The Rebbe on 'Peace Now'. Part 2.

‘The wicked will have no peace, says G-d’ [Isaiah 49.17] – they offer no peace [agreements]. The intention of the Arabs terrorists are well known, as they ascertained at their recent gathering, that all the Jewish people to leave the land of Israel. This is no secret – they have said this openly and has been published everywhere, and this is known to all. This is nothing new; it is now 32 years that they have been announcing this! So it is self understood that any agreement with them will not bring to peace. Even should one agree to give in to their demands on condition that they sign a piece of paper that they are making peace for a while, as is the wish of Peace Now, not only will this not help, but this will bring actual danger onto the Jewish people.

We saw this in actuality at the time of the Six Day War; there were Jews who said that they do not want to conquer the Old City of Jerusalem. Thereafter, when there was no choice but to conquer the Old City and the rest of the territories, the government of Israel immediately sent messengers to Washington to London and to Paris to make it known that their intention is to return everything. The only reason why they did in fact not return these was because gentiles have no real freedom of choice - ‘the heart of kings and princes is in the hands of G-d’, and G-d did not permit them to take these!

But the Arabs knew that they had sent this delegation [to surrender more land] and this gave them the fortitude to continue their acts of terror until this very day, becoming progressively more aggressive, May G-d protect us! It is not as those who are mistaken think that terror is only a recent phenomenon – this is absolutely untrue. Terror continues month by month from the time of the Six Day War, from when the Arabs were encouraged when they became aware that the Jews are afraid of them, and therefore are sending emissaries to give in! This is how it spins forward; whenever Jews conquered some land from the Arabs, - they offer the gentiles to surrender that which was conquered, stating that they want peace, justice and integrity. Each of these occasions gives further fortitude and strength to the Arabs, to the point that they killed a Jew, a yeshiva boy, in the centre of Hebron!

Peace Now brings actual danger onto the Jewish people and onto the Land, and yet, they continue forward demanding lands be given to the Arabs in return for that piece of paper which states that we are making peace. It is not enough for them the lands which were already surrendered with the oil wells, which weakened security. They do all this arguing that in return we will receive peace NOW. And since the Jews are a wise nation they argue, they will certainly be able to sort things out without oil and without land security. This is the greatest delusion that in return for surrender we will get peace – we see openly what Arab intentions are! Even if we were to say [in reality this is not the situation] that in return we are in receipt of a temporary real peace, as Peace Now argue, it is well known that when we are discussing a matter which is ongoing, one does not focus on the present, but how this goes into the future, into which direction this will move. If the present is not good but is moving to the good, one takes this into consideration. In the same way, if the present situation is good, one but is deteriorating, one takes this into consideration. Our situation is the same: we see where the surrender to the Arabs is leading. Even if one were to delude ones-self that at present there is peace now, this makes no difference, because we see that we are moving further into a negative situation, since their intention is not one of peace, but to eradicate the Jewish people from the land of Israel.


[From the farbrengen of Shabbos Parshas Shelach, 1980]

The Rebbe on ‘Peace Now’ Part 1

Peace Now. Giving the Land away.

The weekly portion [Shlach] tells the story of the spies from which we learn a real message for our times. By way of introduction: The story of the spies took place whilst the Jewish People were not in Israel but in the desert and were not short of anything. They ate manna, a food without any waste; they drank water from the well of Miriam and benefited for the Clouds of Glory which destroyed the snakes and scorpions, straightened their way forward and un-soiled their clothes. When they stood on the thresh-hold of entering and conquering the Land they sent out spies to investigate. Upon their return the spies recommended that it is better to remain where they are with all the benefits and not to endanger themselves by entering the Land, because, the nation there are powerful, and the land devours its inhabitants. The intention of the spies was to prevent the people from being endangered. In reality however the very opposite took place. It was the spies who endangered the Jewish People! The message for our times is simple. In those times the Jewish people were still in the desert where they had all the benefits so the spies argued to remain there. In contrast today, G-d has handed to the Jewish People the Land of Israel [not however ‘independent’ since never has there been such dependence on the gentiles as now. Yet, in a spiritual sense the Jewish People are the masters [with some control in material matters].

Now there arrive some Jews who scream “peace now!” They are joined by the communists and Arabs who demand that Israel must hand over portions of the Land of Israel from the sovereignty of Israel. They do not say be passive, as the spies argued to remain in the desert, but they argue to actually give away the sovereignty of the land of Israel! The argument of the Peace Now - as is the argument of the communists and Arabs is based exactly on the thinking of the spies in their time that the nation inhabiting the land is too powerful for us to overwhelm. Do not conquer and put down roots in the land of Israel! Since there dwell in Jerusalem 60,000 Arabs [in1980] they are far more powerful than the Jewish people living there, quoting the spies – “they are stronger than us”, therefore Jews must not be allowed to live in the Old City [of Jerusalem]. If Jewish people already live there, they should be evicted by all means available. The Old City must be given away, including the Temple Mount and the spot of the holy of Holies – to the Arabs! They raise the same argument about Hebron. Since there live there 50,000 Arabs [1980], they are stronger than the Jews who live there. And they raise further arguments in favour of the Arabs – that they are descendents of Abraham the patriarch who is buried in the Cave of Machpela in Hebron. Therefore, we must not allow Jews to live there, and those that are there already must be thrown out! They argue further that any lands that the Arabs demand must be handed over to them, since they are more powerful than our selves! The spies argued: “All the peoples whom we saw there are giants who fell from the skies – one is a giant murderer, the second is a giant in armed robbery, the third is a giant thief, the fourth a great diplomat, one knows many languages, and more. And on top of all these arguments they announce ‘Peace Now!’ In addition to all their arguments they offer peace, and the peace will be NOW – peace unto Israel! And more! They argue that giving away the lands to the Arabs is human justice! Thereby danger to the Jewish People will be averted since it is a land which devours its inhabitants. If we annoy the Arabs and not give in to them their demands - they will eat us alive. And if we do give in to them, giving the land away, there will be peace NOW! Who argues this? Jews and Jewish communists. These people bring down terrible danger onto Jews and onto the Land.

These people are the ‘demolishers and destroyer’ from amongst the Jewish people and of the land of Israel. Yet they shout peace now. There is nothing greater than peace, but G-d says [Isaiah 39.17] ‘, The wicked have no peace [to offer!]’.
[From the farbrengen of Shabbos Parshas Shelach, 1980]

Danger from Egypt ! The Rebbe receives inside information.

[In view of the danger erupting this very week from the Egyptian advancing thousands of troops to the Israel borders, we bring the following talk spoken [Purim 1985] by the Lubavitcher Rebbe after the secret ‘London Agreement’ to hand over further territories to the enemy].

The government of Israel is handing over to gentiles [Egypt] territories which belong to the Land of Israel, land which was given by G-d as an everlasting inheritance to the entire Jewish people from the generation who were present at the Revelation at Mount Sinai right up until the generation who will receive the Moshiach. Such transaction is very grave. More so: even according to the view of those who argue ‘we should be like all the nations’ [a nation defined by land-ownership], such a step creates a dire security risk for Israel and her inhabitants. Returning strategic territories to Egypt endangers the security of three million Jews [May they increase] dwelling in the Holy Land.

In addition to all of this, the Israel government returned to Egypt all of the oil wells after great efforts were expended by Jewish people in opening the oil wells and huge financial investments made, including monies donated by Jewish people in the Kol Nidre Appeal [on Yom Kippur]. For this they sullied the relationship with one of the Jewish magnates who invested huge sums of money. Until even today it is not know if they healed the relationship, given that oil is the most basic commodity for Israel’s existence, including the four holy cities of Jerusalem, Hebron, Tzfas and Tiberius and all other towns where Jewish people dwell. We are speaking now from a purely economic point of view of dependence on oil even in times of peace and certainly from a security point of view when the need arises to activate weapons! Even more severe, they gave instructions that the return of the territories and oil wells will be no more than a loan to be proclaimed at a joyous ceremony and gatherings of happiness. What did they receive in return for this? A signature on a peace contract with two signatures of each side and an intermediary. They knew very well how little faith could be put on this signature. Today we see the consequential results.

At the very time as they were proceeding with signing this agreement, I received clear information of the proposed plan [not from those actually in the negotiations but from both Jews and non-Jews who have free access in government circles in Washington who did not hesitate to endanger their political positions by handing over to me this information]. I issued a most powerful protest against these proposed plans and explained my words fully, namely, that this proposition creates a serious threat to the security of Jewish people in the townships of Israel. Essentially, there was nothing new here. Those that brought about the signing the agreement knew very well the great security danger to the land of Israel tied up with returning the territories and the oil wells to Egypt. Yet, regardless, the representative of the Israel government decided to endanger the security of Jews living in Israel putting their lives at risk, May G-d protect us, - just in order to get a signature of a peace agreement. It is well know who lead these talks, who were those who decided to accept these agreements and the reasons which motivated them to do this.

The Israel Government making deals with Murderers and Terrorist

The Shomron
[The following two talks were spoken [Purim 1985] by the Lubavitcher Rebbe after the secret ‘London Agreement’ to hand over further territories to the enemy].

Rather than initiating a policy of uniting the Shomron now that Jewish people have merited living in areas of Yehuda and Shomron and surrounding them with protective walls and authorising many new cities in Israel to draw down blessing; instead of this, the government of Israel is running after [not just gentiles, but] murderers and terrorists, in order to find favour in their eyes they should just agree to take from us areas of land in Judah and Shomron! And that’s not all. They have no shame in doing this openly and in public! Such a downtrodden situation of bowing before the gentile in such a disgraceful fashion has never taken place even outside of Israel in the exile! And most shocking - they still argue that this is the beginning of the Redemption! They announce: Arise and join us – we are ready for anything: a joint government – we will train together, autonomy, the main point being that we should be able to sit together round a table with those murderers and terrorists! They themselves know that they are murderers and terrorists, that after they will promise and sign they are not to be relied upon. That even after they will have the signed document in their hands, this has no more value than a bit of paper!

