The Fern Sidman Commentaries:
September 22nd, 2006: "THE DAY THE TERRORISTS CAME TO TOWN"
It has been an exciting week here in the Big Apple. In the spirit of freedom of speech, New York City was the
site for the UN sponsored convocation of worldwide terrorists to espouse their demonic views. As we know,
diplomatic immunity was granted to the likes of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinjehad and Venezuelan dictator
Hugo Chavez.
New York City had just concluded its remembrance of the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that saw the
destruction of the World Trade Center and the commemoration of close to 3,000 lives that were snuffed out on
that day by the ilk of terrorists whose philosophy bears close resemblance to those who took the rostrum at
the UN.
While attempting to tone down his usual incendiary rhetoric, Ahmadinejad took aim the United States for
spearheading a campaign of international sanctions against Iran for its uranium enrichment program and its
development of a nuclear arsenal. In a transcript of Ahmadinjehad’s speech at the UN, published on the National
Public Radio web site, he states:
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is a member of the IAEA and is committed to the NPT. All our nuclear activities
are transparent, peaceful and under the watchful eyes of IAEA inspectors. Why then are there objections to our
legally recognized rights? Which governments object to these rights? Governments that themselves benefit from
nuclear energy and the fuel cycle. Some of them have abused nuclear technology for non-peaceful ends including
the production of nuclear bombs, and some even have a bleak record of using them against humanity.
Which organization or Council should address these injustices? Is the Security Council in a position to address
them? Can it stop violations of the inalienable rights of countries? Can it prevent certain powers from impeding
scientific progress of other countries?
The abuse of the Security Council, as an instrument of threat and coercion, is indeed a source of grave concern.
Some permanent members of the Security Council, even when they are themselves parties to international disputes,
conveniently threaten others with the Security Council and declare, even before any decision by the Council, the
condemnation of their opponents by the Council. The question is: what can justify such exploitation of the Security
Council, and doesn’t it erode the credibility and effectiveness of the Council? Can such behavior contribute to
the ability of the Council to maintain security?"
Moreover, Ahmadinjehad states: "The question needs to be asked: if the Governments of the United States or the
United Kingdom who are permanent members of the Security Council, commit aggression, occupation and violation of
international law, which of the organs of the UN can take them to account? Can a Council in which they are
privileged members address their violations? Has this ever happened? In fact, we have repeatedly seen the reverse.
If they have differences with a nation or state, they drag it to the Security Council and as claimants, arrogate
to themselves simultaneously the roles of prosecutor, judge and executioner. Is this a just order? Can there be a
more vivid case of discrimination and more clear evidence of injustice?
Regrettably, the persistence of some hegemonic powers in imposing their exclusionist policies on international
decision making mechanisms, including the Security Council, has resulted in a growing mistrust in global public
opinion, undermining the credibility and effectiveness of this most universal system of collective security."
In this clear reference to the United States as the chief opponent of nuclear development in Iran, Ahmadinjehad
excoriates the United States for the development and use of nuclear weapons and refers to its support of other
countries that have developed these weapons as well. It is time to make a clear distinction. While it is futile
to debate the moral issue of nuclear weapon development, the United States and other countries that have this
weaponry do not have the same track record of President Ahmadinjehad. He is a terrorist. His lexicon and
vernacular are replete with promises to destroy the western world, and his most venomous words are aimed at
his arch nemesis, Israel.
Ahmadinjehad’s track record deserves closer examination. According to journalist Joseph Farah in his report posted
on September 20, 2006, on the World Net Daily web site, Ahmadinjehad’s hands are not free of blood. He states the
following facts concerning the terrorist past of the Iranian President:
He has been identified by at least six U.S. hostages as a ringleader in the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover.
He has been identified by former Iranian President Bani Sadr as Ayatollah Khomeini’s liaison with the
hostage takers.
He’s been accused of the murder of Kurdish leader Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou in Vienna by officials in Austria
who say they have compelling evidence and want an arrest warrant sworn for him.
