Update and Comment

An update to the 11/27/2006 post.
indeed Agudath Israel of America is named as a Defendant along with Yeshivath Torah Temimah for $20,000,000.00 ($10M apeice ). The Rebbe himself was aressted on December 7, 2006.

Though a rush to judgment is not prudent. An accussation may not have any basis in fact. Rash action could needlessly harm innocent people and unravel families.

However far worse and more far reaching is an exercise of caution that rises to the appearance of institutional tolerance. Instead of a family, institutions, their staffs, students their families and the integrity of institutional / establishment Torah Judaism is tainted. The moral authority which is invested with the generation's leadership is comprimised and diminished, as it appears the indefensible is being defended by those who deemed this behavior is indefensible in the first place.

WHY JEWISH MATTERS IN ISRAEL

This was in the December 6, 2006 Israel National News email

Official recognition of the Palestinian Arabs in Israel as a national, native minority, including its special connection to its homeland and its historic rights to it.
Arabic, already recognized as an official language, must be granted equal status to Hebrew in every aspect of public life, just as English and French are recognized in Canada. As a truly bilingual country, Israel must grant appropriate expression to the Arab-Palestinian culture in the public sphere, including noting the Arabic names of various places and giving Arabic names to public buildings, streets, etc.
Total autonomy in the spheres of education, religion and culture. At the root of this right lies the recognition of the nativity of the Arab population in Israel and its right to self-definition in these areas.
Proportionate representation in decision-making and policy-setting bodies, including all government offices and ministries, planning and construction authorities, government companies, public councils, the Civil Service, ad-hoc committees, and the like.
Extra allotments of resources such as budget allocations, land and housing, to compensate for past discrimination.
Changes to national symbols, including the flag and anthem, as emotionally-charged public resources that have a special impact on minority sectors. The State must grant appropriate expression to the presence of Israeli-Arab citizens and to their historic ties to the land. Israel's array of symbols must reflect an equal approach to both its Jewish and Arab citizens.
Equality in immigration and citizenship rights. The allocation of quotas in these areas is an expression of the country's strength, and the country must apportion them fairly, justly and equally.
Protection of the special ties of the Palestinian people with the greater Arab nation. The Palestinian population in Israel must be enabled to freely maintain and develop special ties - family, cultural, economic and the like - with the other members of the Palestinian people and the Arab nation.
Historic rights. Corrective justice demands that Israel must officially apologize and recognize the Nakba - national Arab-Palestinian catastrophe - of 1948 when the Arabs were removed from their lands. Among the issues addressed in this point are the uprooted Palestinians - 25% of the current Arab population in Israel - and their return to their original villages, such as Ikrit, Al-Ghabasaya, Al-Lajun, and others, as well as assets of the Moslem Waqf that must be administered by the Moslems
(Arutz Sheva, Hillel Fendel, Israeli-Arabs Demand National Recognition Dec 05, '06 / 14 Kislev 5767)

Commentary
These Arab demands listed in the article are just, if viewed in the context of a diverse democracy. A mere Jewish majority does not justify an exclusively Jewish anthem or national emblem reflecting the common history of the country. Similarly, except for extreme circumstances a hallmark of democracy is the equal protection doctrine. Laws, legislated rights and obligations need to apply to al people under a government’s jurisdiction equally. Therefore to treat Jewish return differently than Arab return is little more than institutional racism.

However, in the context of Jewish identity does this list of demands morph from a reasonable call for equality to a cynical denial not just of a Jewish State but of a Jewish identity as well. Regardless of what anyone else thinks Israel is the eternal homeland of the Jewish people. My Mother often quoted this old pre state slogan:

For some it is Palestine
For others holy land
For us it is Eretz Yisrael
On that we make our stand.