This is analogous to a man sitting round a table with a murderer to come to an agreement, and at that very moment the murderer holds in his hand a dagger and stabs him!

The staggering thing is that they will not learn from past mistakes. This is not the first time that they want to return territories in return for a peace agreement. There is a precedent with the signing the fateful Camp David contract [strangely the location is named after David, King of Israel!] where they returned to Egypt everything in return for a signature for peace. Today, everyone is in agreement what a severe mistake this was. Yet, nevertheless the government of Israel continues in the same path now in connection with Yehuda and the Shomron.

It is worth while that we make mention of some of the outcomes of that contract with Egypt in order to open their eyes. Jewish people who toiled, laboured and sweated to build new towns in the land of Israel - were expelled from their homes and lands, men, women, and children! And that is not all: the government forced soldiers who are prepared to sacrifice their lives in order to protect the land of Israel and those that dwell there, - that they must expel Jews from their homes in the land of Israel! Young soldiers who go with innocent and pure hearts to protect the land and those that dwell there, putting their lives at risk, are forced [using the fact that they are obliged to obey orders to men of flesh and blood] to do this! For what? To give these lands to gentiles, amongst them Egypt, the root of all Exiles. Every Exile which Jews have suffered, Babylon, Media, Greece, the West; the source of all of this tragic history was Egypt!

So Jacob had a dream! Does this mean that Eretz Israel belongs to the Jewish People?

Someone once came here for a visit and asked me, how do I substantiate my words to the extent that they should be spoken in the UN, that Eretz Israel belongs to the Jewish people? G-d said to our patriarch Yaakov ‘And you should spread forth to the West, and to the East, to the North and to the South’, and ‘To you will I give her [Israel] and to your children’, spoken on his way to Haran, when he was tired and exhausted from the journey. As usual, when one sleeps, one dreams! Therefore, he asked me: ‘Just because Yaakov had a dream, does this mean that the Land of Israel belongs to the Jews?’

I answered him: It is well known, that the power of prophecy is attained specifically during sleep. Maimonides explains [Laws of the fundamentals of Torah Chap.7.2] that all prophets spoke prophetic words either at night whilst sleeping, or by day in a state of loss of consciousness. Only in such a condition were they able to receive prophecy. For in order for the spirit of prophecy to rest on a prophet, he had to be in a state whereby his material shell was put away to sleep. Thus it was with Yaakov: All of the patriarchs were a vehicle – their conscious awareness was immersed into the extra-universal energy which flows into and moves the cosmos [not subjected to the concealment imposed by the curtain of earth’s matter]. His life was a continuum of wakefulness to the flow of G-d’s life force. Therefore, also during times of sleep when dreams occur, he was mindful of this spiritual vitality.

The gentiles already understand that Eretz Israel belongs to the Jewish people. Now, all that remains is to convince Jews of this. Gentiles know that the connection which Arabs have to Israel began only when they came to Israel, just a few hundred years ago, no more. Additionally, even the Arabs who live around Israel, as for example, Egypt, are not the Egyptians of time gone by. These are a different nation from a different root, with no connection to the ancient Egyptians. Substantially different however is the bond of the Jewish people with the land of Israel beginning with the Revelation at Sinai, and before, when G-d, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, gave the land to the Jewish People. Even gentiles know this, and that the dream which Jacob had was the factual truth, and that the entire world is a subsidiary to make this dream a reality!

But it is the Jew who argues that he does not believe this! So, one is bound to exclaim: ‘What are you doing in the Land of Israel? Go to Chutz La-aretz [out of Israel]! There from your viewpoint it will be better! [From your mindset] How is the holiness of the land of Israel in any way more of greater value than outside of Israel? Indeed, there are so many Israelis who have left Israel, most of whom did not have this faith in the Land.

[Spoken at the farbrengen Parshas Tzav, 1976]

Stand with strength! Interview with the Gerrer Rebbe. 9 Elul 1978

The Rebbe: I wish for a strong standing and determination with all matters pertaining to peace. [Liquor was brought in and the Gerrer Rebbe said: ‘LeChaim, May it be a good year.

The Rebbe: Visible and revealed good, Lechaim]. We mentioned determination [leading to] and peace. Since you are the elder of the Chassidic Rebbes in the Land of Israel, it would be worthy that you go public and publicise with determination the Law of Shulchan Aruch that when [an enemy army approaches] asking for no more than straw and stubble the law demands a stand with weapons of war, and ‘there befall them fear and trepidation’.

The Gerrer Rebbe: Yes, in fact we see that the Song [at the splitting of the sea] is written in the past tense, with the phrase ‘there befall them fear and trepidation’ in the present, [the Rebbe pointed out that this is written in the future tense]. Meaning, the Song relates to the past, while G-d throwing His fear has to be in our times.

The Rebbe: Since there are those who are fearful and weak hearted and we need to be assured that they will not weaken the hearts of their brothers, there is a need to publicise this law, [not specifically bound up with the holiness of the Land] applicable to any concentration of Jewish people [even outside of Israel], even on Shabbos to go out armed, even when they want no more than cattle fodder, because they are on the border. Such a public notification will have a strong effect. Now is the time! Firstly, we read this in the Torah this last Shabbos [Shoftim], that the Cohen, the leader or judge must strengthen the people. Secondly, this will bring a benefit that the weak hearted will not mix in. I once said regarding the weak hearted, surely they should do something so simple: convince them that there is nothing to be afraid of! Yet, we see that the Torah says the opposite: ‘he must go and return to his home’. There is no time to change his mind to ensure that he will not melt the hearts of his brothers as his. He can go home and do so many good things at home. Were you to go out with the strength of Kings – The Rabbis, with all the fortitude of Jewish law, this would have its effect above, and have a responsive effect below.

The Gerrer Rebbe: ‘The Kings are the Rabbis’ is stated in the plural. The intent is not [that] just one should make such a stand.

The Rebbe: I will make the effort to find several more. There are already more. What is needed is that one should go out with strength. You mentioned earlier that many matters connected with the fear of G-d have become easier. Efforts must be made. Everyone is in agreement that this is life threatening.

The Gerrer Rebbe: Perhaps you should come to Eretz Israel and work on this?

The Rebbe: [With a smile]: I will put in my efforts to effect change from here, where there are also those who are fearful and weak hearted. Now is the time to do this.

The Gerrer Rebbe: We are working on this already.

The Rebbe: But only in secret. The path to peace, ‘I will give peace in the Land’ is ‘I will lead you upright’ - ‘With an upheld head’ [publicly] [Rashi]. My father-in-law once gave an analogy of a lantern. When this stands in the middle of the street, people and Jews gather around. When the lantern is not in the middle of the street, people don’t see, and we don’t know who agrees and who disagrees. If we know the law, it must be publicised with strength of Kings – The Rabbis. [There will be much more than a few tens!]

The Gerrer Rebbe: There is the organization of the Moetzes G’dolei HaTorah [The Council of the Torah Greats]?

The Rebbe: Till they get round to publicising this, it will take a long time. They will make a meeting, bring a secretary, etc and all the other good things. It is documented that the laws of the Beis Yosef [author of the Shulchan Aruch] were decided with 200 Rabbis of great standing. So there are already 200 who believe in this!

Ariel Sharon. Interview with the Rebbe

The Lubavitcher Rebbe showed extraordinary knowledge regarding military matters ongoing in Israel, in areas of security, politics and those pertaining to international affairs, specifically those connected to instructions emanating from Washington. Moreover, the Rebbe showed knowledge down to the minutest details of the military confrontations that took place during the Six Day War.

The Rebbe said to Commander Sharon: “It will be our greatest insanity if we were to retreat from the new borders. It will expose the lack of trust of the government of Israel; lack of faith in our own strength will only invite external pressure upon us. It is imperative to stop trying to find favour in the eyes of the gentile nations. This has never helped in the past; neither will it ever help for the future. The indecisiveness in Israel must stop. It is obligatory to uproot the mentality of exile [slavery to the gentile nations] from the Land of Israel. Were the government of Israel to decide to inhabit the freed territories and come out with call to world Jewry to come and settle these lands, I am certain that half a million young Jewish people would respond to this challenge”.

With regard to the various solutions which have been forwarded which call for a full or partial retreat by Israel, the Lubavitcher Rebbe said: “This plans will bring about a sharpening of tension in the future. These are solutions run contrary to the natural path”. In the view of the Rebbe, Israel today lies within its natural borders.

With pain did the Rebbe continue: “Every matter which is decided by the government of Israel is known immediately to the gentiles. He turned to Commander Sharon with the question: “Why does the military not present its view more forcefully regarding the [security of the present] borders?” Sharon replied: “This is a political decision”. The Rebbe interrupted him with a wave of his hand in dismissal: “This is not a matter of politics, this is one of security. I believe with perfect faith that we are able, and we must inhabit these territories”.

[From an interview with Mr. Ariel Sharon, re-printed from the publication ‘The Rebbe – Thirty Years of Leadership’, page 112.]

A lesson in values and strategy for the Israel Government

You need to make a stand with all the military power G-d has granted you. When ‘we will stand by the banner of our G-d’, and ‘we will invoke the name of our G-d’ [Psalms 20.6 & 8], then the enemy [‘the hands of Esau’] will become null and void.

Hand in hand with reliance on G-d, weaponry is vital [Shulchan Aruch: Go out to attack fully armed!] as we find that this was the stance taken by our Patriarch Yaakov. When he was about to meet with Esau he prepared with both prayer, gifts and for war. Initially with prayer, then with gifts and then, if necessary, for war. We must learn from our ancestors, from Yaakov. That together with prayer, the enemy must know that we are prepared to go out to war. When we are prepared, and equipped for war, there will be no war! Exactly as we saw what took place with Yaakov, that Esau never ever went our to war against him when they met, but instead, kissed him, and then he went on his way, and Yaakov and his entourage went to live in the Holy Land.

We see what is going on in the Holy Land of late. The moment they submit to pressure – this is an invitation to further pressure, to killings, of many Jewish souls, as took place in the Yom Kippur War.

