Streetcar Line
Defiance for the Greater Good
Heroic Jews, from the Bielski partisans to Jonathan and Benjamin Netanyahu.
It is by far the best movie of the year. It is a filmic tribute to human will, perseverance, and freedom. And it serves, whether intentionally or not, as an excellent analogical parallel to what faces the state of Israel as that nation prepares for pivotal elections next Tuesday.
The movie is Defiance, and it is a tour de force. And it perfectly captures the spirit of admirable defiance that has kept the Jewish people and the Jewish state alive all these years against perilous odds.
The movie tells the largely true, well-documented story of how a small group of Jews in what was then eastern Poland (now part of Belarus) escaped Nazi ghettoes and massacres and set up a resistance movement in the woods — and then, unlike most purely military resistance movements, how the group actively recruited other refugees, including the old and the infirm, and carried on the tasks not just of survival and paramilitary action but of civilization as well. Surrounded by enemies or nasty allies of convenience only, hunted and attacked, the Bielski partisans not only repeatedly sabotaged Nazi installations and carried out raids, but also built workshops, established a rudimentary medical clinic, and set up their own synagogue and school. Beginning with about 40 people, the community took in more and more stragglers, often injured or ill, and turned them into integral members with useful skills — eventually saving 1,200 Jews from the Nazis.
Then again, there is nothing new about Jews surviving. For some three thousand years they have survived as a recognizable people despite being hunted, hated, abused, abandoned, persecuted and slaughtered. The Holocaust was different in degree only, but not in kind, from the fairly frequent pogroms in which Jews have been killed for centuries, just for the supposed sin of being Jews. One of the great and terrible mysteries of human civilization is why the Jews have been treated this way. Left alone, or better yet welcomed into the broader polity, the Jewish people almost always have contributed to the advance of civilization and learning through remarkable industry and philanthropy.
After the loss of some six million souls in the Holocaust, the Jews surely weren’t asking for much in wanting a state of their own in a land where hundreds of thousands of them already lived. In return, the United Nations offered the non-Jewish natives a nation of their own as well — but those other natives, claiming the name of Palestinians, rejected the offer.
For 60 years, though, the Israelis have asked only to be let alone. Surrounded by enemies or nasty allies of convenience only, hunted and attacked, Israel has built a modern democracy, a land of freedom, learning, and technology. Just as a biographer wrote that the eldest Bielski brother, Tuvia, “would rather save one old Jewish woman than kill ten German soldiers,” so too the state of Israel has never attacked for conquest but only in defense, only to save rather than to destroy.
To carry the Bielski analogy one step farther, consider a letter from one of Israel’s greatest heroes, Jonathan Netanyahu, written at the age of 17 about a “scout troop” he had led in Israel before temporarily moving with his family to the United States. “Little by little,” he wrote, “as the months passed, I saw how twenty children turned into 40, and then into sixty, eighty, and finally into more than a hundred. I saw how near-infants [emotionally] were transformed into a force which had to be treated seriously and respectfully…. If you feel that you’re creating something, that not a day slips by without your making some contribution, if you feel you’re needed — then I’m sure you’ll continue.”
The letter could just as easily have described the Bielskis’ civilization in the woods. And it — the letter — was one of some 330, written over a 13-year period, all of them private, that was collected by his family and published after Netanyahu became the only Israeli soldier killed during the famous rescue mission at Entebbe, Uganda, in which a commando force led by Netanyahu saved 103 Israelis whose plane had been hijacked by Palestinian and German terrorists. It was the last act in an already heroic career, one in which the Harvard-educated “Yoni” (his nickname) had already become one of the most decorated soldiers in his nation’s history.
The letters are a self-portrait, never intended for public consumption, of a man of integrity and a patriot. This was a man who loved his native land. “I yearn,” he wrote from his American high-school sojourn, “for a place that’s narrow, hot, rotten, filthy — a place that’s more than 60 percent desert and that one can scarcely find on a map of the world; a place full of special problems…. [yet still] the beloved Land, its dear people, fathers and sons, etc.”
That was in 1963. Eleven years later, after valiant service in two wars defending that homeland, he wrote: “I feel profoundly apprehensive about the future of the Jewish state. Shedding illusions, I see that the process aimed at annihilating us is gathering momentum and the noose is tightening. It won’t be a rapid process, though….”
This brief synopsis cannot possibly capture how moving Yoni’s letters are, how insightful, how full of integrity. And they clearly served as inspiration for his younger brothers, Benjamin and Iddo, who accurately captured their meaning and import in an eloquent Afterword to the volume published not too long after his death. Even then, the brothers noted a concern of Yoni’s that they summarized thusly: “The global policy pursued by the United States was likely, he thought, to bring her by degrees to a point where she would abandon Israel entirely. He saw the efforts of the United States to force his country time and again to concede vital assets and positions as part of an ongoing process, with no sign of let up…. [In response to that concern], he asked himself whether, in the path he had chosen, he was employing his full strength and potential to make his best contribution to the continued existence of the Jewish people.”
