Awkward Moment

On Tuesday, as part of a visit to Germany, the President of the PA (Palestinian Authority), Mahmoud Abbas, was doing a press conference with the German Chancellor.

At one point, a reporter asked Abbas if he's going to apologize for the Munich Olympics Massacre, and his response include the following: "Israel committed 50 holocausts".

The press conference was but immediately short, with the German Chancellor making a hasty exit, then on Wednesday, his office expressed disgust over the casual use of the term Holocaust and 50 times, when it's a singularity. Abbas's office also issued a statement that expressed the same feeling, but without an outright apology.

Germany is preparing to commemorate the 50th Munich Olympics Massacre anniversary on Sept 5th.

Abbas is on his 18th year of a 4-year Presidential term, and the 87 year-old has not figured out yet, that he's an obstacle to peace and the well-being of his people.

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deadgerbil · 26-30, M

It's unfortunate when people who live in terrible conditions are represented by individuals like Abbas. Totally works against their progress by spewing pure ignorance and damaging their standing internationally

helenS · 36-40, F

@deadgerbil The misery they live in is, to a large extent, self-inflicted. The Gazah people for example could sell overpriced ice cream to overweight European tourists, and grow melons and tomatoes, but their leaders decided to send rockets and fire kites to Israel instead.

Northwest · M

@deadgerbil And before Abbas, they had Arafat. The smart people are emigrating, encouraged by a Western policy, to facilitate migration, in the hope that the problem will go away, when the Palestinians go away. The only thing that's accomplishing, is draining those who can make a difference, from the rank and file.

Northwest · M

@helenS

The misery they live in is, to a large extent, self-inflicted

To a large extent, this statement is false.

helenS · 36-40, F

@Northwest Oh I believe that Israel would be more than happy if the Gazah people stopped fighting against them, and asked for help instead. I'm convinced Israel would help them to set up a reasonable and peaceful economy. The Gazah strip is a part of the Mediterranean coastline, they could easily milk tourists, and more than only a few could drive a Mercedes Benz. Or a Ferrari.

Northwest · M

@helenS

Oh I believe that Israel would be more than happy if the Gazah people stopped fighting against them, and asked for help instead. I'm convinced Israel would help them to set up a reasonable and peaceful economy. The Gazah strip is a part of the Mediterranean coastline, they could easily milk tourists, and more than only a few could drive a Mercedes Benz. Or a Ferrari.

This utopian view does not match reality.