By the way mother may she live and be belonged to HaShomer HaZair a leftist movement not the rightist Betar or Herut. If Zionism means anything anymore to the general public it is time to step up and as a matter of policy legislate the Jewish character desired in the state TODAY. Yesterday was already too late

Gedolei Yisrael

The Charedi world is abuzz about last Thursday'ss Agudath Israel convention. The opening session was dedicated to the blogosphereee. Recently information is circulating through the community of Charedi bloggers about a situation which could only have arisen with the complicity of rabbinic leadership. A rebbe at a prominent Brooklyn Yeshiva was acaccused of molesting students over a period of decades. Suit was filed against the school for $20,000,000.00 (the details are readily available elsewhere and not necessary to repeat ). The situation has received the major part of its publicity through the work of bloggers.

Now for the punch line, the accused rebbe worked summers for Camp Agudah, a division of Agudath Israel of America. Therefore, if a former camper came forward the Agudah is squarely in the crosshairs. Thus, the speeches given at the opening session were an attempt to deflect potential liability. Torah Nobility behaving like tobacco Industry executives denying the carcinogenic properties of tobacco is an inescapable conclusion. Or is it?

These types of situations are so repugnant and contrary to aTorah centered way of life that this would not be the topic of everyday conversation. Additionally, an acaccusation is not a fact and not every pointing finger is an ensign of truth. Therefore, in the interest of protecting all involved, when serious charges made against an educator, or an institution an investigation is called for. In fact a through background check should be conducted prior any new hire at a synagogue or Yeshiva or Beth Jacob school. Unfortunately, it has come to this but better an ounce of prevention. An attempt to act with discretion evidently has the effect of allowing an intolerable situation to fester and an impression is created that the chinuch professional's conduct is condoned by his/her employer(s). This last result not only causes a chillul Hashem but magnifies the chillul Hashem exponentially.

It would be irresponsible to assert Gedolei Torah were actively aware about this or other similarly deplorable situations. However, Gedolei Yisrael's behavior must be above reproach. A Rav or Rosh Yeshiva or Admor may not be not exemplars of perfection but as leaders these people are role models. Persons who influence young people whose skills of critical thought are still developing have an especially great responsibility.

No sheker, falsehood is tolerated throughout the community of Torah study from Talmudic times to an opinion expressed in a contemporary yeshiva. Any statement made by sage or student is subjected to extensive review. Every yeshiva student knows any opinion or observation he may offer is open to question. The transmission of Torah both scripture and oral law was not limited to any scholarly caste but to the whole nation. The trtransparencyf Torah knowledge's transmission is often cited as the basis for its validity. The greatest are not just the smartest but must be the best all around. Anyone who presents his position as borne of a G-D/Torah based consciousness, Daath Torah demands obedience because it strikes a chord of truth not because of is a proclamation or promulgation by persons who occupy positions of leadership.

It is precisely because a leader pepersonifies the Torah's truth do his words and actions carry weight. True stories are legion of behavior may not be readily understood{a leader may have deeper perception of Torah than a layperson] however there exists a fine line between dedeferring to a greater person's perception and the exploitation and manipulation of the community through the aegis of religious authority and the laity's sincere belief.


G-D forbid, to think that there is no leadership in our generation in our country or this lapse disqualifies Gedolei Yisrael from being heeded. On the other hand the community must demand the best and unassailable behavior from those who teach, transmit and bear testimony through their lives to Torah's D-vine character.

Threats

Arutz Sheva reported the Geulat Yisrael Synagogue had its windows broken out with the Graffiti "If we can't march in Jerusalem, You will not walk in Tel Aviv"

If there is any doubt that the arrogance pride parade is not a bid for tolerance or acceptance but a militant threat. This is not a group of folks expressing a point of view.

Reasonable people can disagree but threats must be defeated without compromise.

ARROGANCE OF AUTHORITY,SHAME AS PRIDE

There are rules allowing for mutiny.
1 If commanders give conflicting/ confusing orders
2 Or soldiers are commanded to carry out orders that spell near certain death and that this will serve no military purpose.
3 When in the field a commander emotionally/mentally falls apart and cannot coherently lead.
4 If orders are given that go against all decency or morality, - killing unarmed prisoners, an order to rape enemy females etc . . . . Orders that reduce soldiers beyond the role of warriors to amoral thugs and sadists.