If that American attitude sounds like that of Bill Clinton and of Barack Obama, then it is no wonder that Israelis are more than a little concerned as they consider their upcoming election.
Yoni’s brother Benjamin is, of course, the hawkish, conservative, free-market-loving, anti-Communist leader of the Likud Party, now a former prime minister who is leading (slightly) in the polls for next Tuesday’s election in which he hopes to regain the prime ministership. While Benjamin Netanyahu is often portrayed as overly militaristic, it’s worth noting that his record is that of a careful diplomat and statesman: In his first stint heading the government, from 1996-1999, he negotiated the cession of most of Hebron to the Palestinians in a bid for peace. Like Tuvia Bielski, Benjamin Netanyahu certainly will fight and fight and fight — but he would rather save a Jewish woman than kill ten of his adversaries.
Educated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this Netanyahu consistently has expressed greater fondness for the United States than did his brother — but, like his brother, knows better than to rely on the United States for his nation’s survival rather than to demonstrate Israeli self-sufficiency. A soldier, a scholar, and a patriot as well, Benjamin Netanyahu tries to carry on the millennia-old tradition of keeping the Jewish people alive in a hostile world.
Americans should be able to appreciate all of that — including the patriotism. It is a virtue that, pray God, we Americans ourselves haven’t lost. It was a virtue we especially celebrated, with great fanfare, on the occasion of our Bicentennial as a nation. For those of us above a certain age, the date of that American expression of patriotism will shine forever in our memories. It was, of course, July 4, 1976.
That very day is one Israelis still remember too, as an occasion of one of their greatest triumphs that nevertheless was marked by sorrow. It was on July 4, 1976, that Jonathan Netanyahu fell to a Ugandan sniper’s bullet — fell, appropriately, while saving his people.
About the Author
Quin Hillyer is a senior editor of The American Spectator and a senior fellow at the Center for Individual Freedom. Follow him on Twitter @QuinHillyer.
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Anne M Erskine| 2.6.09 @ 9:22AM
Thank God for Israel and for a truthful remembrance of the price that has to be paid for freedom. Americans seem to have little understanding that freedom has to be fought for constantly, especially in this political atmosphere where our freedoms are at great risk, such as our Second Amendment gun rights. Citizens NEVER want to live in a country where ONLY the military and the government have guns.
Just recently, a new bill was introduced on the first day of present session of Congress, and with zero coverage from the MSM, H.R. 45 (Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009) targets all gun owners in the U.S.A.
It also targets all citizens freedoms.
And if you believe freedom can't be taken from you, watch the film The Island on Bird Street, among other quality films of the same genre.
Ed B.| 2.6.09 @ 10:28AM
I served across the Sidon Road from an IDF position southeast of Beirut in 1983. As I observed their comings and goings, it occured to me, these guys are more disiplined and experienced than us. To this day, I put them right up there with my beloved Corps. Semper Fidelis, 24th MAU, Multi National Peacekeeping Force Beirut, Lebanon.
Ed B. | 2.6.09 @ 10:35AM
After my earlier post I remembered I used to carry a photo of Idi Amin in my wallet, all decked out in his full military regalia. The device he was most proud of was his set of Israeli Jump Wings (Paratroop Insignia)! How ironic.
Joe| 2.6.09 @ 11:41AM
Go Israel. Do not wait for us to give the ok to protect yourselfs from those nice Muslim neighbors. It may be a long wait with Obama.
Louis Jenkins| 2.6.09 @ 12:40PM
Instinctively I side with the Israelis. But I will not get into the blog flame war found on the article below "Israel Readies Iran Takeout." There are so many Jew Haters posted there that it is dumbfounding. I will hold to my beliefs. This article only enforces them.
Rick| 2.6.09 @ 12:42PM
>>One of the great and terrible mysteries of human civilization is why the Jews have been treated this way.
Its not such a mystery. First of all, pre-christianity, it was different - it was ordinary domination by outside empires - in this sense, the jews were no different that other conquored nations. So it's really been the last 1500 years or so, since the rise of christianity, that jews have been specifically persecuted for being jews. This of course is due to the primitive belief of christians that jews killed their god, that they needed a convenient scapegoat, etc. And in the last 200 years or so, virulent anti-semitism took off from that foundation.
Marc Jeric| 2.6.09 @ 1:58PM
My late mother was a very religious catholic; her opinion of the Jews was rather negative. When I was a precoscious 10-year old I asked her why she did not like Jews (at that time I had several Jewish friends - they sure played a mean game of chess). She said that the Jews killed Jesus. Then I said to her - "Mam, but Jesus himself was a Jew!"