May we not have to rely on miracles as was in the past when Jews wanted to cede parts of Israel, G-d acted miraculously and the gentiles were not in agreement to take [because they wanted everything]. Never should we be prepared to relinquish land from within the borders of Israel.

Specifically with this method – not by submitting to pressure which will only result in human sacrifices and to further exertion of pressure; but rather with a powerful stand not to forsake one inch of the Holy land. Only in this way will wars be averted and ‘no man will go missing’, not even one [- an entire world]. Not only does a strong stand prevent wars, but, in addition, nullifies all pressure to such an extent that those who previously initiated the pressure ultimately offer assistance, as we have seen on so many previous occasions.

‘All nations of the world will see the Name of G-d upon you and will fear you’ when the nations will see Jewish People pre-occupied with Torah and declaring openly [their allegiance] to G-d, calling to G-d, they will fear you.

This is the only way to bring true peace at the end of these days of the exile when there will be the fulfilment of the Divine Promise: ‘In the end Israel will repent at the end of the exile with the true and full redemption through our righteous Moshiach. [From the farbrengen tenth Tevet 1978]

The Government of Israel silenced a murder!

The issue [of not returning land] is not because of the holiness of Jerusalem, ‘but rather that the Land not be easily conquered by them’. Those that say it is permissible to relinquish an inch of land in the Golan, Yehuda and the Shomron, are offering their Halachic permit to the Temple Mount, the Old City of Jerusalem, New Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Kfar Chabad, Kiryat Sanz, and all of Israel, because each location which they may wish to relinquish, the law applies that ‘from there the entire land will be accessible to be conquered’. People come and publicise that this law applies only to Yehuda and the Shomron, and is not linked to the laws of Shabbos. This is absolutely contrary to what is written in Shulchan Aruch. All the above reasons bring the danger into Bnei Brak, Kfar Chabad, Tel Aviv, Hadera, Natzeret, on the Old and New City of Jerusalem, and the entire Land, May this never happen!

When they silenced the murder of Salma and convinced themselves that thereby there will be quiet, they went a step further stating that this policy will bring peace to Israel and that this is the way to bring true peace, May G-d Protect us! This is what brought about the second murder in the City of our Patriarchs, Hebron! Thirty six hours have already gone bye yet we have not heard of any act taken, just one meeting after the next. How did they finally punish the inciter? They took him and threw him to be amongst his brother Arabs. Instead of keeping him in jail in Hebron, they expelled him [ - the mayor of Hebron, to Jordan] to be amongst his fellow Arabs when he is free to give him opinions, plot and incite others – all in the name of the Mayor of Hebron, City of the Patriarchs! Why did the Israel Government choose to free him? There he is able to cause much more damage to Israel then had he been kept in prison?

The reason they kept this quiet is not for the benefit of Jews, to the contrary: They have no regard for Jews. That some youngsters will come and protest – they will let them protest – and thereafter the Israel government will continue the way they want. Initially they will have no choice so they will let the youth take hold of a piece of land, and after a few weeks the order for them to be evicted will be given. Why did they keep silent about the murder? They are afraid that Washington will hear that they have no strength left, to the degree that a young Jew is shot dead and Jews are being killed by shootings and hand grenades in the middle of the night in an open spot where 60 – 70 inhabitants live. These goings on are published outside of Israel even before be published in Israel because there they try to keep this secret or at lease to delay publication several hours. However when the incident has gone public outside of Israel they have no choice but to let it be published in Israel.

They tried to hide the fact, but to no avail: America saw what sort of rag cloth the government is! Israel is being trodden on the head - Jews are being murdered in the City of the Patriarchs - and the Government of Israel responds with nothing!!

[From the farbrengen Motzoi Lag BeOmer 1980]

How the Israel Govenment thinks

A shocking incident took place in the city of Hebron: A boy [Yehoshua Salma] was shot [dead] May G-d avenge his blood. He was unarmed, in the city! This incident itself shows us with whom we are dealing. Apart from this, even before the murder, the [Arab] mayors of the city and the surrounding towns spoke openly of their intent; now it has taken place. No-one should dare argue that we are at peace, and that all Arabs, specifically those in the city who have blood on their hands, will even be lovers of Israel! Suffice to say that G-d’s hand was there for all to see, clear as the sun, [with whom we are dealing]. Indeed, this is apparent to entire world community. Yet, there remain still some individuals, to our sorrow, are guided by their crude nature, who remain unmoved by this affair. More: they know even today the whereabouts of the perpetrator of this murder. The entire world is aware that there are outstanding spies, who know how to perform in secret, matters that require stealth and secrecy, as in discovering the identity of an enemy, with the Mossad and Shabak.

Now several weeks have elapsed, with all of the praiseworthy security services, and they have not yet found the one who shot that Yeshiva boy! The sole reason for not finding him is this: they do not want to find the murderer as they are fearful of what the gentiles will say if they do find him and will be forced to take punitive action. That is why they ‘are not finding him!’ The murder took place in the middle of the city, not in a desert, where there are underground connections and co-partners amongst the Arabs with information of every thing that is taking place undercover, still – they announce: We don’t know, we cannot find him, and take no action against the one who shot Yehoshua Salma, May G-d avenge his blood! The matter deteriorated to such an extent that the following day the entire incident left the pages of the newspapers! They completely stopped talking of any security responsibility to find the murderer and accessories to the crime and the need to respond with appropriate action to teach them a lesson they will remember.

What is even more incomprehensible: it is well known that when they were searching for Yoselle Schumacher – they took no notice of world opinion. They took their mind away from the security of three million Jewish souls in the Holy Land, and instead they sent their spies to traverse the entire world at huge expense to find the well known Yoselle. Yet, now, we are dealing with bloodshed in the City of the Patriarchs, weeks have elapsed, and no-one makes a murmur of where is the murderer! The only discussion is, was this initially intended or not, to find the murderer? They were fearful of him being found, even with all avenues are available through covert spies in the Arab camp. I am hereby not exposing anything new, this is known to all. Yet, there is a further opinion: they know who committed the murder, and where he can be found. However, if they publicise this they will have no choice but to capture him. But, since they will thereby possibly upset so and so [one of Israel’s enemy ‘peace partners’], they decided to stop talking of this so that the entire incident be forgotten in order that silence and peace will continue to prevail, as they call this ‘peace on Israel’.

Is this the sort of peace for which they [the Israel government] goes for, to overlook all [killings]? Absolutely yes! They want to overlook everything, not as is the view of those who mistakenly believe that this will stop at the door to Jerusalem, the Holy City. It is a foregone conclusion that they intend to cede Jerusalem!! They are only waiting for the appropriate moment that the storms will settle, then they will prepare the wording – with the help of several diplomats and politicians, to offer this on such a tray whereby they will speak of incidental irrelevant side issues with no emphasis on the true central issue, that they are giving away Jerusalem the Holy City; and in such a way, that no one will even notice, in order that there will be no complaints [From the farbrengen Motzoi Lag BeOmer 1980]

Not relinquishing the Land is bound up with faith in G-d.

The Holy Land is ‘The land into which the eyes of G-d continuously gaze from the beginning of the year until the end of the year’. Since this is ‘The palace of the King’ it becomes even more important that all vital decisions concerning this land be made strictly in accord with the command of the King [G-d]. This is highly relevant to the territories along the borders of Eretz Israel. It is forbidden to relinquish any parcel of land to a gentile [this being a negative commandment of Torah – Lo Sichonem –do not give it away]. Any compromises on this issue are forbidden.

Material aspects of Eretz Israel are bound up with its spiritual. That is why halachically it’s very earth is pure as is the very air [unlike the lands of the nations], to the extent that our sages [Talmud Tractate Bava Basra 158.2] state that the air of Eretz Israel makes man wise. This negative command of Torah not to relinquish the Land touches faith in G-d, as we see from the proceeding verses. This is because material matters of Israel go hand in hand with the spiritual.

This is especially so when we speak of a city on the border, that it is certainly forbidden to relinquish, as the code of Jewish Law lays down: ‘When gentiles besiege any city of the Jewish people, even if they have not yet arrived but are in the preliminary stages of approach, the law demands us to march forth fully armed, even to desecrate the Sabbath. The severity of this law becomes even more intense with regard to a border city: should a nation states that its approach is for no more than stubble and hay for their animals, the law demands us to march forth fully armed, lest they will conquer the city and from there the land will be easily conquerable before them. Today the situation is such that the entire land mass of Israel is in proximity to her borders. Therefore every single city has the law of ‘a city on the very border’. It is the obligation of each individual Jew to do all within his ability to be armed as is needed. Not in order to exhibit personal strength, but because this is the command of G-d in order to protect very many Jews who are on the borders. This conduct is demanded by the power of Shulchan Aruch.

All of this [living in Israel, and being armed for war] has no connection whatsoever with the beginning of the Redemption. G-d forbid to say this is the beginning of the Redemption! Maimonides states that the end of the Exile will be brought about by our righteous moshiach. The sign will be as follows: ‘There will arise a king from the royal house of King David … he will impel all Israel to walk in the ways of Torah and to strengthen her’. Initially Jews need to study Torah and perform Mitzvos, only then will He put an end to the darkness. Our righteous moshiach [who will be a soul within a body] will fight the wars of G-d and be victorious, ‘build the Temple in her place’ [on the Temple mount in Jerusalem], and only then will he bring about the in gatherings of Israel.

Yet even now in the exile even in a small village of Jews outside of the land of Israel, there is the clear law to go out to war armed, and desecrate the Sabbath if non-Jews besiege the town. It is forbidden to give away any part of the Land of Israel! [From the farbrengen of 10 Teves, 1978]

From the Hand of G-d.

