Going through the guest list of those coming to the 80th birthday party of Shimon Peres, one is struck by the fact that some of these names are blatant anti-Semites. Nelson Mendela, for instance, always has an anti-Israel position, but he has also adopted the anti-Semitic attitude of many black Americans. His stand at the South African Durban Conference is well known.
Then there is Peres "guest" Kofi Annan, who as head of the U.N.always takes the Arab position on any question against Israel. Bill Clinton is not too far behind in causing harm to Israel, directly and indirectly. You could go on and on mentioning names from the guest list of foreign notables who are not friendly to Israel. They have one thing in common. Their relationship with Peres, does not preclude them from acting to hurt Israel, whenever the opportunity presents itself to do so.
In other words, they have found in Peres the ideal Jew! They can continue in their anti-Israel and anti-Semitic behavior and point to their friendship with Peres as proof that they are not in any way anti-Semitic. "Some of my best friends are Jewish" they will proclaim, pointing of course to old man Peres as their prime example.
Peres prefers the appellation of being a citizen of the world rather than a citizen of Israel. His international socialist philosophy fits well into his thinking in this regard. The truth is that Peres has never really considered himself a proud Jew. He never was really interested in understanding or learning about Judaism or any of its rich customs and traditions.
That makes Peres an ideal person to acquire as a "friend" by these foreign dignitaries. He makes no demand on them for loyalty to Israel. He himself continually and openly downgrades Israel to U.S. Government officials and in the international media. He, moreover, praises his association and friendship with Arafat. Despite Arafat's intifada, and the suicide bombings encouraged by Arafat, Peres still continues to consider Arafat as one of his buddies and a "great leader" of his People; this despite U.S. President Bush's recent statement to the contrary.
There are many unanswered questions about this so called "party". Who is paying for the plane fare of the guests, their stay at hotels, etc.? Is the one footing the bill the Government of Israel? And why during these difficult economic times? No one seems to want to respond, but the public in Israel is entitled to direct and unequivocal answers to these important questions.
Jerusalem, September 21, 2003 Ruth and Nadia Matar