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The Spectacle Blog
John Guardiano sings the praises of the Libyan rebels as is his wont:
And we should be celebrating, too — and working diligently as a country to ensure that Libya’s transition to a more representative, pluralistic, and democratic society succeeds. The Libya rebels, or revolutionaries, need our help, and in part to fend off their own illiberal and Islamist elements.
Well, if the Libyan rebels or revolutionaries need our help to fend off their own illiberal and Islamist elements, then perhaps they could start by welcoming David Gerbi back into Libya and let him restore a synagogue in Tripoli.
Gerbi is a Libyan Jew whose family was forced into exile in Italy following anti-Jewish riots during the Six Day War in 1967. Another Jewish exodus followed the rise of Qaddafi two years later. Gerbi reached out to the National Transitional Council (NTC) in the hope of persuading them to allow exiled Jews to return to their homeland. For its part, the NTC invited Gerbi to Libya and earlier this month he returned to the country of his birth for the first time in over 44 years.
However, when Gerbi attempted to start cleaning the long abandoned synagogue in Tripoli, he was warned that rebel gunmen were coming to kill him. After the incident, Gerdi said that the NTC “needs to be clear if it’s a racist country or a free country.”
Well, after an angry mob descended upon Gerbi’s hotel with signs such as “There is No Place For a Jew in Libya”, the NTC asked him to return to Italy. So the NTC chose racism over freedom. Quel surprise.
Then again what else could one expect from the Libyans? It is worth remembering that the Libyan rebels gathered momentum after stories in the Arab press emerged which asserted that Qaddafi was a Jew.
Needless to say I have no illusions that the Libyans are going to start buying Israel bonds anytime soon. But so long as Libyans are prepared to lynch a middle aged Jew for for returning to the land of his birth and wanting to restore a house of worship then I fail to see how Libya has any chance of becoming a more representative, pluralistic and democratic society.
View all comments (10) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by Aaron Goldstein
http://spectator.org/blog/2011/10/21/will-libyan-jews-be-allowed-to
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Jack in Wi.| 10.21.11 @ 5:18PM
I think all Libyan and other Middle Eastern Jews should be able to return to theiir old countries if they want. Just as I think all the Palistinian refugees should be able to return to their old homeland, if they wish, as well. The whole area needs peace and understanding. That can only happen through friendy contact and negotiations.
Kingofthenet| 10.21.11 @ 5:53PM
Nailed it, I say if Israel allows the Palestinians that right, they should get it in return.
Sean| 10.21.11 @ 5:41PM
The Al queda led Libyans are just freedom loving altruistic people like from the Egyptian revolts. How are the Copts fairing now Guardiano?
Dixie Pixie| 10.21.11 @ 10:54PM
Well, Well Well, Liberal Magical Thinking avoids political reality again.
What a big surprise.
It would take the permanent deployment of an infantry division to keep the Libyans from killing any Jews who wish to return.
And no Aaron, I did not imply you are a Liberal.
After three years of Obama, I am seldom surprised at the depth and extent of Liberal Magical Thinking in Obama's administration.
History knows few if any analogs in this governments denial of reality in favor of Magical Thinking.
Youw| 10.22.11 @ 12:11AM
Maybe someone should convince the Libyans that if the Libyan Jews left Israel there would be less of a reason for West Bank settlements.
Occam's Tool| 10.22.11 @ 6:51PM
I expect nothing good from the Islamists. The fact that Jack and King do indicates the level of their thinking, and is why they are frequently disappointed by reality.
Dan Mathewson| 10.23.11 @ 12:28AM
I agree Occam. A couple of months ago Andrew Klavan on his video series On The Culture had a great idea; if people want peace in the Middle East then let the Jews run thing. In 60+ years in Israel they have turned a desert wasteland into a technological and agricultural powerhouse. Despite what Jack and his friends believe.
yisong| 10.24.11 @ 10:31PM
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