When giving Tzedoko [charity] to the Land of Israel, in addition to the value of tzedoko in its own right, there is an additional quality in that one is encouraging the inhabitants of Eretz Israel. This matter is especially relevant at this time. We are living through a time of double fold darkness of the exile. To the naked eye it appears that we are reliant on the ‘kindness of the nations’. We need to realize that the kindness of the nations contains within it an element of sin, in that all nations act with an aspect of self interest [Zohar]. When the Jewish People are recipient of such benefits, one has to realize the truth: that they have received this [ultimately not from the world community] but from
G-d, ‘The Guardian of Israel, Who neither slumbers nor sleeps’.

The nations are no more than an axe in the hands of the woodchopper, have in reality no choice in the matter, but are a vehicle through which G-d acts – an axe in the hands of G-d. From this understanding it is clear that it would be highly inappropriate for the Jew to bow and pay homage to the axe, and to turn it into a form of idol worship. And this remains true even if hand in hand with bowing before the axe [gentile] the Jew were to offer his prayers to G-d, and certainly not to turn the axe into the main focus of homage, instead of turning to the one who holds the axe [G-d]. Should one bow before the axe and also pray to G-d this is a form of forbidden idol worship [halachically known as ‘shituf’ – creating a false partner with G-d], a form of worship forbidden to the Jewish people. [In ancient times this took the form of faith in G-d with the mistaken belief that the stars and constellations were knowingly active in emanating energy to the world]. For a Jew, this belief constitutes a form of forbidden idol worship. Even should such a service be performed inadvertently, this remains idol worship. [The distinction would only be in the form of punishment, not a question of whether or not this forbidden service has been performed].

Therefore, it is a matter of absolute certainty that one must not be intimidated or feel dependant on nations who do not wield freedom of choice, regardless of the fact that benefits do come through them. To the absolute contrary: only when the Jewish nation stand strong before them in matters of self survival, and tie a firm bond with G-d; since ‘the hearts of kings are in the hands of G-d’ [Proverbs], and specifically because the spiritual energy powers of the nations see clearly that their source is from G-d; only then will the Jewish people will receive from them all of their needs. These nations do indeed offer financial assistance, but know – everything ultimately comes from G-d. It is because we are in a time of dark exile that it is through them that these benefits are channeled. They are no more that the agents of G-d.

Now since we are receiving from G-d, He will give ‘from His full, open, Holy, and broad hand’ [even when this runs via the channel of agents], generously, as our sages have said, ‘One who gives, gives with a good generous eye’ [Tractate Bava Basra 53.1]. [From the farbrengen of 19 Kislev, 1988]

GO OUT TO WAR!!

There is the clear instruction of Jewish law regarding a situation whereby gentiles who besiege a Jewish city. Even should they demand no more than stubble for their animals, even if in truth this all they want; even if they are only in a state of preparedness having not yet advanced, - the Torah commands to take up arms even on the Sabbath and take a firm stand on the borders in order to close off any entry of gentiles into the Land of Israel. In this command of Torah, this is not some inexplicable law but one within human reason, the intelligence from Torah. That, May G-d protect us, the land should not be laid open to them; it is an act veritably to save lives.

Anyone who wishes to interpret the law in Shulchan Aruch differently is on a collision course with Jewish law, opening up a road of life-threatening danger.

Jewish Law makes no distinction of location of such a city or area of land. May it be in time of exile [such as is now], or whether at a time when the Temple stood; whether outside the land of Israel, whether a city mostly inhabited by gentiles or where gentiles are no more than a minority, or in Israel. The ruling is, that if we are faced with a situation whereby the land lies open [to the enemy], there is no room for human calculations. Only ‘The word of G-d must stand for eternity’, and ‘They may make plots which will be annulled, construe plans which will have no standing, for G-d is with us’.

And so will it be, that the Jewish Nation lives and will continue, both in body in soul with their Torah as is the Will of G-d, and will study the Torah as is G-d’s desire, and those studying with will grasp the correct halachic interpretation as Torah lays down the laws [without taking note of this or that one’s advice as it is well known who is his advisor and what his personal interests are in offering such advice].

As we have stated, all bad situations will become null and void retroactively, because G-d is with us. As the verse continues, ‘until old age I [G-d] will hold you; that all negative situations G-d Himself will shoulder. The verse in Isaiah ‘Those who trust in
G-d will have [yachlifu koach] renewed strength [lit. change power], one who trusts in G-d and performs His Will, G-d will exchange his previously weakness for His Powers. An exchange, a gain, as Torah prescribes.

‘Iron and copper shall be your locks’

The verse ‘Iron and copper shall be your locks’, is followed by ‘As in the days of your youth, so shall be your days of your old age’. Rashi offers two interpretations: [1] As the days of your youth are good and illuminated, so the days of your old age, which would normally be oozing and stumbling, will be illuminated days. [2] As long as you will conduct yourselves as is the Will of G-d, all nations will pour their gold and silver into the Land of Israel. Their wealth resources will be emptied out and bequeath to Israel. In this interpretation Rashi brings the word in Old French – ‘Ashkelon’e, meaning is that they will pour out. When Jewish People follow the Will of G-d, the gold will not be transferred in small increments, but will be poured out!! The implications of this insight are absolutely clear: If you will follow the Will of G-d, fulfil the law in Shulchan Aruch, that when a nation will make its approach even for no more than for fodder for their animals, take an armed stand and do not allow them to enter. Then you will be assured [since you have fulfilled the verse ‘iron and copper [your strong ones] are your locks’ on the borders, then the days of your old age will have the fortitude and strength of your youth [first insight], and gold and silver will pour into Israel from all lands [second insight]. These blessings are dependant on guarding Israel! As Rashi comments: ‘Now the verse speaks of all Israel: that their strong ones should inhabit the border cities so that the enemy not be able to enter her’.

A small child may ask: ’Even if we inhabit the borders, how will the open areas between the border cities be protected?’ When he will grow up he will understand that when they will stand guard with weapons [as the shulchan Aruch demands] those areas will be protected. And if they [the weak minded will say] we have no choice. If we need to stand guard with weapons, we need money to make these purchases, and this money from the Nations. This issue is also clarified by Torah. If we observe the Will of The Almighty, we will receive the funding. If there are some that will find a better interpretation in Rashi, I have no interest in taking up this argument with them. But now that we have reached a situation of serious threat to Jewish life, we must shout until they get the message!! The choice is not ‘peace or giving away land’, but ‘getting a bit of paper or giving away land!’ No investigations or discoveries what is going on behind closed doors are necessary to realize that this last year since their signing [which they call the ‘Peace Agreement’], there were many attacks [with Jewish people killed]. Since the Six Day War there has never been a year so full of attacks as in this year!

Egypt has again and again negated the peace agreement; Israel is full of regrets; admit your mistake in signing! You Israel have eaten enough stinking fish and taken sufficient whippings. The time to follow the word of G-d has arrived! As of now, stop giving! Take back what has been given! Clearly this path will bring no harm, only help, because thereby you will be walking with the power of G-d who has promised that your days will be like those of your youth. And speedily, we will arrive at the end - the true and full redemption through Moshiach our righteous one, immediately!
[From the farbrengen of 13 Tishrei, 1980]

Security Continues to Plummet

This last year, instead of peace coming closer, the security situation has increased in severity. More terrorists have broken through into Israel’s territory; world security has worsened, causing a drastic drop in safety which in turn is harming Israel, may G-d protect us. All of this has come about by direct choices made by the Israel government.

Yet, there are still those who, for strange reasons, are not listening; that the subject in hand is a wisp of paper in return for giving away the Land. Rather, they obstinately shout out; ‘This is true peace; peace for our children, grand-children and progeny. Faced with a peace of such proportions, how can we place any value to bits of land?’

In reality, each step further they have taken in relinquishing land has multiplied the dangers. Now the government themselves are saying that they have filled with regret in spite of they having signed away land. They chose to state their regret after Yom Kippur; had they chosen to state this immediately following their signing the bit of paper on the following day [a year ago], they would never have reached the unfortunate situation they find themselves in now.

They publicise and announce, shouting of ‘Mazal Tov’ unabated, pat themselves on the shoulder and even say that they will go down in history as the Jews who brought peace. In truth, the results of this so called ‘peace’ has been great numbers of terrorists penetrating Israel (in far greater numbers than before their signing). In addition, defence costs have increased drastically.

Never has there been a situation of such severity as this past year. They thought that this year would be one of calm [‘and you will lie down in security’]; never have there been fears of such proportions as there are now, May G-d protect us! The severity is especially obvious since the enemy [‘seventy wolves’] have started to talk openly of their intentions. They take this line because they can see that Jews are afraid of them to such an extent that they need only to utter one word and immediately Jews are offering them more land. When they see that this line of action works, they openly enforce it.

In the end they will have no choice but to listen to the Shulchan Aruch. If this is so, why continue eating stinking fish and take whippings? Is it not worth while to follow the ruling laid out by the Shulchan Aruch [-not to give even one inch]? The commentator Rashi on the verse ‘Iron and copper shall be your locks’, clarifies – ‘the strong ones of Israel should live in the border cities and lock them up preventing the entry of Israel’s enemies.

Should the question be asked: ‘What? Only by signing this peace accord can we continue to receive money from America!’ The answer is: ‘The opposite is true! Only if you stand powerfully will you get this money!’
[From the farbrengen of 13 Tishrei, 1980]

Israel Government - “Eating Stinking fish” Part 2

Signing away land in return for a piece of paper.

This signature flies in the face of Halachic Law and contrary to G-d’s Divine Will. Since G-d’s Word is eternal, this signature will contribute nothing! Why absorb contempt and whippings just so that the gentile world will smile at you! Demands will only grow in intensity! The Israel Government signed the paper presenting this to the Jewish People as “giving territory in return for peace” Jews shouted “Mazal Tov”, rejoiced and made a festival – “the peace agreement has been signed!”

The question should have been presented correctly: Do you want to hold on to the territories and forgo a bit of worthless paper, or shall we get a worthless bit of paper in return for giving away sections of our country? They did not just give away the land for worthless paper; they gave away valuable landholdings on the borders – cities standing guard over the borders, thereby opened up the land to the enemy. When I presented this argument to government representatives, I received this reply: The Jewish People are a fair and honest nation; we signed the paper, we are bound to fulfil our obligation.

