Sobering look at the term ‘disproportionate use of force’

Ruth Freedman
I find it particularly disturbing when 64 prominent South African Jewish academics can ask for the recall of Israel’s ambassador to South Africa,

Five hundred South African Jews should put their signatures on paper against Israel’s actions and Joshua Broomberg should sport the Palestinian scarf on Facebook…

The term “disproportionate use of force” has been used extensively throughout the media and adopted by these dissenters.

May I share the sentiment of Australian commentator Bolt: If they are so worried about 2 000 Muslims being killed in Gaza, why are they not protesting against Isis in Syria and Iraq, where over 170 000 Muslims have been killed? Why are they not protesting against other militant groups that abducted 300 schoolgirls in Nigeria.

A spokesman for the Israeli government was asked about the “disproportionate use of force”.

He turned round and asked the journalist how many Israelis she would like to see die to make it more proportionate.

When the Allies bombed Nazi Germany, they showed no remorse for the civilian population; when Israel was attacked in 1967 by her neighbouring Arab countries, was the size of the Arab armies not disproportionate?

Was the freeing of Gilad Shalit in exchange for 1 000 prisoners not disproportionate?

Israel, where possible, tries to save valuable lives of innocent people being caught up in this futile war. Every innocent death is a tragedy as expressed by (former President) Shimon Peres.

Paulshof, Johannesburg