The problem with Israelis is that they worry too much about p.r., and what the rest of the world thinks. Accept the fact that no matter what jews do, we will be criticised and deemed at fault. Do what is in Israel's interest and let the rest of the world be damned. North korea, and iran do not worry about world opinion, or u.n. censure, and nothing happens. Nothing will happen to Israel either. The world needs Israel's technology and weapons, and lets be honest, America's jews will never let the U.S abandon Israel. The arabs hate jews, so don't let them in. They wouldn't give you a scrap of bread if you were starving.

only if you let them live with you, personally. Israel doesn't need anymore asylum refugees living on the streets.

If they were in true danger then they should be granted refuge and aid,there is no problem with that. The problem would be when it is safe to send them back and how they would be received,.... just because they went to Israel. It might hurt them in returning home. Politics and hatred of Israel in Syria and other ME countries is so strong that Israel even at it's best has to be a hidden word. The IDF knew this and sent them home quickly when it was safe. If their lives were endanger there they would be granted stay immediately but coming to Israel can have irreplaceable consequences. No one wants to bring Israel into the mix and fan the flame for Islamists.

REFUGEES OR SPIES ?

These Syrians have been taught to hate Israel from the time they went to kindergarten. Once here they will do everything to undermine and destroy this country that their government is at war with. The government has a duty not to let in hostiles. I'd rather have African infiltrators than these Syrians who are in the middle of a vicious sectarian war. As long as it's all sectarian, except for the Druze, we don't own them anything. I'm okay with letting the Syrian Druze in, even if we end up with a million of them. And yes, I would let some of them live in my house for a bit.

'...the rest of the world be damned...' Is fine rhetoric but actually may not be in Israel's interests. You cite North Korea. Really? That's your role model?

Israel i guess the were too busy packing for thier immeadeate return home to bother checking wounded enemies of Israel for explosives

They should have been given the finest medical attention, a set of new clothes and some fine food. They then should have been put on the finest Israeli tour bus possible with an Israeli Arab guide and taken on a grand tour from Metullah to Eilath with stopovers at the best hotels as well as major Arab townships and villages. They should have been taken to Haifa, Lod and Ramla so that they could have witnessed at first hand the "Apartheid State". Last of all they should have been taken to a Parliamentary session so that they could witness Hanin Zoabi ranting and raving. I was a partial witness to something similar in 1973 when six high ranking Egyptian POW's, some of them Generals, were treated in a similar fashion, they were "distinguished guests" of the Foreign Ministry for a few days.

so many Syrians running to Israel for help. What happened to the other fellow Muslim nations? LOL, as if we had to ask...

They scream "death to Jews" one minute, then they come running to us for asylum and aid. And what will the main stream media say? We are human rights abusers.

Bertram, you're not getting my point. I'm not saying Israel should act like n. Korea. I'm saying that despite their aggressive, warlike conduct, there really are no consequences for them. I'm showing that Israel's obsession with world opinion is unnecessary, and should not be a factor in making decisions about what is or is not in Israel's interest. In this section I see Israelis actually worried about what others will think about them protecting their borders. That's ridiculous! They should be looking at jordan, lebanon, and turkey, to see the consequences of refugees, not the bbc opinion page.

is a tough sell in israel nowadays it seems. The national narrative often puts Israel on the moral high ground, yet sending these people away suggests otherwise. I realize these syrians are not ideal candidates for israel's good will, but that should not condemn them to return to a war torn country where maybe their town is safe now, but who knows tomorrow. I know I sound like a bleeding heart liberal, but maybe this quote puts it into perspective: "Even a hunter cannot kill a bird who flies to him for refuge." Who said that? Chiune Sugihara. The Japanese vice-consul in lithuania during ww2 responsible for saving around 10,000 Jewish lives by issuing visas to Jewish refugees despite orders from his superiors against this. He was honored in israel as "Righteous among the Nations" for his efforts.

FOR EXAMPLE THAT ISSUE (PERHAPS/HOPELY) CAN BE SOLVED IN A DECENT HUMAN WAY BY SYRIA, ISRAEL AND THE ENTIRE UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, ON OUR GLOBAL PLANET, WITH PEOPLE.