Wrong! The government of Israel can only sign away their own personal possession and only for their own personal benefit [exactly as Egypt shouts that they will sign ownly for their own benefit, not for the benefit of Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia or Iran]. They cannot sign on behalf of the entire Jewish people who are the owners of the land of Israel [every Jew owns a land portion of Israel]. Not one Jew relinquished his rights to the Israel government. To the absolute contrary: Jews argue that Eretz Israel is their eternal inheritance to an eternal nation from the eternal Master of the world. Every Jewish child, as soon as he begins his study of the Torah with Rashi’s commentary, learns that G-d showed His power to His people by giving them an inheritance from the nations [the land of Israel]. They argue – Jews signed and are obligated to their undertaking; never did they receive an agreement from the entire Jewish people for their signature. They did not receive any power of attorney from the owners of the land of Israel – who are all of the Jewish people of all generations. Their signature has no validity. Go to Washington and declare your mistake, since the owners of the land are in non agreement. Even those who did agree to the withdrawal were mislead, in not having been presented with the proposition in its true light: land for worthless paper, not land for peace. Even great Sages made admitted their mistakes. Now, the government makes a grave mistake, withholds the veracity, and argues instead that we cannot backtrack. When you give away land - it is lost! When you drive away Jewish people from their inheritance – it is lost! When you give away oil wells – it is lost!

Yet, G-d’s Word will stand for ever. G-d forbid to say these will ultimately be lost!

[From the farbrengen of 13 Tishrei, 1980]

Eating Stinking Fish Part 1

Recently an additional shocking incident took place: The government of Israel handed over a further area [Sinai, area 3] to Egypt without receiving anything in return. What they did however receive was a message that this was not enough. We are speaking here of not just these areas given in isolation, but rather as a preparation to hand over all territories to include the Holy city of Jerusalem. The height of the scandal is that those who are perpetrating this crime are fully aware of the truth, but are falsifying stating that this will bring peace. This exacerbates the danger. From Talmudic texts we know that one who has one hundred in his possession wants 200, and immediately thereafter demands 400. We do not need to delve into ancient texts to see the reality of this progression: Egypt says so explicitly, print it in the newspapers, yet the Israel government tries to conceal the reality. But the facts wars against their pretence: see what the Egyptians are demanding!

Anyone with some degree of intelligence is not ashamed to state: “I was mistaken”. Even the truly great leaders of the Jewish People, the later day Sages, when they were mistaken, would say: “that which I said before you was mistaken”. The Torah avoids speaking disparagingly of anyone. Yet, in such an instance speaks most explicitly so that this can remain the basis of later day decisions.

Even more shocking: the Israel government is running after Egypt! They should learn from them! Take out the message from the words of our sages! Regarding the biblical period prior to the exodus of Israel from that land, our sages bring an analogy: A man stole stinking fish and ate them. Thereafter he refused to pay and he was whipped. When he could no longer bear the lashes, he finally paid. Regarding this it is said: He both ate the stinking fish, was whipped, and also finally found himself paying!

This is our situation today. In the end G-d Almighty will do as He wishes – the entire land will be intact for the Jewish people. So why lick up to Pharaoh King of Egypt? Why take insults, cause pain to Jewish people by banishing them from their livelihoods, not to allow them to live in the Old City of Jerusalem, and the Holy City of Hebron.

When I raised the alarm some years ago that Jewish people are opposed that the government of Israel turns the Old City of Jerusalem into a separate legal entity governed by Arabic law, different from the law governing Tel Aviv, Hadera, and the new City of Jerusalem and all other areas, - all of this imposed by Jews – the government of Israel responded to me: “There is no such law!” Only now has it become public knowledge that for twelve consecutive years the law existed offering favourable partiality to the Arabs: this an Arab may do, but not a Jew! And any Jew who did so was punished by the forces of the Jewish police! I raised my protest at this many years ago!

The government of Israel have eaten stinking fish, have been lashed, and now are speaking of their regret of having put their signature to the agreement!
[From the farbrengen of 13 Tishrei, 1980]

Gather Children to Proclaim: "Utzu Eitzo VeSufar!!"

We find ourselves still in total darkness of exile, before the redemption. There are forces at work preventing us from being united as one. He objects to the wholeness of the Jewish People, and this brings him to object to the wholeness of Torah, Jewish people living according to the Torah. He undermines the wholeness of Our Holy Land by objecting to the Halachic premise that millions of Jewish lives at risk. His wish is to lengthen the exile, May this never happen! There are Jewish People who are bitterly mistaken, who think that it is OK to cede away chunks of Eretz Israel, regardless of the fact that this is utterly contrary to a clear law in Shulchan Aruch laws of Shabbos chapter 329! Yet, they still hold of differing erroneous views objecting to the retention of the entire Land. In reality they object to the wholeness of Torah – of every law of Torah, specifically to the law pertaining to life-threatening situations. Thereupon pivots the observance of all of the laws of Torah and to the wholeness of the Jewish People, since we are addressing threat to their lives.

Therefore, when we gather together – especially Jewish children yet before bar-mitzvah age, whose breath has no sin, in a sacred spot, a synagogue, house of learning, a place of prayer and Torah study, and clearly proclaim the verse: ‘They contrive a scheme, but it will be foiled, conspire a plot but it will not materialise, for G-d is with us’ [Isaiah 8.10]; all schemes which are contrary to the law of Shulchan Aruch laws of Shabbos will most certainly become null and void, ‘because G-d is with us’. So did G-d rule in Torah, and command this be publicised, and to make it clear that when the subject is life-threatening it is forbidden to remain silent. It is forbidden to wait till people ask what is the law [The Baal HaTanya in his code of Jewish law [328.7] brings the Talmudic dictate: ‘one [a Rabbi] who waits till he is asked is offensive, because he should have gone public], announcing that it is forbidden to make any cession threatening Jewish life!

Jewish children have the special strength that this will take effect [Midrash Esther Raba 9.4 when Haman’s decree was nullified] and be fulfilled immediately in our time. We will see the failure of all plots and words that protests the wholeness of the Land by handing over any piece of land to a gentile, the failure of their attack on the Torah by words not rooted in Torah trying to convince people that this is Torah, knowing full well that this strikes against Torah.

When Jewish children will proclaim ‘Utzu Eitza Vesufar, dabru dovor velo yakum ki imanu Kel’, especially when this proclamation is made in a synagogue and house of prayer after the prayers and words of Torah, this will quicken the promise of G-d that their plans will be uprooted. Then ‘Moshiach will fight the wars of G-d and be victorious’, the Shulchan Aruch of G-d, Laws of Shabbos 329 will see victory; all the surrounding nations will admit no need for war, and the fulfilment of biblical verse ‘I [G-d] will grant peace in the Land’. The Jewish People will walk in the path that brings peace, ‘I [G-d] will lead you upright’, will hold on strongly to the path of Torah that declares G-d gave the Land to every individual Jew and to all the Jewish People collectively, for all generations!
[From the farbrengen 4 Elul, 1979]

www.savethelandofisrael.blogspot.com Email:shleimushaaretz@btconnect.com

The Rebbe speaks of his Upbringing

Once, someone asked me: “How is it that you are not hurt by insults, a second who abuses further, and a third outbidding all of those with his verbal abuse?” I replied: “It is my upbringing”. I am not saying that these do not bother me; but these do not affect me to change my ways. When events threaten human lives – it is forbidden to remain silent!” This is a clear Halachic declaration based on a clear and absolute Talmudic decision [Eruvin 45.1].

G-d helped me (not that this was my personal choice or desire) that I was the firstborn to my father who subsequently became the Chief Rabbi of Yekotrinoslav. In those days in Russia it was necessary to conduct disputes and send responsa to questions and verbal abuse; replies had to be in the Russian language. As I was the oldest son of the Chief Rabbi of the city, this responsibility fell upon me. [The fact that I was able speak Russian and was knowledgeable in further secular areas gave fuel to further abuse by those who were takers of bribery who were themselves knowledgeable in these fields but made a secret of this, whereas I did not].

I was trained in those days [some 60 – 65 years ago] not to wait for honourable titles, to sit, wait and remain silent. It is forbidden to take such a position. This is not the way I was educated and brought up. My opinion in matters of education is that where lives are under threat it is forbidden to remain silent even if you are sure that immediately [or tomorrow or the day after] so-and-so will bad mouth you. I will not be affected thereby. What is however harmful is that some time later there arrives a Jew who speaks outright lies. The issue is not one of the negative Torah command that it is forbidden to hand over territory to a gentile, but of lives under direct threat! In order that the public should not remain under any illusion, we spoke of this, repeated our words, put it in writing, had the issue put into print, published and requested that all interested parties publicise this: In Shulchan Aruch section Orach Chayim Laws of Shabbos siman 329 are written clear words on the matter. And yet, regardless, it has no effect and bothers him naught. It is meaningless to him, because he has taken monetary bribes!

I will not change my actions or forsake the path trodden out for me by my father and my teacher my father-in-law: “Take no notice of insult, even of a decree by gentiles!” Some argue: “You are annoying the gentiles!” My father-in-law had the choice not to be involved with the gentiles neither with the Yevseksia [Jewish anti-Semites]. He could have sat in peace and study with the members of his household and pupils and all those who wished to study with him. Had he done so, no-one would have harmed him. Certainly he had the opportunity to escape from there as did others [until this very day they remain shamelessly silent knowing fully well that they opened the road for others to give up their leadership, abandon their sheep and run for more secure pastures to study Torah in peace!]

My father-in-law did not abandon his flock. He remained up until the moment when he was forced to escape because they [the communists] prevented all possibilities for him to continue his work of spreading Torah and Judaism by arresting anyone who had any contact with him! To the contrary: when he crossed the border, he reconnected with those who remained in Russia.

And now we can see the fruits of his endeavours: G-d-fearing Jews, alive, learning Torah and observing Mitzvos, with the self sacrifice to spread Judaism. [Spoken at the farbrengen 20 Av 1979]

The Rebbe to the Jewish People: “Raise your voice in Protest!”

