
London riots
Photo: Reuters
An old joke recounts how the American president and Queen of England were heading to the palace in a fancy carriage carried by six white horses. At one point, a terrible smell was emanating from one of the horses. "Mr. President," the queen said, "accept my apologies. You surely understand that some things are even beyond the queen's control." "Your majesty," the US president replied, "don't give this matter another thought. In fact, until you made note of it, I was sure the smell came from one of the horses."
There is something important in the way this enlightened kingdom is currently being shaken up, realizing that behind the theatrical prince's wedding hides an acute cultural and educational problem, which can no longer be hidden.
London is the cradle of European politeness and self-righteousness, and Israel is one of the main victims of this moral hypocrisy. Britain is home to the toughest boycotts on Israeli products, the most hypocritical anti-Israel initiatives, the most ridiculous academic condemnations, and of course, the legal orders that prompt the finest Israelis – who have served in our army for more than 30 years – to stay away for London, lest they be detained like common criminals.
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We all must realize the following: Under the great moralism shown in the kingdom towards events in Israel hides a very dark backyard that is both neglected and dangerous. It is a backyard comprising immigrants, despaired youngsters, vandals and citizens maligned by drinking problems and ignorance.
Up until now, England preferred to lock these people in a room and focus on the troubles of others. Now, we are seeing London's id, and as it turns out, it is reckless.
The firm hand used by authorities to address the angry masses on the streets is also stirring up fresh memories of the British criticism often directed at us over our firm hand in the territories. Yet if this is the way the Brits cope with looting, I'm wouldn't want to imagine how the London police would deal with terror acts.
Make no mistake about it: A firm hand against violence is a good thing in my view, but one should remember this when passing judgment on others. As our sages said many years ago, make sure you're behaving properly before reprimanding others.
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