Bennet Paes writes: "but, if the third largest Moslem population of any country in the world can live under one flag along with India's overwhelming Hindu compatriots, it could be even more tolerable for the Jews to exist side by side with their Muslim cousins, both being of Abrahamic progeny and monotheistic beliefs. It will truly be a feat that could deal terrorism its biggest blow ever. "
Comment: A lot of people of good will in the world wish this intractable problem could be resolved peacefully. Many years ago I read Jimmy Carter's book "The Blood of Abraham- insights into the Middle East" and was quite surprised to learn about this common Abrahamic link between the peoples of the Middle East that Mr. Paes mentions. Consider this excerpt from this book: " Abraham's wife Sarah could not have children, so she gave her husband an Egyptian maid Hagar, to be his wife. The pregnant Hagar depised Sarah, who then forced the maiden to leave the house. The angel of God found Hagar in the wilderness, told her to return to Abraham's home, and promised her a son and a multitude of other descendants." Abraham was eighy-six years old when Ishmael was born of Hagar. Thirteen years later , the Lord made another covenant with Abraham, promising that Sarah would have a son named Isaac and become the mother of nations, that He would establish a covenant with Isaac, and that Ishmael would beget twelve princes and also a great nation. Abraham, Ishmael and all the servants and slaves were then circumsised to seal the agreement as directed by God." It is quite a convoluted situation but maybe eventually it will work itself out and the people of the Mid East will live peacefully side by side. Best Regards, E.
