By Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort
CARLSBAD, California — Today (May 14) has already been an historic day and it’s barely 9am here in California. Today truth trumped lies and virtue vanquished evil. Today the great Name of G-d was sanctified in His Chosen Land, in His Holy City, by His Chosen People.
No, unfortunately, the Holy Temple still has not been rebuilt (but that too is coming soon). But something beautiful and refreshing did happen; today truth won a seminal victory. And because truth won, true peace is that much closer.
First, let us anticipate and answer the inevitable avalanche of hand-wringing ‘news’ outlets that will undoubtedly blame the long-promised US Embassy move to Jerusalem for the umpteenth Palestinian ‘Day of Rage’ (do they have ANY days when they are not enraged?!). They (the Palestinian ‘ragers’) were attacking Israel before the announcement and were attacking Israel before Israel liberated Judea and Samaria (’67 War), and before Israel even became a country (’48 War of Independence). Why? Because to this brand of Palestinian being Jewish is a crime punishable by death. Why any Jew would possibly support this hateful ideology, or even support negotiating with it, is irrational. There is no room for a negotiation when one side is seeking the utter destruction of the other.
So as Hamas cynically herds tens of thousands of Gazan/Palestinian rioters (er, ‘peaceful protesters’) towards the border with Israel and Israel protects its citizens from being slaughtered (which is PRECISELY what the Palestinians are saying they will do), the NPR’s/CNN’s/NY Times/BBC’s ad infinitum will start the body count business. Creating an obscene moral equivalence between Israeli soldiers defending their borders with Hamas cannon fodder violently attacking the border.
Before anyone becomes confused the true score card should look like this: How many Israelis are attempting to infiltrate and murder Muslims in a Muslim country? Answer = 0. How many innocent Muslims who are NOT attempting to invade Israel have been purposely murdered or hurt by Israelis? Answer = 0. How many deaths and injuries does Hamas have on its already bloodied hands by using civilians to try and murder Jews? Insert number of injured and dead Gazans here. Yes, it’s that simple.
Now, onto the reason for my euphoria.
Today G-d’s name was sanctified. Numerous religious leaders and political leaders spoke the truth. As an aside, isn’t it sad that some people having the courage to speak the truth is viewed as almost miraculous? Isn’t it telling that some having the audacity of hope to try and build a better future for everyone is a cause of such angst in media outlets and Western Capitals (not to mention in despotic Capitals and by tyrants) everywhere?
No, truth is NOT relative. No, goodness is NOT relative. No, justice is NOT relative. No, peace is NOT relative. They either ARE or they are NOT. Today, the ‘ayes’ have it! And for that I am most grateful!
The recognition of the truth, that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, can only move the world forward, into the light and away from the darkness. Denying historical realities has never and can never bring true peace. Denying a people’s historic and perpetual connection to its heritage can never and will never bring peace. Using the historical fact that the Jews are permanently connected to Jerusalem and the Land of Israel makes the world a healthier place (there is a name for those who deny reality – whether they believe their own fantasies or not). This truth is the bedrock of peace.
The Almighty has left it up to us whether we choose truth or lies, peace or war, life or death. Today we choose truth. Therefore we have a better chance at ending war and death.
The diplomatic tables have FINALLY turned! Instead of the Israelis constantly being pressured to make more and more concessions (which are more and more dangerous), the US is now pressuring the Palestinians. Thus far they (the Palestinians) have failed miserably. Some in the Muslim world are beginning to speak out in favor of the truth. We will take this as a hopeful sign that peace, true and lasting peace built upon truth, is possible. The TRUTH is that Israel is the Land of the Jewish People.
G-d bless the US for being a force for good in this world! Thank G-d that President Trump has made this bold and courageous move! Thank G-d Prime Minister Netanyahu has led Israel to such an historic achievement. And thank G-d, that His Name has been blessed today!
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Rabbi Eilfort is spiritual leader of Chabad of La Costa