She was flabbergasted - never though of that. After that incident she became very tolerant toward neighboring Jewish families, even protective.
Sean| 2.6.09 @ 2:09PM
The Israelis have 3 options; fight, leave or die. It amazes me that most people don’t realize this and act accordingly.
Oldefarte| 2.6.09 @ 3:07PM
Great article, as usual, Quin! While in DC years ago, I made a hurried visit to the Holocost Museum and unknowlingly approached a 5' high, unlabeled, large bin. When gazing inside, I witnessed the most horrific site imaginable-----the bin was filled with some of the Nazi prison camp shoes of imprisoned Jews during WWII. My mind will not purge that image!!!!!!
Alan Brooks| 2.6.09 @ 4:30PM
but let's not forget Stalin's role in creating WWII, and his campaigns against Jews.
J. Bielski | 2.6.09 @ 5:53PM
Zus Bielski's genetic branch is still active. Read the Bielski Brothers by Peter Duffy to get an historical perspective. It's an old story, gentiles want to kill the chosen people, the chosen people don't want to be chosen to be killed and ask "why are we chosen?" Darwin's 200 aniversary is now and the Jews survive by community and the warriors that protect i.e., the Bieskis, Bar Kochva and the Macabees. Peace can only come, as Zus would say, "they only understand the stick".
Pingback| 2.6.09 @ 6:19PM
The American Spectator : Defiance for the Greater Good | debttally.com links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Tariq Gibr| 2.6.09 @ 8:23PM
Defiance is a good story, although very Hollywood (twisting the truth a bit to present a perfect picture). Bielski brothers stood by Soviet special forces during murdering peasants of vilage of Naliboki. Westerns of Wild West showing gun slingers as defiant but hiding the fact that they simply killed innocent people are comprible. Hope the movie will make people to look into what really happened there during WWII...
Alan Brooks| 2.6.09 @ 9:49PM
in dealing with the enemy today, shoot the
r-gheads first, ask questions later.
kill first, negotiate afterwards.
Tommy| 2.6.09 @ 10:36PM
As a Christian, I pray daily for the peace of Jerusalem as we are instructed to do. Two years ago, a Christian friend worked diligently to organize a "Night to Honor Israel" patterned after the one held in Washington, DC, organized by Rev. John Hagee, a Baptist minister. A former Hezbollah terrorist was guest speaker at the event. When the local Jewish community was invited to join in the effort, they were reluctant to participate because pro-life stance of most Southern Baptists. This was a great disappointment to me because my friend, who underwrote the expenses, had to convince them this was not about abortion but the future of Israel. Most supporters of the event were pro-life Christians and Republicans, but the Jewish community votes primarily for Democrats because of social issues. We want to save their nation and support Netanyahu politically. Jonathan's story is tragic because Israel needs him along with Iddo to hold up Benjamin's arms as Aaron and Hur did for Moses. The conflict with the Jews and Arabs began with Abraham in the Bible, and will end when Jesus comes.
Alan Brooks| 2.7.09 @ 12:33AM
and Jesus wont come until after a great deal of carnage has occurred.
you can bet your sweet life on that one.
Alan Brooks| 2.7.09 @ 4:27AM
Jews, we count on you to set the rapture in motion. It may be a silly fantasy, and we regard most of your sacred texts as our own despite not understanding them, minus the inconvienient rules because even GOD can make mistakes, like what is that thing about shellfish, but mainly we like you cause we think you will set all our dominoes on the path to FALLING DOWN and that is the will of the Lord, Palin Amen. Rapture, come soon! I am going broke.
Homesick Ex-Wasillan| 2.7.09 @ 1:27PM
Good article. Brooks: Will you PLEASE cease your silly ravings?! Your blasphemy, calling God mistaken for prohibiting Israelites from eating shellfish would prove your idiocy if it did not cry out for a serious reply.
As a truly homesick ex-Alaskan, I remember vividly the few incidents of paralytic shellfish poisoning that happened each year. This isn't just a case of botulism or extra-virulent salmonella. This is a separate toxin that kills quickly, and usually before the victim or their family can identify and counter-act it. Interesting that God would give such a dietary command to the Israelites for their health, isn't it?
And before you ask why God didn't give this command to anybody else, I have to ask, were any of the rest of us listening to Him?
Rose| 2.7.09 @ 5:12PM
Marc and Rick - I am reading "Rome and Jerusalem - The Clash of Ancient Civilizations" by Martin Goodman. It gives amazing insight into the conflicts arising out of the cultural, political and religious beliefs of the two civilizations. It also discusses how and why a religion rooted in Judaism began to, at first, merely distance itself from its roots. It also explores how this "distancing" transmogrified into active persecution.