What will be with Hebron after the government of Israel will give it away? They will say: “Now, since Hebron is the city of the Patriarchs, we will turn the city into a museum!”, and allow Jews also to enter Hebron. The handling of the museum is known: opening hours will be till 3pm or 4pm, perhaps even seven hours each day. Thereafter it will be locked and handed over to the Arabs, May G-d protect us!

The government have already established as law which states the location where Jews are permitted to live - outside of the borders of Hebron! The height of absurdity is that they pride themselves with the victorious conquest of Hebron. How should this victory express itself if not by permitting Jewish people to settle in Hebron?!

So, Hebron is a fait complete, but at the very least start protesting about their plans for Jerusalem, that the survival of Jerusalem should be assured!

I am sure that by my words spoken at this gathering I have gained many ‘good friends’ both here in the US and in Israel. But the main point is that these are not my words, but can be seen in the Talmud, Midrashim, Jewish Law where all this is written. My contribution has only been to repeat that which is already in print and public knowledge.

What I will add is as follows: Exactly as Torah was valid in the Sinai desert, in a small village in Russia, in Poland and in Galicia; in exactly the same way does Torah stand valid throughout the world today. No-one can change this or sell it off! This stands true even with regard to the tip of the Hebrew letter yud [a dot] in the Holy Torah. As the Midrash states that even King Solomon [of whom it is written “And Solomon sat in the throne of G-d”] had no permit to change even one single letter of Torah. This is certainly true that no one can change anything relating to the entire Jewish People, not throughout the exile, and certainly not in the Land of Israel!

The oft cited argument that one who finds himself in one location of the world should not be interfering with anything taking place it a different location – this is absolutely contrary to Torah. Torah states that the Jewish People are one nation [“one nation in the world”]. Exactly as no one can turn a gentile into a Jew even if 120 people decide that a gentile is a Jew; exactly so, no one can turn a Jew into a gentile even if this decision has the support of 120 votes! Should a Jew be at one world location he is one indivisible entity with every Jew throughout the world. As the first Lubavitcher Rebbe writes in his Holy Letter [chapter 31], that only when all the limbs of the body are healthy is the entire body healthy.

When however one limb is impaired, all the rest of the limbs need to raise their voice and shout out in protest that one of the limbs is impaired!

From the farbrengen Motzoi Shabbos Parshas Beshalach 1971

The Rebbe to the Government of Israel: "Stop Grovelling after the Arabs!"

In the days of the Hasmoneans there were four kingdoms ruling Israel. The Jewish people were divided in their method of dealings. On the one hand there were the Hellenists [Jews who had discarded their Jewish faith] who in line with their system of thinking, continuously grovelled after one or the other of these kingdoms caving in to all of their demands. The second category: not only did they not run after, flatter or fawn any nation; rather these nations nullified themselves. As the Talmud recounts how the Queen of Sheba voided herself to Rabbi Judea the Prince because of the strong stand for the principles of his faith.

Today we see the very opposite taking place. Israel runs after the Arabs and is prepared to give them everything. The main objective the government policy is to receive some word of praise from the gentiles. In the end Israel gets to the point of saying harsh words to the Arabs, but, behind closed doors tells them: “Please listen, for a specific reason we have no choice but to publicly raise our voice at you and state that we will under no circumstances agree to your demands. But please, know, we have already agreed to give in to whatever you want.”

We once spoke at length that today’s situation parallels that of the Seven day war against Aram. Israel won a resounding victory, yet they begged Hadad King of Aram for peace [Kings 1.20]. So too today, it is now three years [the Rebbe is speaking in 1971] that the government every single day is begging the Arabs to please agree to take back conquered territories.

I argued with a certain Israel diplomat: “Why are you pursuing negotiations with only one gentile [the Arabs]? If you were to negotiate with two different nations you would thereby benefit. When the gentile [Arab] sees that you have other choices and you aren’t bound to come on to him, because you have another partner with whom to negotiate, you will agree a price in the dealings”. He replied: “Now, that’s not nice, how canI mislead this gentile [Arab] or the other?” [This is what he actually said to me!]. I replied: “Wait, you are a diplomat, right? Can you please tell me of one single diplomat who has ever spent a day of which his 24 hours were truthful words?” He remained unconvinced. I said: “I will bring you proof of a gentile nation who is doing just this. Egypt negotiates this way, but differently to Israel who have no self respect. They pursue negotiations with a sense of self dignity. Egypt pursues negotiations with two nations at the very same time when they have needed to do so. They send a mission to Washington, and thereafter to Moscow. Both of these parties know that Egypt is connected to another party”.

After he heard this from me, he said: “I have to think about it”.

I continued asking him: “When you run after the gentile [Arabs] wanting to give away territory, why give him only Hebron the place of the Cave of machpela? Perhaps you should give him Jerusalem with the Western Wall!”

From the farbrengen Motzoi Shabbos Parshas Beshalach 1971

The Rebbe's Prophecy regarding Jerusalem

The Rebbe

What they did in Hebron they are now preparing to do to Jerusalem. Not just as of now, but already three years ago from when they conquered Jerusalem in the Six Day War (when they sent emissaries to the US, to the Vatican, to Nasser, to Hussein, with the question: “What should we do with Jerusalem?”) they are preparing to give away Jerusalem. Their intention is to turn the city into one of triple ownership. And that is not all. In their document of compromise they state that the city of Jerusalem will belong to the Christians, Muslims, and only finally do they add, to the Jews!

Were the truth to be stated, even historically speaking, not just from the halachic perspective [G-d stated so in the Torah], Jerusalem belongs exclusively to the Jewish People who lived there already one thousand years before the arrival of Christians and Muslims. Now the government if Israel wants that the city to belong also to the Arabs. But, as they did with Hebron – they cheated and lied to the world by writing that they are bringing Jewish People to live within twenty minutes of the Cave of Machpela; they are doing the same now. They are searching for a formula how to mislead everyone. Then they will be able to give away Jerusalem by their own self proclaimed approval.

The Arabs who lived in Jerusalem would have been happy had they been expelled, since they correctly thought that the first most appropriate thing that would be done would be to exterminate all those connected to terror, and to expel all the remainder.

In reality, not only did the government permit the Arabs to remain there, but in addition they gave to them everything they wished for. The government encouraged them to remain by reducing taxes, and giving them business incentives. As long as the Arabs would agree to remain there. The Arabs never anticipated that this is how things would turn! This is how the state of affairs continued for three years. Now, the government wants to hand over Jerusalem to Arab control.

One of the problematic outcomes of their permitting the Arabs to remain in Jerusalem is that when they wish to enact a new law, they necessarily have to follow the majority view. In the Old City of Jerusalem there live today 65,000 Arabs and no more than 400 Jews. Even these few entered Jerusalem unofficially. When they will enact a new law, they will necessarily need a majority vote! We are a democratic country, right?

Who knows where all this will lead….

[Spoken at a public gathering Shabbos Parshat Noach, second day rosh chodesh Marcheshvan, 1971]

The Lubavitcher Rebbe - Prophet of the Generation

Jewish Hebron

Words of Prophecy from The Lubavitcher Rebbe - The Prophet of our Generation

A Clear, precise prophecy on the Israel Government dealings regarding Hebron

In August 1968, about one year and four months after the Six Day War, Mr Zvi Caspi was appointed Consul for Jewish Affairs in New York. One month after his entry into his role he received a telegram from the assistant Prime - Minister Mr Yigal Allon. The essence of the telegram was as follows: “Address the Rebbe of Lubavitch and request of him in the name of the Government of Israel as follows:

1. He should instruct his Chassidim to take up residence in Hebron.
2. He should come out with a call to his Chassidim to settle in the Land (of Israel).

Caspi, till this very day is overwhelmed by the prophetic words he heard from the Rebbe regarding this call.

He was received by the Rebbe at 12 midnight. The Rebbe looked into the telegram and responded as follows:

“Chabad has claims to real estate property in Hebron; yet, you are not recommending us to inhabit Hebron. You will do in Hebron the same as you did in Nazareth. You will set up another Nazeret Elit. You will leave the Arabs in the city same as you did in Nazareth and to the Jews – you will throw them a pittance!”

In those days there was no hint yet of establishing the outlying suburb Kiryat Arba, yet, the Rebbe, foresaw this, saying this in explicit words. If I am not mistaken, the Rebbe even articulated the future name of the suburb which was to be established near by Hebron – ‘Kiryat Arba’.

The Rebbe spoke explicitly of the settlement near by Hebron and argued forcefully that this would be a grave mistake. Further into our discussion the Rebbe added (regarding what had been done in Nazareth and would be repeated in Hebron) “You have made severe blunder. These murderers waved a white cloth [surrendered by waving a white flag] and you permitted them to remain! Why were you afraid? A terrible fear overcame them when you entered the war – why did you not allow them to run away? You were afraid that the world community would speak negatively of you? The entire world is full of refugees!” The Rebbe concluded with a thread of pain: “This was a severe mistake; you will yet pay dearly for this. You are not recommending us to settle in Hebron, but rather to settle outside of the borders of Hebron the same as you did with Nazareth”.

Final Border Status Part 3

Jewish Land

One is fully entitled to approach the gentile and say to him in straightforward simple terms [quoting Ethics of the Fathers 5.10]: ‘Possessions belonging to me are mine; possessions belonging to you, are yours’. You have the expanse of the entire world; we have a tiny portion of land which cannot accommodate being populated by the nations [Talmud Tractate Gitin 57.1].The Torah commentator Rashi [Rabbi Shlomo Yizchaki] elaborates in his commentary on the portion Bchukosai [26.32]: ‘That which the verse forewarns ‘The Land of Israel will lie desolate’ [which appears to be a part of the Curses] is actually a blessing. When the Land is made Judenrein of Jews, then, gentiles also are unable to take possession of these areas!’ [Translator’s note: This ancient prediction inscribed in Torah has taken place before our very eyes in Gush Katif which remains utterly desolate of Arab inhabitants and production]. They are able only to move around there, but without firm inhabitation, to be there temporarily. But to reside there permanently - this can never be. This is the very nature of the earth of the Land of Israel. Since all of this has already been translated into English in the Bible, the nations of the world are well acquainted with this fact.

