Theos-Talk Archives (December 2001 Message tt00071)

I got my olive oil at last. I think I told you a while ago that I met my
Arab friend from East Jerusalem on a project site a few months ago, and it
is a pity you didn't see this. He was simply crying when hesaw me, and
promised to arrange me like four gallons of good olive oil, from the hills
north of Jerusalem. They said that olive oil from that area is the best, but
I am no expert to judge. It is simply nice. A few weeks ago I got my oil
when I went to his home, which is also another opportunity to exercise my
Arabic, and to drink tea, of course. I was thinking to visit him again,
because I asked him to give me some Arabic lessons, but due to the hum drum
of life, I didn't. Yesterday I had to deliver materials to one of my project
sites, I was late, and asked the foreman to wait for me. As soon as I
entered the building, I saw this friend of mine! He just happened to pass
by, so it was another unusuall coincidence; and again, the hugs and sobbing
etc, etc. I trust Mr. Arafat won't be told, since Arabs and Jews living like
brothers is out of the agenda; it is actually treason :-)
Today while watching the news, it was surprising to see 15 Imams (Moslem
religious leaders) coming to visit the people who were wounded in the
suicide bombing. They condemed quite forcefully those insane acts, saying
quite clearly that it is against the Koran, that we are brothers from the
same father, etc. Quite refreshing, to say the least. I was already
wondering where are those spiritual/religious leaders who will have the guts
to say the truth, inspite of death threats which they get from the Moslem
Extremists. When they started this phenomenon of suicide bombings, a few
years ago, I saw one of those Hamas sheiks hailing profusely the "shahid"
(martyr) , and the wonderful gifts which he enjoys now in heaven, and I
asked my fellow Arabs at that time, if it is so great, why didn't he go
first?! But not a single sheik has been willing to wear the explosive belt
and leap to heaven. They will never lead their people, with their insane,
crooked minds they will brain wash the heads of the people, as if this is a
goal. Etzion