Undoing the "Oslo Mindset"

Yoel Meltzer has published the most refreshing op-ed I have read in a long time. His premise is that Israel is caught up in an "Oslo mindset" that is the cause for the political and social calamities being faced by Israel domestically, and internationally. In it he lists an 18 point program for helping Israel shake itself loose from the self-destructive zombie state of the Oslo false peace scenario which has directly resulted in the deaths of more than 1500 Israelis, and embrace a "Jewish mindset."

What follows are Meltzer's 18 points, most of which reflect what I have been saying here, and what movements like Manhigut Yehudit, under the leadership of Moshe Feiglin and Shmuel Sackett, have been advocating. The more this gets written about, perhaps the more Israelis will begin to understand that assimilation is not Israel's destiny or purpose. It is long past time for Israel, and the Jewish people, to come to grips with who we are, and what it is we are supposed to be doing.

1. There is a purpose to the unfolding events of history, and there is a purpose to life. It’s not all random.

2. Real authentic Judaism is much more than what it has been reduced to, to a black and white system of “do’s and don’ts”. The halachic side, although very important, is only part of the picture.

3. The Jewish people have been chosen for a special role in the world.

4. This role can only be fulfilled by the collective Jewish nation living in the Land of Israel.

5. Establishing complete sovereignty in the Land of Israel and creating a model society, from top to bottom, according to the ideals and morality of Judaism is essential for fulfilling this role. However, this nationalistic aspect of Judaism is not an end-goal in and of itself, but rather, a platform that will enable us to fulfill our lofty role of being a “light unto nations.”

6. Israel must interact with the world in order to have an influence, but at the same time must remain separate and independent in order not to be further confused and fragmented by the assimilation of non-Jewish ideas and values.

7. Israel can and must sever the dependency on US economic aid.

8. The real goal of the Jewish State must be alive in our hearts and mind in order to affect our daily lives.

9. Without internalizing these ideas and changing our mindset and eventually our lives, the endless killing in this region, as well as in the world, will continue.

10. The future of the world is dependent on the Jewish people getting their act together.

11. Properly understood, the real goal of the Jewish state is the most idealistic undertaking in the history of mankind.

12. Continuing along on the same path, functioning within our individual and collective “comfort zones”, will not lead us out of the mess. We must, as individuals and as a nation, constantly strive to expand and stretch our comfort zones.

13. Every Jew should feel proud, yet humbled, of the role he has been given, and totally motivated and inspired to do his part.

14. Complaining will not change a thing and it is a waste of precious energy.

15. A positive vision-oriented way of thinking is essential.

16. The Arab and Iranian threat are serious problems facing the Jewish State, and like any problem, they certainly must be dealt with. However, they are not the source of our problems, but rather, the outward manifestation of our own internal problems. Thus, dealing with them alone will not bring us the desired harmony and salvation. The real problem is internally within the Jewish people themselves and stems from a lack of clarity as to our true purpose in the world.

17. There are no shortcuts

18. The world is waiting.