The government of Israel sent an emissary, a Jew, to negotiate with a gentile. What does he do? He begins to research non Jewish sources; perhaps there he will find proof for Jewish rights to the Land. When he finally is with the gentile and begins to prove that Eretz Israel belongs to the Jewish Nation because Balfour said so, or please, it’s a rachmanus [pity] on those poor Jews and such like, the gentile realises that this is not a legitimate legal claim.

The claim must have strong legal justification [recognized also by the gentiles] that the Land of Israel and her borders belong to the Jewish Nation [aside from the greater borders as predicted in the Torah portion Re-ei 12.20 ‘When G-d will broaden your borders..’ after the arrival of our righteous Moshiach]. Even if the need be to pay the equivalent of 400 silver shekels, still, the lands are Jewish. The gentile will recognize the truth of this claim, which was not invented in 1948 [with the establishment of the State], but going far back in time to the Revelation at Mount Sinai, and even before to the Covenant with Abraham. Only then will the gentile be freed of the suspicion that if he will grant the Jewish nation one portion, they will not further their demand for a further portion, because the Jewish People are only asking for that which is rightfully his!

The government of Israel makes no effort to release itself from slavery to the international community. They know that their slavery will only end when sinning ends, by Jews returning to their faith. Then, ‘immediately will they be released from their exile’ [Maimonidies]. At this time we are still in a state of Exile, not as is the view of those who themselves are mistaken and mislead others [that 1948 was the time when the exile came to an end, and now we have entered the beginning of the Redemption]. Maimonidies states clearly that the exile will be prolonged up until the moment when ‘there will arise a king from the royal house of King David who will draw all of Israel to walk in the footsteps of the Torah that the breaches be repaired. Thereafter he [Moshiach] will fight the wars of G-d and be victorious, [all of this he will achieve whilst the Jewish People are still in exile]. Only thereafter will he build the [third] Temple in its rightful place and ‘he will bring about the ingathering of the dispersed ones of Israel.’

This is the great test for us to overcome in our times.

Final Border Status Part 2

THe Jordan River

And this is precisely what the Talmud states: “Our Torah should not be compared to their irrelevant words”. We have an iron wall, namely, the iron words of [the commentator] Rashi at the very opening of his commentary on the Torah. It is with this that we begin to educate a child when he begins to learn Chumash with the commentary of Rashi at the age of five. We tell him straight away: “[G-d] told His nation of the strength of His hand when He gave to them [The Jewish People] an inheritance of nations.” Rashi does not permit us to teach the child any conjectural interpretations. Rather, states with clarity, that there is a country which once belonged to seven nations [not that they had conquered it with the might of their own hands, but rather given to them by G-d]; subsequently He took it from them and gave it to us”.

There is absolutely no need to seek advice, come to any compromises, conspiracies, or deals as to where our borders ought to be and which territories belongs to them [the Arabs]! G-d Himself delineated and fixed the borders of the Land of Israel! “This is the Land ….her borders” [Numbers 34.2].

They [the government of Israel] have tried all formulas both openly and by secret agreements. Yet, this is the only composition they have not yet attempted with which to go public. This is the only wording which gentiles understand since they study the Tenach [which they call the Bible] with the very same verses and same interpretations!

Gentile already know the interpretation. Moreover, they know that the Jews also know this correct interpretation. And yet, the Jew chooses to cut himself off, to ignore his spiritual wealth and power and his true demand. In actual fact, this is not a demand or request, but is a natural, as the midrash [Tanchuma] explains: When G-d chose the Nation of Israel from amidst the nations, and chose the Land of Israel from amidst all lands, it is only logical that the land which the Creator chose should be given to the people whom the Creator chose!

By the use of this simple logic there fall away all question of borders [where are the borders of Israel]. Then, not only does the issue no longer cause panic and fear, but even the gentiles will know that the Jews [by demonstrating their rightful demand] are “the most powerful amongst the nations” [Talmud Betza], and that the basis upon which they [the Jewish people] take possession [of their rightful lands] is because they [the gentiles] know that “The word of G-d will stand for ever” [Isaiah 40.8].

(From a public address 11 Nissan 1976)

Final Border Status Part 1

There are two ways of negotiations with a gentile [to determine the borders of the Land of Israel]. The first is to state: I am a Jew. I represent the Jewish People and the Jewish faith. Therefor I ask of you to grant me all that I request. Since we live in exile, G-d desires that we work through natural means by approaching the minister of that country (who is connected to the heavenly ministering angel of that country) and speak to him diplomatically in his own language. Yet, hand in hand, the Jew must speak with clarity and determination, stating his demand. This method of negotiations was determined by Abraham out Patriarch who stated: “I am both a non resident and a citizen amidst you”. Meaning, if you will concede and grant the Jew what is owing to him, I will accept the status of a non-resident in exile, and to pay 400 silver shekels for the merchandise. Even given this diminish status, G-d has commanded Jewish entitlement. [As is known the maxim of the Rebbe’s of Lubavitch, that only the physical bodies of the Jewish People have been given over into exile; no our souls. Therefor a gentile is not empowered to argue that since a Jew is in exile he cannot receive his demand]. However, if the gentile is not in agreement, then the Jew will state his demand as an entitlement, a citizen, and take this without offering payment.

The second line of negotiations with a gentile to determine the borders of Israel is that the Jew says that our entitlement stems from a certain gentile from London who said that the Jewish People need a homeland. When the gentile hears this he comes to the conclusion that this Jew has no proof of entitlement form Jewish sources, that is why he reverts to claiming his rights from a gentile. In response he says: True, a gentile did state the need to prepare a Jewish homeland, however now, one hundred and forty gentiles disagree. Who is to say that one solitary gentile [Balfour] holds the determining view? [Actually, this argument of the gentile is correct. He is no master to decide that the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish People. Rather, this is the will of G-d who initially granted this land to them (the Canaanites), and his consequent wish was to take it from them and grant it to us].

We are in exile (we operate via all natural means even to of praying for the peace of the city…. because through this will have peace). Yet, the essence of our words must be utterly truthful with no hint of falsity [which is contrary to Torah] because falsity will lead to results contrary to those we anticipated.

All the tribulations, which we are living through now, are because Jewish people built their case on that declaration written by a gentile in London! Jewish people regard that gentile as the master who deciding who should receive “the Land … upon which the eyes of G-d gaze from the beginning of the year to the end of the year”. The matter does not end there. They attempt to find favour in his eyes and subjugate themselves to him – asking an additional gentile “where are the borders [of Israel]? Where do the territories of the Land belonging to Jewish People end? What were the intention, both apparent and undisclosed, of the Jew who signed a piece of paper in London?

(From a public address 11 Nissan 1976)

The Government does not permit Jews to renovate the synagogue of Abraham the Patriarch!

The Avraham Avinu Synagogue

[The following talk was spoken by the Rebbe in response to the government of Israel forbidding Jewish people from restoring the Abraham the Patriarch Synagogue in Hebron. This was after Professor Ben-Zion Tavgar together with members of the Jewish community of Hebron were searching for the synagogue whilst still buried under a goat shed. Through the trials endured by the professor and his helpers to expose the synagogue, they were evacuated time and time again upon the instruction of the Israel government.]

The entire land of Israel was given (by G-d) to the Jewish people as an everlasting inheritance. No one has any permit to cede any area of the Land of Israel. The question arises: this is a matter which is so obvious, why, then do we have to review this repeatedly? The reason is: the exile is so dark that there are Jews who point a finger of accusation at the Jewish people: “You are thieves”. We need to conduct ourselves with righteousness and return the territories of the Land of Israel. They misinterpret Torah, may G-d protect us to the extent that they say it is demanded to steal land owned by Jews and give it to the gentiles to avert life threatening danger. In actual fact the exact opposite is the truth! As we saw, after the signing of the unfortunate Camp David Accord, security personnel stating that the signing was a severe blow: if they will return Yehuda and the Shomron this will be a cause of severe danger to every Jew in the Holy Land. The halachic ruling in Shulchan Aruch 329.6 states: even gentiles who argue that they are approaching merely for stubble and straw, it is forbidden to open the borders to them because the entire land is thereby at risk. Nevertheless, regardless of the serious danger, the government of Israel is determined to return Yehuda and Shomron, but dress this in various façades such as autonomy, self-rule etc, concepts of no real content. One should not contemplate that they will be satisfied with this. We see that the view of the Arabs representatives is that this is insufficient. All of the territories must be surrendered.


In this great darkness a shocking event occurred. All agree that Arabs may purchase land in Hebron as may Jews. This is certainly where Arabs agree is rightfully a Jewish place such as the synagogue of Abraham the Patriarch {it is irrelevant whether or not this was in fact the synagogue of Abraham]. If an Arab may renovate his house, Jews are permitted to renovate their synagogue. Factually however, the government conducts itself in accordance with the words of our sages, ‘one sin leads to the next sin’. Not only does the Israel government want to give self rule to the Arabs of Yehuda and the Shomron regardless of the fact that this poses danger as attested to by all military experts, - more so: they do not permit Jews to renovate the synagogue of Abraham the Patriarch! They do not permit this because they are afraid of the gentiles, and have no shame in stating so. Similarly they do not want to interfere with the internal affairs of the Arabs. Only the Arabs benefit from this. The government of Israel comes and pats the Arab on his shoulder and says to him: “You are our brother! Choose for yourself a leader and no one will mix into your affairs!” One sees the direct clash of the two issues – the synagogue of our Patriarch Abraham and the internal affairs of the Arabs, - and no one utters a word of protest on the shocking collapse and degradation! If this is not enough, they take soldiers who sacrifice themselves to protect our Holy Land and our Holy people and make use of their self sacrifice to throw out Jews from the synagogue of Abraham our Patriach in Hebron! Regardless, everyone is silent.
(From a public talk spoken Simchas Torah 1979)

And the Government of Israel continues to Blunder

Damascus Gate
The Rebbe repeatedly stated that it is a sacred obligation to broaden the Jewish settlement in the Old City of Jerusalem. Thereafter, the Rebbe spoke at great length and in fine detail that great efforts should be expended to settle not just the Jewish Quarter but also houses in the Moslem Quarter and the nearby buildings. “In my view”, said the Rebbe, “this is not just a Mitzva of inhabiting the Land of Israel, but additionally an urgent mission which must be activated. Every single person is obligated to offer assistance. We must prove our rightful ownership of Eretz Israel.” The Rebbe said with great pain: “G-d has wrought for us miracles. It is inexplicable that the Government of Israel does not fulfil its obligation”.

