liel Leibovitz:

Against rampant violence [like the recent attack on a Danish synagogue], decent, liberal people look up to governments to maintain law and order. And Europe’s governments certainly excel at paying lip service to their Jewish citizens after they are slaughtered. Shortly after the attack in Copenhagen, the Danish ambassador to Israel . . . urged Denmark’s Jewish community to stay put, promising that his country will do “everything in our power so that the Jewish community in Denmark feels safe.”

Everything in the Danish government’s power, however, has not thus far included investing in actual security, which the country’s Jewish community has been requesting for years and which the government refuses to fund. Which, of course, is understandable: Denmark is one of the most enthusiastic supporters of virulently anti-Israeli organizations in Europe. After funneling approximately 30 million euros to the corrupt and tyrannical Palestinian Authority in the last five years alone, there are probably not enough kroner in the till to pay for securing the lives of 8,000 Danish Jews. . . .

European Jews with guns can make a difference, though. A well-armed Jewish population might make the jihadists—and their political enablers—think twice. More immediately, they are likely to save their own lives. Europe’s restrictive gun laws may pose a hurdle, but not a very onerous one.

Read more at Tablet

More about: Anti-Semitism, Denmark, European Jewry, Jewish World, Second Amendment

Kuwait Should Be the Next Country to Make Peace with Israel

Feb. 13 2025

Like his predecessor, Donald Trump seeks to expand the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia. But there are other Arab nations that might consider taking such a step. Ahmad Charai points to Kuwait—home to the Middle East’s largest U.S. army base and desperately in need of economic reform—as a good candidate. Kuwaitis haven’t forgiven Palestinians for supporting Saddam Hussein during his 1990 invasion, but their country has been more rhetorically hostile to Israel than its Gulf neighbors:

The Abraham Accords have reshaped Middle Eastern diplomacy. . . . Kuwait, however, remains hesitant due to internal political resistance. While full normalization may not be immediately feasible, the United States should encourage Kuwait to take gradual steps toward engagement, emphasizing how participation in regional cooperation does not equate to abandoning its historical positions.

Kuwait could use its influence to push for peace in the Middle East through diplomatic channels opened by engagement rather than isolation. The economic benefits of joining the broader framework of the Abraham Accords are overwhelming. Israel’s leadership in technology, agriculture, and water management presents valuable opportunities for Kuwait to enhance its infrastructure. Trade and investment flows would diversify the economy, providing new markets and business partnerships.

Kuwaiti youth, who are increasingly looking for opportunities beyond the public sector, could benefit from collaboration with advanced industries, fostering job creation and entrepreneurial growth. The UAE and Bahrain have already demonstrated how normalization with Israel can drive economic expansion while maintaining their respective geopolitical identities.

Read more at Jerusalem Strategic Tribune

More about: Abraham Accords, Kuwait