Violence as a response to the arrogance parade scares. It would be unfortunate for violence to break out. However, despite how distasteful it may be violence may be the only appropriate response to this parade. The paraders are not participating in mere advocacy but in an in your face challenge, calculated to offend and provoke. The paraders' agenda is not the assertion of civil rights but to rewrite the moral foundations of Torah (see what Rabbi Fienstein ZZVK'L wrote in the Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim IV:115 ) and the standard adopted by most of the civilized world.
Those who seek to decivilize society and make it less holy (Rashi beginning of Parashat Kedoshim) have to be stopped even with some force as necessary

Who will the police protect? Where does duty lie, both the police and the government? In protecting those who believe in civility and morality or with those who seek to destroy.

Similarly, soldiers have their job to do, their commanders and civilian leaders must lead in a manner that builds a united force bound by Jewish history and Jewish values the same as the government by guided by Torah based values.

TAKE AWAY THE POWER, NO MORE FEAR

During Rosh HaShanah services this year a Jew blowing the Shofer at the Kotel Katan (the small wall, a portion of the Western Wall located to the north of the main Western Wall plaza.) Whatever version of events one wishes to accept the fact is the police disrupted peaceful Jewish worship, in Jerusalem on the Jewish New Year. Arutz Sheva reported that the matter came to debate in the Knesset on October 25, 2006

Police Minister Avi Dichter's response to MKs concerns arising from the Rosh HaShanah Shofar incident should leave one as uneasy at the very least..

OK, in fairness Minister Dichter has to support his people. But . . . there is a disturbing undercurrent. Policy is not being dictated by acceptance or tolerance. Rather it is the fear of perceived Islamic volatility that encourages the Israeli police to treat otherwise peaceful Jewish behavior as a threat to public safety. Instead Israel chooses to indulge Islamic bullying like other Western democracies. Preserving public safety cannot be motivated by fear or by appeasing potential violent actors. The police should be there to protect and serve. The Police should protect the law abiding and act against law breakers. It is shocking that the same Law Enforcement infrastructure that acted aggressively against the protestors in Amona could not be used to quell Islamic protesters or rioters?

Maybe it is time for Israel and the non Islamic world to say, enough! If Islam wishes to live among the diverse community of humanity, fine. If not then the right of Islam to stand as among equals should be deemed as forfeit. The non Islamic world should say simply “we are tired of being afraid ” Take away their power, one cannot threaten those who one does not control and fear is a powerful tool of control.

Mr. Dichter policy should promote tolerance but not at the expense of oneÂ’s own self respect.

Whom to Talk To?

It is likely Yesha Council believes like Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zacki that all they can save is Yavne and its scholars even though the reality is much more is possible.
Also it seems this government operates based on what can be termed an alternative reality. Unfortunately the people living in Yesha and even pre-1967 Israel do not have the luxury of blissful oblivion.
Recent history should at the very least teach that this government's sole interest is self -preservation, not serving the public. How could the actions of the Sharon /Olmert/ Kadima government come about without Knesset Members selling out principal for a few shekel? The culture of quid pro quo reduces government to a fee for service basis instead of a public interest/ service basis.

The other by product of this present this government’s culture is their belief in their abilities despite an unavoidable lack of experience to comprehend and respond to crises, as was the case in Gaza, Armona and most recently Lebanon.

Yesha Council, how can these people currently in power be trusted with the future of the Land of Israel?

Jewish Rights in Jersualem

Israel National News, Arutz Sheva reported that on Sunday 24 September a Jew was hauled away from the Kotel Katan area (the Kotel Katan is a small section of the Western Wall running North of the main area.)The News report described police conduct as less than sensitive to the cultural sensibilities of Jewish worshippers.
If it was not true one would be certain it was parody. Someone complained about Shofar at 7:30am already daytime with all the noise associated with a weekday and she was not encouraged to embrace tolerance. Gay advocates are being allowed their parties and parade despite broad based opposition. The Jerusalem police on duty who most likely were not Jewish did not receive the appropriate sensitivity training. Or sadly this is yet another example how the Holy city of Jerusalem in the Jewish State, has sacrificed Jewish values and heritage on the altar of democracy.