As a Christian (and former Catholic), I am deeply ashamed of this history.
And Alan, even if I were not a Christian, I would support Israel's right to exist.
Also - if anyone is interested in the roots of Christianity, I would recommend seeing the "Christianity, a Jewish Story" exhibit if it comes to your area. It is currently at the Museum of Natural Science in Houston.
I have seen artifacts like these in Chicago, NY, and the Louvre, but the curator at this exhibit has done a wonderful job telling a compelling story.
R
ruth| 2.7.09 @ 9:16PM
Wow, great article and thread. God bless Israel. Alan, God doesn't make mistakes.
the real Alan Brooks| 2.7.09 @ 9:56PM
Ruth,
that last one posted in my name was not my comment; it might have been Jeremiah, but more likely Daphne.
will have to check all the articles now to see.
Alan Brooks| 2.7.09 @ 9:59PM
Ruth,i've written some silly posts-- but not THAT silly. "palin, amen"?
ruth| 2.7.09 @ 10:00PM
Sorry, Alan. Who's the loser?
ruth| 2.7.09 @ 10:02PM
Don't you have something better to do on a Saturday evening? How old are you, 13?
Aan Brooks| 2.7.09 @ 10:12PM
Daphne has other comments in the foreign affairs article. in one she used the "palin amen" ploy.
she is going to go all out to troll AS.
Alan Brooks| 2.7.09 @ 10:14PM
i'm going to have to check every article from now on.
ruth| 2.7.09 @ 10:41PM
What an a**wipe. I hope whatever travails we face in the upcoming years happens 5X to her.
Alan Brooks| 2.7.09 @ 11:14PM
unless it was someone else, the post concerning shellfish demonstrated a hint of imagination unlike Daphne but more like Jeremiah-- though it could be any number of pinkos doing agitprop (remember i grew up with those sort). the comment was in fact clever enough to fool Homesick and Rose.
the comment in my name concerning the European defense article used the f bomb, too. only a total punk would do that in a conservative venue. so perhaps there are three or four trolls come to AS
Alan Brooks| 2.7.09 @ 11:37PM
this is how the comment, using my name, concerning the European defense article starts:
"Godwin can go f*** himself..."
infantile
Shyster| 2.8.09 @ 2:43AM
It's hard to deal with folks, such as Rick, who have NO evidence in defense of their weird opinions, and absolutely no knowledge of history.
Rick, the primitive religion practiced today is practiced by the left, who worship nature.
Paganism is alive and well, and subscribed to by the left...
Christians don't blame Jews for the death of Jesus.
We recognize that most of us would have joined the crowd in calling for Jesus' death.
Why in the world would Christians be the staunchest supporters of Israel if that obvious lie were true???
Rick, you're ignorant and destined to remain that way...
You live in a fantasy world and need some serious counseling if not medication.
Shyster| 2.8.09 @ 2:51AM
One thing further, Rick.
If "jew hatred" is a result of Christianity, why are the anti-semites almost exclusively on the "Left"?
Hmmmm?
It's the left that manufactures criticism of Israel, not Christians. It's the left that states that when Israel defends itself from indiscriminate bombing from Gaza, it's "over reacting".
The left is the home of antisemitism, racism and polital correctness... Come into the light, Rick.
Rose| 2.8.09 @ 4:29PM
Alan - I just started reading this site and do not know the various posters' proclivities.
And, if one can impersonate another poster so easily, I guess I never will!!
My apologies.
I will take every comment with a grain of salt. . .
Which, on reflection, is probably what I should do on every sit I visit.
Rose
Rose| 2.8.09 @ 4:30PM
Aaaugh - "site".
Nick| 2.8.09 @ 5:06PM
Shyster,
Two excellent points.
Rick, your ignorance of Christian theology is surpassed only by your utter lack of knowledge of history. Try reading what Vespasian and Hadrian did to the Jews after they conquered them. Most people have no idea how brutal and violent the world was before the Christian Era changed history forever.
You did figure out that virulent anti-semitism began in earnest 200 years ago. The age of "enlightenment" allowed men to break free of the shackles of God, and so pursue their barbarian lusts that had been suppressed by Christendom for over a millennia.
For two centuries they have systematically gone after God's Church and His Chosen People.
ruth| 2.8.09 @ 6:34PM
If this abuse started with Christianity, what was with Egypt's enslavement of the Jews? Tool.
Ed| 2.9.09 @ 1:11PM
rick, since the early Christians were ALL Jews, how is it again that they blamed Jews (themselves) for killing their god????????? Sounds like you've been reading the bin laden version of "Knights of the Round Table".
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