84 Days to Go
Shades of 1938

By Sherwin Pomerantz

There are now 84 days to go to the opening of the United Nations General Assembly and the vote on recognizing Palestinian statehood. The latest out of the Palestinian Arab leadership today is that even if Israel goes back to the negotiating table with Chairman Abbas, the Palestinian Authority will continue with its efforts to gain General Assembly support. Why not? Its climb all over Israel time worldwide.

The only positive ray of hope over the last few days was US Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District who came out with an incredibly strong statement in support of Israel and America’s obligation to understand that and all it means. You can see for yourself at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7cMxE1oFf0&feature=player_embedded

That offset just a bit the recent announcement that Delta Airlines is having Saudi Arabian Airlines join their Sky Team alliance. No big deal, of course, as most of these alliances are constantly seeking to expand their reach. But in this case the conditions that the Saudis laid down for Delta included a few less than comforting facts. We all know, for example, that the Kingdom does not issue entry visas to Israelis or anyone with an Israeli entry stamp in their passport. Well, I guess that is their right, as obnoxious as it may be.

We also know that people with non-Islamic articles of faith can also be denied entry. So, in addition to not being able to enter the country with a tallit, or tefillin, Christians are also barred entry if they are wearing a cross or any other object that signifies that they are Christians. Carrying a Christian bible is also a no-no, of course. Even that, I guess, is the right of the Saudis, as distasteful as that may be.

But here comes the kicker. If Delta wants to fly to Saudi Arabia with their aircraft (and they are planning on introducing such service shortly) the Saudis have also stipulated that Jews are not permitted on board, even if, somehow or other, they have proper travel documents. Delta, in response to the concern now being voiced by many people in the US has responded that this is a matter for the US Department of State to deal with and they are not going to comment further on the situation. Really?

How will this be enforced? Can you see the scenario? A Jew with a good neutral name like Smith (and there are plenty of us named Smith, to be sure) succeeds in getting a visa to Saudi Arabia. He taxis to Hartsfield Jackson Airport in Atlanta, walks up to the check-in desk and, in addition to presenting his ticket, passport and visa gets asked “Are you Jewish?” Are you kidding me? In America? In 2011? And the Delta agent responds, when questioned, says “I am just following orders, if you are Jewish we cannot let you on the plane!” Just following order….sounds eerily familiar does it not?

A couple of years ago Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was criticized for saying “It’s 1938 and Iran is Germany.” Well, I don’t want to say its 1938 and America is Germany but we need to make sure that does not turn out to be the case. The loyal customers of Delta Airlines throughout the world should be screaming loud and clear that this is how it all begins and if the airline continues its association with Saudi Arabian Airlines under these conditions, that we will all simply stop flying Delta.

Pastor Friedrich Gustav Emil Martin Niemoller who lived in Germany from 1892-1984 was known for his poem of regret which went something like this:

When the Nazis came for the communists, I did not speak out; as I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats, I did not speak out; I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out; as I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews, I did not speak out; as I was not a Jew.
When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out.

The clock is running and the process must be stopped at this stage as it has a tendency, one begun, to creep on and grow. Now is the time to act. If you ever use Delta let them know this is not acceptable in a free society. Please do it now!