We are completely devoid of leadership at a time when strong leaders with moral clarity are required. We have people in power who refuse to even use terms like "radical islam", "islamic terrorism" or "jihad", let alone admit that islam is waging war against us and that we are involved in a clash of civilizations. Here is Attorney General Eric Holder being questioned by a Congressman and he's unable to bring himself to say the words "radical islam". Saving American lives has become secondary to making sure we avoid offending muslims. This is irrational in the extreme.
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The Talmud tells us that when G-d gave the Torah to the Jewish people, He decided to give it on Mt. Sinai, the smallest of the mountains. G-d said, "my Torah will only stay with those who are humble, so "I will give it on a small and humble mountain."
But currently many Jews have lost their sense of humbleness. They have been infected by the virus of arrogance, of thinking of themselves as all knowing. they feel that they have the absolute gift of prophecy. They state, attempts at peacemaking must innevitably fail. They berate and condemn their brethern Jews as "self hating", leftist, traitorous . The delegitimizing of other Jews for not following the dictates of a particular group, is a grave transgression of Hashem's will , that the house of Israel remain united and strong.Hashem does not recognize hyphenated Jews. There are no leftist Jews, Right wing Jews. All Jews are Jews no matter what their background might be.--. the orthodox are no better than the liberal, conservative, or reform. And of course the reverse applies just as well.
It is interesting that throughout Jewish history, waging war has always been a tremendous personal and national ordeal which ran contrary to the Jews’ peace-loving nature. King Saul lost his kingdom when he showed misplaced mercy by allowing the Amalekite king to live. And in modern times, when Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir was asked if she could forgive Egypt for killing Israeli soldiers, she replied, “It is more difficult for me to forgive Egypt for making us kill their soldiers.”
The reality is that war makes one callous and cruel. Therefore, since God Himself is commanded the Jews to rid the Land of evil, God likewise promises the soldiers that they will retain their compassionate nature. In the words of our parsha: “God will have compassion on you, and reverse any display of anger that might have existed" (Deut. 13:18).
It is of utmost importance that we don't repeat the sins of our forefathers, by factional infighting. That situation can result in the destruction of the State of Israel as surely as through external attack. The Talmud teaches us to respect and support the peacemakers. They must be allowed to pursue the most hallowed mitzvah of all- to prevent war and violence. Once again we have a major breach of a sacred commandment- those that mock and impede the peacemaking process.
Blessed be to all engaged in a most holy endeavor-that of reconciliation and fellowship. We wish President Obama, Prime Ministers Natanyahu and Abbas the best of luck and supreme success in achieving their common objective. Peaceful relations must begin at some point in time. Why not now?
Boruch Hashem
Rabbi Ezra Gold
For the Chabad International Community
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