by Deborah Silverthorn

Special to DJW

Almost every one of 500 seats set up at Congregation Beth Torah in Richardson was filled on May 21, as Mark Regev, Israel's official spokesman to the United States, shared his thoughts on the current situation in Israel and how the media is both affective and affected.

"Israel has been criticized by many media outlets," said Regev in his opening. "We have been accused of overreacting, of excessive force, of being quick to the trigger. My job is to argue Israel's case and to deal with these 'journalists,' and to try to bring some reality to their stories."

"Israel has such a difficult job in the public relations arena," said Regev "because we are a democracy and if a reporter asks 10 Israelis a question, she's likely to get 10 different answers. There is free thought. If you ask the Palestinians a question, any question, there is only one answer and that is 'occupation.' There is no other answer because there is no deciding one's own answers there.

"What else can they or will they say? Arafat is no less dictatorial than Hussein or Castro and every answer is heard throughout. The open and transparent debates that Israel holds in Parliament, clear signs of democracy, are pitted against the constantly single, and sanitized, story from the Palestinians."

"What else can they or will they say? Arafat is no less dictatorial than Hussein or Castro and every answer is heard throughout. The open and transparent debates that Israel holds in Parliament, clear signs of democracy, are pitted against the constantly single, and sanitized, story from the Palestinians."

Regev discussed the frustration with the media and how, when he asks reporters and networks why Palestinian 'sources' are allowed to be quoted over and over when time and again they have proven to be blatant liars, "There is never an answer. I'm glad there is a critical press, but it should be an equally critical press. Unfortunately, the rules of journalism seem to be forgotten when it comes to Arafat.

"We must do a better job to get our word out," continued Regev, "because we don't want Israel to change and to close up but somehow, in some way, we must manage for the journalists to not be so incredibly manipulated. Like with Iraq and Cuba, they ought to know to take the words with a grain of salt."

Regev urged all Americans to help and to continue to energize their communities. "Surely the Jewish communities around this country are stronger than the Arab Americans that we are continually seeing represent 'the truth,'" said Regev.

There was much discussion about Arafat and whether or not he is still truly commanding the respect of his followers. Regev believes that "after 58 years of leadership he, like Castro - the only other leader to be holding the title so long - should retire.

"I do hope that they are beginning to understand that terrorism will get them nowhere and that there is a price they are paying for the leadership he holds. I think there are some who are beginning to see that 'the king has no clothes' and that Arafat's leadership has not moved them forward at all."

There have been many opportunities for a Palestinian state to become a reality and because the ultimate "occupation" that is desired is truly the occupation of the entire State of Israel, there has been no success. "When they say 'occupation,' they aren't just discussing the West Bank. They want Tel Aviv, and Rishon L'tzion and everything around and in between, and that isn't going to happen."

As introduced by Beth Torah's Rabbi Jeffrey Leynor, Regev spends much of his time on air and being quoted in print. He came to Dallas for the first time, from the Israeli Embassy in Washington, where he is based. He is a regular guest on national television and radio news networks including CNN, MSNBC, C-SPAN and many others.

"I feel like you've been in my home many times," said guest Janine Pulman whose husband, Charles, moderated the question-and-answer period. "You are a voice of reason when listening to many of the programs."

The program was the most recent brought together by TZM/Bnai Zion and the synagogues. "Working together, here in Plano, has brought our communities together. The Jewish population in this part of the city is exploding and it's nice that we have been able to share these events and to show our strength in numbers," said Beth Torah president Larry Strauss. "The cohesiveness of the congregations is bringing us in such that we really are no longer the 'outskirts,' of Jewish life."

John Peiser, president of TZM/Bnai Zion, appealed to the audience to join the organization, as "these are precarious times for all of us and for all of Israel. These are our brethren, our people and our family," said Peiser. "Numbers count, your voices count and your sense of commitment to Zionism is so very important. Supporting Israel isn't just logical, it must be our passion."

Federation president James Hogue agreed that "TZM brings about a difference every single day and they must be able to continue making those differences." Memberships to TZM/Bnai Zion are $42 for singles and $56 for couples or families.

The evening ended with the audience cheering in agreement to comments of "we are with you." Regev is sure to take the message of the Dallas communities to the embassy and to Israel.