No, North Korea is cited as an example. Israel is nothing like North Korea, and you know it. It is decidedly not in Israel's interests to give refuge to Syrians. The poster at No. 31 is quite right -- Syrians are a mortal enemy. Funnily enough, none of them ever sought refuge in Israel before. They pledged allegiance to Israel's destruction. On a daily basis. And now, what with the going getting tough, Israel's supposed to give them refuge? I don't think so. There are twenty-two Arab states that will give them refuge (Won't they? Why wouldn't they?) That is the question you should be asking. They hate us and want to destroy us .... until they need us. If that is not self-serving, what is? And why should Israel care? Some of these people have likely killed Israelis, or relished in the death of Israelis. Where is the United Nations? Bailing out of Syria as fast as they can, of course, but that is decidedly not Israel's problem. Give them refuge in Britain. Send a plane. You've given refuge to a whole host of the world's terrorist rabble .... and where has that gotten you?

These birds would turn against Israel in a heartbeat. I wonder how many of them can claim that they stood up and protested against the wanton murder of Jews by Syria -- until we took the Golan and they could no longer perch like eagles in an aerie and fire mortars upon innocent Israeli farmers, keeping their fields. Am I sympathetic to their plight? Yes, of course. Am I suicidal? No, I am not. The Syrians must find other places of refuge. No shortage of Arab countries. No shortage of Moslem countries. No shortage of countries where these Syrians can turn for help. We do not want them in Israel -- sorry, but isn't that a decision that a sovereign state can make? Curious, though, isn't it? All those Arab and Moslem states, and they turn to Israel for help? What a bunch of mindless hypocrites! Perhaps Canada can send a plane and take them in. What do you think about that?

And putting Jewish refugees in brand new concentration camps on Cyprus -- was that disgraceful? How about issuing a White Paper which effectively trapped Jews in Europe; wasn't that disgraceful? You want them? You can have them. Israel does not want them. For very, very good reason. Get an education, or STFU.

We should never forget...who we are and where we came from. We should humble ourselves. The moment we turn our backs on others seeking shelter, is the moment we have lost our humanity. I hope Israel finds the strength and the will to do what is right when the time comes.

Disgraceful and this from a Brit. You don't even know your own history. How many Jews did the Brits send back to Concentration camps to be murdered and did not allow to enter Israel? How many Jews did you hold in Caraolos and Dkhelia camps after WWII and did not allow them to enter Israel, there were 6,000 orphans from the concentration camps. How many Jews did the Brits hold in Atlit camp in Israel and did not allow them to enter. I was born in one of those camps. Lucky I still don't hold refugee status life the Palestinians that still receive money from the UN. You are commenting about Syrians, who would kill Israelis in a second (if they had a chance) Do you not even know the story of the Exodus ship that had 4,500 Holocaust survivors and thanks to the kindness of the Brits were sent back to Germany.

It is nice to see that there are a few wise people on this forum. A little worrying though that the majority are either shallow..such as Mike 1.. and others just plain stupid, although Mike probably fits into this category as well. The IDF received them, confirmed that their own area was in fact safe and only then decided to send them back. They were therefore not in need of asylum and Israel as any country, does not and should not have to take people in just because they want to come in. I mean Mike should know all about the stupid immigration laws in his own country and see where that has got them. It is obvious that the IDF would have allowed them in if there was danger as why would they have bothered checking this fact in the first place if this was not their thinking. So all you ignorant, shallow and prejudiced people, it is time to make this world a better place and a good place to start would be with you being truthful, objective and less arrogant.

God forfend Israel has enough to contend with with out adding another headache. Over and out .. Absolut non sense.

To such thought letting in jihadists who in effect hate Israel with a passion. There are 22 oil rich Arab states,why do they not relocate there. As for the rebels:They are no better than the boss Assad anyway. KEEP THEM OUT ISRAEL!!

Realise that these people have been our enemies for years. Would you klet them in......get a life

to UK and Europe.....say NO Israel! you own them NADA!!!!!!

You are right Simon, national narratives often puts Israel in dilemas. Is more easy to send Rita to sing farsi in the United Nations nyork than to cooperate or to give a chance to those poor syrians people, must of th are women and kids that the only thing they want is to be in safe place . Thanks G-d the king of Jordan is actually helping to more than a million of syrians refugees. Yes, lets give peace a chance. I agree

Are you related to Jeff Northridge?? Son ? OR

Are you related to Jeff Northridge?? Son ? OR

Not even sure it's you, as it seams the language (historically) is a little caustic, to say the least. The article,not giving a very accurate description of the 'refugees', but if understood in the general term, these were non-combatants and should be sheltered if possible. (sound familiar)These folks are runnin' from the hell that their own devil provided. Running from the devil is... running from the devil. What about a free meal for the children... What about singing songs with the children to take them momentarily from their hell? They aren't firing RPGs at anybody, and I'm sure the mothers could use a decent conversation. Shalom Sarah, Shalom Israel. rob

No, I'm not related to anyone name Jeff. Northridge is a place, not a last name.