As mayor of Tehran, he was one of the principal forces behind a campaign to recruit and train suicide bombers
specifically to attack the U.S., Israel and Britain.
So much for the man who stands before the world at the United Nations and speaks of such lofty concepts of peace,
justice, love and equality. He states: "Today, humanity passionately craves commitment to the Truth, devotion to
God, quest for Justice and respect for the dignity of human beings. Rejection of domination and aggression,
defense of the oppressed, and longing for peace constitute the legitimate demand of the peoples of the world,
particularly the new generations and the spirited youth, who aspire a world free from decadence, aggression and
injustice, and replete with love and compassion. The youth have a right to seek justice and the Truth; and they
have a right to build their own future on the foundations of love, compassion and tranquility."
While these words play well in front of the cameras, they are in stark contrast to the normally jingoistic and
hateful statements he had made in the last two years. His hatred for the western world, and the United States
in particular is common knowledge. His demonization of the forces of democracy and justice are well known. His
vituperative against all non-Muslims and the labeling of these people as satanic is the cornerstone of his agenda.
The term "Islamofascist" has become a rather ubiquitous one as of late, as we hear President Bush make use of it
on some occasions. If anyone in this world could be named as the international leader of this ominous movement and
philosophy, Ahmadinejad would be the leading contender.
Referring to the United States in his speech at the UN, Ahmadinejad says: "Some occupy the homeland of others,
thousands of kilometers away from their borders, interfere in their affairs and control their oil and other
resources and strategic routes, while others are bombarded daily in their own homes; their children murdered
in the streets and alleys of their own country and their homes reduced to rubble."
He also said, Occupation of countries, including Iraq, has continued for the last three years. Not a day goes
by without hundreds of people getting killed in cold blood. The occupiers are incapable of establishing security
in Iraq. Despite the establishment of the lawful Government and National Assembly of Iraq, there are covert and
overt efforts to heighten insecurity, magnify and aggravate differences within Iraqi society, and instigate civil
strife. There is no indication that the occupiers have the necessary political will to eliminate the sources of
instability. Numerous terrorists were apprehended by the Government of Iraq, only to be let loose under various
pretexts by the occupiers. It seems that intensification of hostilities and terrorism serves as a pretext for
the continued presence of foreign forces in Iraq."
Concerning Ahmadinejad’s position on Israel and the Jews, it couldn’t be clearer. Joseph Farah enumerates these
words for us:
Oct. 26, 2005: "There is no doubt that the new wave (of terrorist attacks) in Palestine will wipe off this
disgraceful blot (Israel) from the face of the Islamic world. ...As the imam (Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini,
leader of the Islamic revolution) said, Israel must be wiped off the map. Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn
in the fire of the Islamic nation’s fury, (while) any (Islamic leader) who recognizes the Zionist regime means he
is acknowledging the surrender and defeat of the Islamic world."
Dec. 8, 2005: "Some European countries insist on saying that during World War II, Hitler burned millions of
Jews and put them in concentration camps. Any historian, commentator or scientist who doubts that is taken to
prison or gets condemned. … Let’s assume what the Europeans say is true. ...Let’s give some land to the Zionists
in Europe or in Germany or Austria. They faced injustice in Europe, so why do the repercussions fall on the
Palestinians?"
Dec. 14, 2005: "Today, they have created a myth in the name of Holocaust and consider it to be above God,
religion and the prophets. If you (Europeans) committed this big crime, then why should the oppressed Palestinian
nation pay the price? You have to pay the compensation yourself. This is our proposal: Give a part of your own
land in Europe, the United States, Canada or Alaska to them so that the Jews can establish their country."
Jan. 5, 2006: “We must believe in the fact that Islam is not confined to geographical borders, ethnic groups
and nations. It’s a universal ideology that leads the world to justice. We must prepare ourselves to rule the
world, and the only way to do that is to put forth views on the basis of the Expectation of the Return. If we
work on the basis of the Expectation of the Return [of the Mahdi], all the affairs of our nation will be
streamlined and the administration of the country will become easier."
Jan. 14, 2006: "They have created a myth in the name of the Holocaust and consider it to be above God,
religion and the prophets."
