A unique criminological problem has just been discovered in Israel, something to do with playing Jewish geography. The problem is a spin-off of the unfortunate growth of organized crime in Israel, including the dubious distinction of mob leaders. Israel knows how to fight terrorists, but has all but thrown up its hands when it comes to the mob. It turned to the US for assistance, for know how; specifically, it asked the US to extradite its mob leaders and to try them here. The US obliged.
Israeli mobsters put a new twist on Israels infatuation with America by commiting crimes in the US, too. Israel wanted her own criminals to serve time in her own prisons another new twist on the special relationship between Israel and America. Crime in one country, trial in another country, and punishment back in the original country. With a singular exception: Israel has no witness protection program.
How could it? Just imagine the hapless witness, trying to establish his new identity anywhere in Israel. Fat chance. He (or she) would be recognized within days, wherever he went, wherever he lived . . . Jewish geography.
