Behind the Headlines Terrorist Danger to Jewish Communities Not Imminent but Possible

Jewish communities in Europe and Latin America may not be in immediate danger of becoming targets of Arab terrorists’ attacks but if the situation degenerates further–such a danger should not be overlooked nor ruled out–informed circles in Israel say. These circles also view with utmost gravity the continuation of terrorist activities abroad, especially in Europe, suggesting that such activities may cause a deterioration of the situation and a possible conflagration and collapse of the cease-fire.

The gloomy forecast is based on the assumption that the Arab terrorists would not be deterred from carrying out further spectacular acts of terror abroad like the Munich murders. This would force Israel to take counter-measures both in the Middle East and in other regions. An Arab reaction may then be anticipated which could lead to a deterioration of the present situation along the borders. The main reaction may come from Syria which may retaliate-against Israel for her actions against terrorists–like the one last weekend.

Egypt may be less prepared to retaliate in such ways since it is clear to the Egyptians that any hostile action on their part might degenerate into open war. Israeli circles anticipate increased activities of the terrorists in foreign countries as all other outlets–save Syria-in the region have been closed to them. Egypt cannot permit action from the territory across the Suez Canal because it would mean war; Jordan has prohibited the presence of terrorists on her territory; Lebanon, with her shaky political structure, is more or less guarding the border between her and Israel.

EASY TO CARRY OUT TERRORIST ACTS

Despite this, the terrorists feel quite free to organize, train and direct activities from Lebanon. Syria helps the terrorists and permits them certain activities, but these are very much controlled. Having the desire to fight, having the men and having the easy grounds to act abroad, the terrorists have switched their main focus of activities to foreign countries, especially in Europe.

Firearms are not very difficult to obtain nowadays. The ease with which firearms can be obtained has emboldened the terrorists to spectacular acts like hijacking planes, and committing heinous acts of murder like that in Munich or finding individuals to carry out their acts for them–like the Japanese who murdered 26 Jews and Americans at Lod Airport last May.

Given this situation, Israeli circles say, terrorist activities cannot be ruled out on other continents like North and South America. Israeli sources indicate that since the organization which carries out the acts of terror is called the Black September–though it is part and parcel of the Fatah–headed by Salah Halaf Abu Ayyad, more activities can be expected during this month. But the extension of activities to later dates is a real possibility. “We are facing a problem, but not an unsurmountable one,” Israeli sources indicated.

The major question is how to surmount this problem. Several sources indicate that one line of action is to adopt a “passive line.” This would include precautionary measures that would prevent casualties and deter attempts of terrorist acts. A more “active line” might be one of bombarding terrorist concentrations such as the one carried out last weekend or it may be carried out in “other ways” against terrorists wherever they are to be found, or it may be carried out by individuals–according to conditions. One more possibility of terrorist activity should not be overlooked, Israeli sources say. And that is in Israel Itself.