Feb. 11, 2006: “I ask everybody in the world not to let a group of Zionists who failed in Palestine to insult
the prophet. Now in the West insulting the prophet is allowed, but questioning the Holocaust is considered a crime.
We ask, why do you insult the prophet? The response is that it is a matter of freedom, while in fact they are
hostages of the Zionists. And the people of the U.S. and Europe should pay a heavy price for becoming hostages
to Zionists. We ask the West to remove what they created 60 years ago, and if they do not listen to our
recommendations, then the Palestinian nation and other nations will eventually do this for them. Do the removal
of Israel before it is too late and save yourself from the fury of regional nations."
April 14, 2006: "Like it or not, the Zionist regime is heading toward annihilation. The Zionist regime is a
rotten, dried tree that will be eliminated by one storm. Believe that Palestine will be freed soon."
July 15, 2006: “Their (Israel’s) methods resemble Hitler’s. When Hitler wanted to launch an attack, he came
up with a pretext. Zionists say they are Hitler’s victims, but they have the same nature as Hitler."
Aug. 1, 2006: “They (Israelis) know no limitations or boundaries at all any more for killing people. Are
these people still human beings or just a bunch of bloodthirsty savages? They have made all notorious criminals
in the world get a good reputation again."
Ahmadinejad’s words at the United Nations were not as candid as his aforementioned statements, however, without
referring to Israel by name he said: "The roots of the Palestinian problem go back to the Second World War. Under
the pretext of protecting some of the survivors of that War, the land of Palestine was occupied through war,
aggression and the displacement of millions of its inhabitants; it was placed under the control of some of the
War survivors, bringing even larger population groups from elsewhere in the world, who had not been even affected
by the Second World War; and a government was established in the territory of others with a population collected
from across the world at the expense of driving millions of the rightful inhabitants of the land into a diaspora
and homelessness. This is a great tragedy with hardly a precedent in history. Refugees continue to live in
temporary refugee camps, and many have died still hoping to one day return to their land. Can any logic, law or
legal reasoning justify this tragedy? Can any member of the United Nations accept such a tragedy occurring in
their own homeland?
The pretexts for the creation of the regime occupying Al-Qods Al-Sharif are so weak that its proponents want to
silence any voice trying to merely speak about them, as they are concerned that shedding light on the facts would
undermine the raison d’être of this regime, as it has. The tragedy does not end with the establishment of a regime
in the territory of others. Regrettably, from its inception, that regime has been a constant source of threat and
insecurity in the Middle East region, waging war and spilling blood and impeding the progress of regional
countries, and has also been used by some powers as an instrument of division, coercion, and pressure on the
people of the region. Reference to these historical realities may cause some disquiet among supporters of this
regime. But these are sheer facts and not myth. History has unfolded before our eyes.
Worst yet, is the blanket and unwarranted support provided to this regime. Just watch what is happening in the
Palestinian land. People are being bombarded in their own homes and their children murdered in their own streets
and alleys. But no authority, not even the Security Council, can afford them any support or protection. Why?
At the same time, a government is formed democratically and through the free choice of the electorate in a part of
the Palestinian territory. But instead of receiving the support of the so-called champions of democracy, its
Ministers and Members of Parliament are illegally abducted and incarcerated in full view of the international
community.
Which council or international organization stands up to protect this brutally besieged Government? And why can’t
the Security Council take any steps?"
While Ahmadinejad reviles Israel, without even acknowledging its existence, he carefully omits mentioning the
terrorist actions of Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, Fatah and the other Palestinian terrorist organizations.
He is a clever terrorist who uses the power of words to change the victim into the aggressor and the aggressor
into the victim. He chides the world for not condemning Israel and suggests that the UN is under the thumb of
the United States, who is Israel’s chief supporter. He couches his rhetoric is palatable terms that can be
embraced by the proponents of “peace” in the universe known as the academia and the media.
