nothing to fear

http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/standing-with-israel/52788-israel-nothing-to-fear-than-terror-itself

I haven't had the time, opportunity or occasion to go to Jerusalem since coming home (as of this writing), but I understand things are tense. People are avoiding going out, or avoiding public places while going out. One friend talked about renting a car to get around because he's worried about walking or traveling by bus. Fear is neither always rational nor practical. 

Another friend related to me how he and his wife were in Jerusalem and she told him to walk behind her so if a terrorist approached from the back, he'd prevent the terrorist from getting to her. I guess that's a Middle Eastern form of chivalry. I joked that he must have a better life insurance policy. Faith and humor carry the day.

The day after I got home we were scheduled to start some renovations in the house. We hired Omar, the same Palestinian Arab contractor who led the crew that built our house a decade ago. We have always liked him and trusted his honesty and professionalism. This week, talk on our community's email list called into question the wisdom of hiring Arabs and bringing them into our community, especially at this time. 

My wife related how another neighbor was doing work in their house and the required armed guard had to leave. A few weeks ago that might have been met with discomfort, but resignation. However, the wife told the guard to take the workers with him because it simply wasn't safe. The workers pleaded with her just to let them stay and work, after all they just wanted and needed to earn a living.

Despite the security situation, I was looking forward to seeing Omar. He's always got a great smile and something nice to say. He's thoughtful and helpful. The night before he was scheduled to bring his workers to our house, rumors started that Arabs were being banned from our town for security purposes. The next morning we woke to find that rumor to be true, until further notice.

At some point, Palestinian Arabs will come back to work here. Several hundred or more make a good living here every day. We may not always love one another, but there is respect and mutual understanding that we need one another, at least among the vast majority of both Arabs and Jews. I will look forward to having Omar here, to get along with our project and even to pay he and his crew to do their work to make a living. I pray that when that happens, it will be a sign of a light at the end of this tunnel of darkness.