“Be smart or be right” – it’s not an easy choice. Assertiveness is often not the wisest course of action, but human nature often pushes us in that direction. At the same time, wisdom requires courage and strength if we are to push dogmatism aside. Many in the international community, and not a few here in Israel, are asking why Jews need to go pray on the Temple Mount during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, of all times. Of course, Jews have every right to do so, but why press that right at this time in particular?

And why follow it up with a colorful parade of Israeli flags around the Old City of Jerusalem? In this case, too, Jews have every right to celebrate their eternal capital in this way. But again, why now? Everyone is always telling Israel to exercise restraint and common sense.

Maybe there’s something to it. Would it not be wiser to avoid upsetting the Palestinians during Ramadan by forbidding Jews to ascend the Temple Mount or march with Israeli flags? And most people...

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