In response to Ahmadinjehad’s speech at the UN, over 20,000 people attended a protest rally opposite the UN
organized by a multitude of Jewish organizations, ranging from the left wing Meretz party to the right wing
Agudath Israel party. Speakers at the rally included Israeli Foreign Minister Tzippy Livni, US Ambassador John
Bolton, New York State Governor George Pataki, Holocaust survivor and author Eli Wiesel and human rights lawyer
Alan Dershowitz. According to a report from Arutz Sheva, "Also attending the rally and issuing emotional pleas
for the release of their captive family members were Carmit Goldwasser, wife of Ehud Goldwasser, and Benny Regev,
brother of Eldad Regev 'both being held by Hezbullah after being abducted at the beginning of the recent war.'"
Arutz Sheva also reported that Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Chairman Malcolm
Hoenlein said that, "he doubted that any of the rally’s speakers would issue calls for an attack on Iran to prevent
the Islamic republic from attaining nuclear capability, as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad promised the UN it would
continue to pursue." Hoenlein also said that, "the purpose of the rally is to show solidarity with Israel and to
demand the release of the MIAs. Leaders of the world meeting across the street will have a hard time not hearing
our message and Ahmadinejad will know that his threats to wipe out Israel are unacceptable. The US is obligated to
let him into the country, but we are obligated to let him know what we think."
Little is gained in bemoaning the fact that rallies of this nature are totally ineffective. They receive very
little or no media coverage and the placid and establishment nature of these rallies do not dissuade the likes of
terrorists such as Ahmadinejad and his supporters. While it is commendable that people did take time out to attend
this rally and to speak out against terrorism and in support of Israel’s kidnapped soldiers, there is no ongoing
campaign in the American Jewish community to dramatically spotlight the issues confronting the State of Israel and
the Jewish people. There is no organization that has devised and is willing to implement a ceaseless and relentless
effort to vociferously counter threats against world Jewry.
If this wasn’t enough to digest for one day, the international body ostensibly dedicated to world peace, the United
Nations also presented to the world, the words of Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez. As we know, Chavez is a key
member of the troika of Iran, Venezuela and Cuba. He endorses the brutal and tyrannical regime of Fidel Castro and
provides support and succor to Iranian interests.
When he took the stage, Mr. Chavez stunned delegates at the UN General Assembly by calling Mr. Bush "the devil
himself" and saying he left the smell of sulfur hanging in the chamber from his appearance the previous day. He
also said that Bush was trying to take over the whole world. According to a report by CBS News in New York, "At
the start of his talk Wednesday, during which Chavez referred to President Bush as 'the devil', Chavez held up a
book by Noam Chomsky, 'Hegemony or Survival: America’s Quest for Global Dominance,' and recommended it to everyone
in the General Assembly, as well as to the American people. 'The people of the United States should read this ...
instead of watching Superman movies,' Chavez later told reporters. As of Thursday afternoon,
'Hegemony or Survival,' originally published in 2003, had jumped into the top 10 of Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com.
Metropolitan Books, an imprint of Henry Holt, has ordered an additional paperback printing of 25,000 copies."
Isn’t it interesting that Chavez cites Jewish leftist, Noam Chomsky, the 77 year-old linguist and MIT professor
who has been a long standing opponent of US foreign policy and classic Israel basher. It is noteworthy to mention
that the decline of President Bush’s credibility in the world has been lead by Jewish liberals and leftists,
"peaceniks" of all stripes. Isn’t it telling that one of the world’s greatest despots, Hugo Chavez reveres the
philosophy of a Jewish anarchist?
Chavez’s views on Israel are in sync with that of his political partner, Ahmadinejad. His flagrant condemnations of
Israel were fast and furious during the summer war in Lebanon and he was quick to recall his ambassadors in Israel.
According to a news report of August 7, 2006 Chavez renewed his criticism of Israel’s military offensive in
Lebanon, calling it a "new Holocaust." Chavez’s comments in his weekly radio and TV broadcast came three days
after he said he was recalling Venezuela’s top diplomat to Israel to express his government’s indignation over
Israeli attacks in Lebanon and its actions toward Palestinians. "Israel has gone mad," Chavez said. "They are
massacring children, and no one knows how many are buried," he added, accusing Israel of being guilty of a "new
Holocaust" and the "terrorist" U.S. government of complicity.
