America joins criticism of Israeli heritage sites

The Obama Administration on Wednesday added its voice to those harshly condemning Israel over its official recognition of the Cave of the Patriarch and Rachel's Tomb as national heritage sites.

The Cave of the Patriarch in Hebron - burial place of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Leah - and Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem joined a list of 150 other historical and biblical sites that Israel will give priority to for renovation and preservation.

But because Hebron and Bethlehem are under Palestinian Authority control, the decision has angered the Arab world and prompted threats of "holy war," even by "moderate" Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

That has led international leaders to condemn Israel's decision to officially recognize two sites so sacred to the Jewish people. Though few in Israel expected the US to join in on the latest bash-fest.

Nevertheless, US State Department spokesman Mark Toner labeled Israel's heritage site list a "provocation" and an obstacle to peace.

Perhaps we should put this in context. Suppose Mexico moved in and took over the Alamo and demanded we take down the American flag over it and stop celebrating it as a national memorial. And further, that Canada also demanded we give it back to Mexico and stop listing it as a national heritage site. How would we feel about that? I personally would tell Mexico to get back across the border to their own land.

I know that Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Leah's tombs were there long before any so-called Palestinians were even thought of. But Israel was there! These people are Israel's heritage, my Bible tells me so. I think it is time to tell the Palestinians to get back to the lands given to Ishmael, and that's not Hebron. If the Obama administration had any knowledge of the Bible they wouldn't stick their 'foot in their mouth' over this issue.