'I'm here because this is my country'

Daniel Farahan (member of K'Cholmim and Kumah) Jerusalem Post - Aug. 2, 2002

I am a student studying at the Hebrew University. Two days ago a terrorist blew up our cafeteria. I left that cafeteria about three minutes before it exploded.

Before I came to Israel everyone told me I was crazy and what I was doing was foolish. They told me to stay in America, where life is safe from bombs. They even told me that the "mess" in this country was none of my business. Most of the time I just stood silently nodded my head and said, "I have to do what I have to do."

Now I have to tell the world why I came. I came here because I am a Jew and the "mess" in this country is my business. I came here because this is where I belong.

I came to Israel because I am tired of almost the entire world's acquiescence to the hateful demands Israel's enemies impose on us. I came here despite the fact that Colin Powell and the United States State Department did not think it was a good idea.

I came here to tell Yasser Arafat, Sheikh Yassin, Saddam Hussein, Sheikh Nasrallah and all the rest of the terrorists living in this world that I will not give in.

I came to Israel because it bothers me that many people cherish a concept called "moral equivalency" that twists the truth, violates morality, and perverts justice. I am here to tell the European Union, the Arab League, and the United Nations that they are betting on the wrong team.

How do I feel after the attack?

I know I made the right decision. I cannot and will not run away from Israel's enemies, who are not "activists" or "militants" but bloodthirsty terrorists. After I saw the things I saw on Wednesday I am more resolved than ever to stay here and learn. I am here because this country is my home and I am not running away.

Daniel Farahan is a student from Carmel, Indiana, studying at the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University.