Civil Rights belong to the whole population. The concept protects minority groups from discrimination and bias through society's institutions. A part of civil rights may well include a right of hasbara, advocacy. However, allowing a voice in the marketplace of ideas is not carte blanche to assault a community's sensibilities and moral standards. It is absurb to declare Jerusalem must submit itself to a message that goes beyond merely communicating a point of view but ridicules the community's values. Advocacy is not a license for incitement nor obscenity.

This is why the agreement to allow the World Pride event to take place in Jerusalem is misplaced tolerance at best and at worst the latest assault on Judaism and Jewish sensibilities by the Israeli government. For years the gap between the population and their governemnt has widened steadily the recent war in the North and this nearly universally condemed activity showed the gap has grown to abyssmal proportions.

May G-D have still more compassion on His People and land and send MSHIACH THERE IS NO OTHER VIABLE OPTION FOR THE FUTURE

KNOWLEDGE AND FAITH IS STRENGTH

Someone I know had visited Eretz Yisrael recently. During the hostilities in the North against Hezbullah. He visited Hevron and was disturbed by the conditions. How could families live surrounded by hostile neighbors, some of whom want nothing better than to murder their Jewish neighbors? It seemed that the threat which is real and palpable was enough of a reason for the Jews to leave. Despite this fellow being a sincerely devout Jew he could not understand why live in Hevron?

Without a doubt those who live and learn in the holy city of Hevron are persons blessed with a profound faith that most people can only aspire to achieve. Yet is seems axiomatic the notion of a Jewish State without a Jewish Hevron is as alien as a re-divided Jerusalem. As a nine year old child in June 1967 the sense was we have come home, the rise of modern state of Israel must be connected to the redemption, yearned for over nearly two thousand years.

Jews living in Hevron is the natural state of affairs. Arab control of the Temple Mount is the aberration. Any Governmental hesitation or restraint on the observance of Judaism or the Jewish character of the State should seem antithetical and offend the subliminal bedrock of reason that articulates itself as logic.

The thought that Jews belong in the land is maybe hypocritical coming from someone sitting in the United States who has no real plans for Aliya in the near future. However even so as a Jew who believes in G-D and His Torah as taught through Prophets and sages, as one ordained as a Rav silence is not an option. Again the fellow Spoken of earlier is a wonderful sensitive soul who has no love for the Arabs but misplaced compassion. Truly, though the land is Jewry’s, without a doubt it is not a valuable as a single soul committed to follow G-D whether 7 for the nations or the 613 of the Torah and 7 Rabbinic commandments. How does one face threats?

As the world saw Hezbullah, Fatah and Hamas all members of hell spawned troika bravely swagger and boast their prowess while shielded by children. Their threat is real so is their cowardice. The greatest threat the Arabs face are Jews who know who they are, what they are and why they are. A purposeful Jew is the threat the evil ones cannot abide.

Maybe it is this self-understanding that motivated so much of the people during the recent conflict. The Government seemed prepared to abandon whole cities in the North and their people, the captive solders or serious will to prosecute the campaign to its conclusion.

Unlike Gush Katif where the government through the sela authority acted with an attitude that indifference would be hailed as a 110% improvement. People on their own or through local institutions made sure everyone was sheltered and fed.

Soldiers denied proper training is wrong but denying troop’s food and water even one platoon is inconceivable and cannot be tolerated.

People saw their strength and unity and the same qualities their leaders lack. Prime Minister Olmert and his government are deeply disconnected from the man or woman in the street to the point the government’s leadership and judgment can no longer be regarded as trustworthy.

As a New Year approaches one’s hope and prayer is for Mashiach, messiah’s arrival soon and if not at least leaders who lead without fear of anyone except G-D A-mighty.