An official from Israel said although the recent terrorist attacks took
place in the United States, their reverberations have been felt
around the world.

“They tried to attack the basis of our Western culture, decency and
democracy — an attack on humanity and its finest symbols,” said
Rabbi Michael Melchior, Israel’s deputy foreign minister, in an
interview with The Red & Black.

Melchior said the people of Israel, long-standing allies of the
United States, are devastated after last week’s attacks.

“It’s very difficult to go to business as usual as our minds and
hearts are so filled with tragedy,” he said. “I have a feeling at this
time we are all one family — Jews and non-Jews alike — except for
those animals that (committed this act).”

Not only does Melchior handle foreign crises, but he also is the
chief politician supervising the nationwide Birthright Israel
program.

The trip sends Jewish college students, who have never been to
Israel through an organized program before, to Israel free of
cost.

Despite the suicide bombings, military skirmishes and civilian
attacks that have intensified in Israel over the past year, Melchior
said the trip is still regularly scheduled.

“The Israeli government is devoted to the safety and security of its
tourists,” Melchior said.

Birthright Israel’s program involves a tour of Israel and trips to
museums and historical sites. It would cost a student at least
$2,000 to go on their own, but Birthright is funded by Jewish
organizations, philanthropies and the Israeli government.

A number of University students pulled out of Birthright last year
amid growing concerns of terrorist activities.

“I have respect for students, and I understand that they would back
out,” Melchior said. “Sometimes the media pictures are very
strong, but terror is not all over. We’ll do everything in our power to
guarantee their safety.”

Melchior said clips showing Palestinians celebrating after learning
of America’s disaster “saddened” him, but the public shouldn’t
overreact.

“It obviously wasn’t a majority. Of course, just one (celebrant) is too
much,” he said. “But, I think they were extremists, and we shouldn’t
make too much of it.”

Melchior also said he was sure the United States will avenge the
attacks.

“We’re confident the United States will show its greatness and
prove their basic values will win out,” he said.

However, America must be cautious about its military response,
Melchior said.

“One cannot respond to hatred with more hatred,” he said. “This
language brings extremists to do mad actions. I hope we’ll throw
away the sentiments that cause humans not to look at other
humans as individuals.”