Can Only Muslims Be Terrorists?
Robert Jay Goldstein is not a “Jewish terrorist.” After all, neither God nor his prophets ever condoned the murder of innocent human beings. If a Jew engages in terrorism, the blame falls on him, not on his religion. That much we can all agree on. But that is where our paths diverge. In August 2002 ,Goldstein was arrested near his home in St. Petersburg, Florida. In his possession were 40 weapons, 30 explosive devices, a list of 50 mosques and a detailed plan to bomb an Islamic school. Contrary to the suggestion from defense lawyers that Goldstein is mentally ill, sheriff’s Detective Cal Dennie characterized him as “a smart guy” who “knew his stuff.” Clearly Goldstein, a terrorist, was capable of inflicting unimaginable harm. In chilling details, his mission plan stated his desire to “open fire on all ‘rags’ and then bolt out and let the devices do the rest.” His motive was “to do something for ‘his’ people,” in retaliation for 9/11 and the ongoing Israeli-Arab conflict. His goal was t