And while we’re on the topic of Jewish leftists, it would appear that Iranian President Ahmadinjehad will have
further opportunity to espouse his anti-American and anti-Israel hatred. He has now been invited to spew forth his
vitriolic views at Columbia University in New York City. According to a report in the New York Sun, of September
21, 2006, it states: "Columbia University has invited the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to give a speech
tomorrow at the Morningside campus, Columbia’s president, Lee Bollinger, announced late last night. Mr. Bollinger
in a statement said he did not invite the president himself but learned yesterday that his university had extended
the invitation to Mr. Ahmadinejad, who is in New York City for the U.N. General Assembly. It’s not certain,
however, that the president will attend a world leaders academic summit that is taking place at the school. Because
of the short notice, Mr. Bollinger said he couldn’t be sure that high-level security arrangements would be put in
place in time. Columbia’s offer to the president, a Holocaust denier with nuclear ambitions who was labeled by
Israel’s foreign minister yesterday as the greatest threat to the world’s values, is sure to re-ignite protest at a
campus that was rocked by a controversy over its anti-Israel professors less than two years ago."
Columbia’s last-minute offer to Mr. Ahmadinejad was evidently made under secrecy and confusion. Last night,
Columbia’s vice president for public affairs, Susan Brown, denied that the invitation had been extended, saying
it was "rumors, rumors, rumors." Mr. Bollinger released a statement about it just before midnight.
The report goes on to say that, "Although he said he strongly disagreed with Mr. Ahmadinejad’s views, Mr. Bollinger
said he would not stop him from speaking at the university’s world leaders forum, which began this week and whose
top-billed speakers had been the prime ministers of Croatia and Papua New Guinea.
"I happen to find many of President Ahmadinejad’s stated beliefs to be repugnant, a view that I’m sure is widely
shared within our university community," Mr. Bollinger said. "So whether or not all of the special arrangements
needed for such a visit can be made in this unusually short period of time, I have no doubt that Columbia students
and faculty would use an open exchange to challenge him sharply and are fully capable of reaching their own
conclusions."
The invitation comes a day after Mr. Ahmadinejad told the General Assembly that Israel’s creation was "a great
tragedy with hardly a precedent in history" and that the Jewish nation "has been a constant source of threat and
insecurity in the Middle East region, waging war and spilling blood and impeding the progress of regional
countries, and has also been used by some powers as an instrument of division, coercion, and pressure on the people
of the region."
There is no question that Columbia University is a hotbed of anti-Israel and anti-American sentiment. It has become
the haven for various and sundry Jew haters and Israel bashers to promulgate their theories, all under the guise of
freedom of speech and academic freedom. It has on its roster an entire panoply of anti-Israel professors. Columbia
University has the dubious distinction of hosting an array of Jew haters, Holocaust denier and detractors of Israel.
Several months ago notorious Jewish anti-Semite and Holocaust denier, Prof. Norman Finkelstein graced the
university with his presence at the invitation of both Jewish leftists and Arab students.
And there we have it. A neat, little recap of the day that the terrorists came to New York. As the hours approach
before the onset of the Rosh HaShana holiday, as we prepare ourselves for the day of judgment, we can only look to
the Almighty G-d of Israel for protection during these most dangerous times. We beseech the Almighty to inscribe us
in the Book of Life, as we attempt to make amends for past misdeeds and we chant our fervent supplications to G-d
to give us the strength and temerity and wisdom to battle our enemies. We ask that He give us the opportunity to
return to His Torah, as we gird our loins and prepare to defend our faith.
Now is the time to storm the gates of Heaven with our most fervent and heartfelt prayers. Now is time to glorify
the name of the Creator of the Universe and to fulfill our mission in this world.
May this Rosh HaShana be the beginning of the era of redemption and may we merit to be the harbingers of the
coming of our righteous Messiah speedily in our days.
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