Then the Rebbe explained: “Upon the freeing of Jerusalem and Hebron I turned to high standing officials and repeated my request several times regarding the houses outside of the Jewish Quarter within the walls of the Old City. I requested that they inhabit the many houses and areas in Hebron.” “They are telling me”, the Rebbe continued, “that the matter runs contrary to the policy of the government in order not to anger the gentiles, and offer the same response regarding Jerusalem!” The Government of Israel made a serious mistake that immediately upon the release (of Jerusalem) they did not lay their hands upon all these houses and did not inhabit them with Jewish People. This is inexplicable!”

“I believe”, the Rebbe continued, “that it is not yet too late. However, it is not possible to do today what could have been done immediately after the Six Day War. If today matters cannot be carried out with strength, this can be achieved with money. Action must be taken; buy the houses and populate them with Jewish People so that Jews will live not just in the New City but also within the walls, where I have heard there live no more than 400 families. This is not enough!” The Rebbe requested that I meet with Minister Burg, then asked us our view of the policy of the government and her actions. When we replied that we are insufficiently versed in politics, the Rebbe responded: “I see that you are avoiding talking to me about politics”. The Rebbe continued talking of the political situation in Israel and how there are Jews causing harm to the Jewish people there such as the group ‘Shalom Achshav’ and Knesset members who follow them who hold battle with Torah Jews, and repeated: “What is your opinion?” I responded that this is one of the shocking things that have befallen the Jewish People, and it is painful that there also are a number of religious who follow them.

The Rebbe said that this is not all, these are men with exile in their spirit and hearts. Freedom of the body is not sufficient. The main thing is to expel the exile from within the heart. These men have not succeeded in freeing themselves. It is still lodged in their hearts. He repeated the expression “exile within the heart” many times arguing that this is holding back the redemption, and expressed himself in this way: “One has to take action to extricate the exile from the hearts of Jews in the Land of Israel. They are not free men as long as the exile remains in their hearts.”

This expression to expel the exile from the heart was known to us from the Rebbe previously when he spoke of his objection to the Camp David agreements. I told the Rebbe that this idea had made a great impression on the people since he first spoke of this and that we had repeated this expression many times with inhabitants of the Old City, also I personally in the structure of my work. When I said this satisfaction was visible on the Rebbe’s face. I added that it seems that the sole unifying factor of the Prime Minister and Knesset members is to retain their seats as minister. The Rebbe sighed deeply and asked: “Where is the voice of the religious?” I replied that their voice is ineffective, their representation has been cut by one third and that many regard the religious parties in the Knesset as blackmailers beyond their position.

(From a private interview with Mr. Moshe Stern, 7 Iyar 1982)

The Terrifying Destruction of Jewish Communities

We have all witnessed and seen the terrifying destruction of the Jewish Communities of Gush Katif and Amona by the Jewish hands of the Government of Israel. Rabbi Y. Y. Schneersohn the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, foresaw in his crystal clear vision that this would take place at the end of days [the exile]. He spoke actual words of prophecy. Here we present his words spoken sixty one years ago, 26th day of the Jewish month of Adar, 1945, on the occasion of the fifty year celebration since the establishment of the Lubavitcher Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim.


Men and Women, see, and listen!

In the Land of Israel there is taking place the slow annihilation of Jewish children. Many anti-religious people amongst the group of leaders whose responsibility is to help the orphans, children of survivors of the holocaust, in the Land of Israel, have put together a corner of destruction for those children who were put into their hands.

In the territories conquered by the Germans, Hitler set up destruction camps to harm and burn the bodies of Jewish people; in [the land of] Israel a certain group have set up houses of destruction to harm and to burn Jewish Souls.

‘The corner of destruction’ is busy with the destruction of children, orphans of the remnant of the Jewish people, educating the children by Hamans bent on the same path and education of the men of the Yevseksia [Jewish communists], sons of the G-d-less.

These Hamans are teaching the children to desecrate the Sabbath, to eat non-kosher food, to eat on Yom Kippur, to eat leaven bread on Passover, and do not even permit the children to recite the kaddish prayer to recall their parents who were murdered sanctifying G-d’s Name. They teach the children to scoff at G-d and Judaism.

These orphans who are receiving their education from the Hamans of whom we have spoken, will yet tear apart Torah scrolls, burn down Jewish synagogues, tear up Jewish cemeteries, organise pogroms, stab, burn, and shoot at Jewish bodies, violate and plunder the property of others.

The Israel Goverment repeats History: Grovelling before the Arabs

The Bible [Kings 1: 20.32] recounts the Seven-Day War which took place in the time of Ahab king of Israel. Hadad king of Aram went out to war against Israel earning a huge defeat to such an extent that he thought that never again would he recover. In spite of this, Ahab ran after him begging him to sign a peace treaty. The King of Aram, who hated Ahab with a deadly passion, thought that Ahab hated him to the same degree, could not understand how Ahab wants to strike a peace treaty with him. His advisors explained to him that the Jewish people are a merciful and compassionate nation. So if they are requesting peace, they will agree to such a treaty. Indeed, after considerable persuasion Hadad agreed and sent emissaries to Ahab, and the peace treaty was signed. From this agreement immeasurable pain was borne by the Jewish Nation as recounted there at length.

Such an incident took place two years ago at the time of the Six-Day War. The Israel defence forces smote the Arab forces a resounding defeat; the Arabs fled out of great fear. Yet, Israel ran after the Arabs, begging them: ‘please, come and sit with us around the table. Come; let’s make peace!’ It is already two years they are running after the Arabs begging them to sit together and sign a peace treaty, in return for which Israel offers all the territory they want. Yet, the Arabs show reluctance to meet with the Jews, arguing we have enough trouble of our own, we are not interested in your benevolence or your wrong. Not your honey nor your sting. The Arabs are prepared to bear the loss of half the country that Israel wants to give them on a silver tray, so long as they do not sit together with a Jew. This strange situation has only one explanation: What is taking place here is that ‘G-d hardened the heart of Pharaoh’. The Arabs have no reason not to sit with the Jews, and have nothing to loose. G-d is hardening their hearts.

The grovelling of the Israel government to the Arab nations after the awesome victory of the Six-Day War does not end there. The rulers of Israel want to cut up Jerusalem the Holy City into three pieces. For the Muslims, the Christians and ‘also’ to the Jews. And that is not all: they encourage the Arabs to live in Jerusalem. This is despite the fact that Jerusalem since time immemorial belonged exclusively to the Jewish People: since the time of Shem the son of Noah, Abraham the Patriarch, and the conquest of Jerusalem by King David.

Further more there is an explicit Halachic ruling that, in addition to it being harmful to him, a gentile is forbidden to live in Jerusalem. However this law is only in force when the hand of Israel is strong in the Land; but this does not mean that a gentile should be encouraged to live there. Certainly not to run after him begging him to stay.

If until now the Arabs were fearful of Israel, this grovelling after the Arabs is the direct cause that now they raise their head against Israel and increase their terror attacks.

(From a farbrengen Parshas Mattos-Maseh, 1969)

When Israel goes to War, there are Great Miracles!

Of late, many are asking: How is it that during the Six Day War we saw open miracles, whilst during the Yom Kippur War such open miracles were not seen? The truth is however, that in this war there was a miracle totally beyond the norms of the natural, and greater than those of the Six-Day War.

When the Arabs crossed the Suez Canal and broke through the Bar-Lev Line, there was nothing to stop them. They could have reach Tel Aviv and Jerusalem without any difficulty. The same situation existed on the Syrian front. Regardless, twelve kilometres beyond the Bar-Lev line, they stopped and remained standing at that spot. The absolute proof of this great miracle: During the Second World War, the French built a powerful line called the Maginot Line. (The Sinai line was nothing by way of comparison). The Nazis, may their name be erased, arrived with all of their armoured forces and broke through the line (exactly as in Sinai). They continued to conquer France in a single day! Furthermore, in France, the Nazis needed to pass through many cities each with their own army. In Sinai there was nothing but desert with a small number of soldiers. The Arabs knew the events which had taken place in France that they could achieve the same as the Nazis; yet, they remained stationary at that spot! The Americans knew the events unfolding in Israel and thought that finally they would no longer have any problems from Israel (May G-d protect us!). The sole US concern was that the Russians would become masters of the Middle East.

This was a total miracle. A miracle with absolutely no natural concealment.

Yet, there are those who conceal from the Jewish people this truth. This miracle was known to all. Soldiers saw this with their own eyes and told everyone. Why were there those that attempted to conceal the miracle? Because a miracle confounds their desire to state that the achievement was a result of ‘my power, the strength of my hands’. We can well understand those people there who are not yet believers in the Torah of Moses. But what about those who are supposed to protect the Law of Moses, why do they not recount that a great miracle had taken place? The response appears (as in every instance) in the Holy Torah. In Tenach (Isaiah 7) we are told that the Prophet Isaiah came to Ahaz King of Israel telling him that a danger exists in Jerusalem, but he is able to perform a miracle to circumvent the tragedy. Ahaz said to him: “A miracle? I don’t want miracles!”

Additionally, when there was a demand to establish an investigative committee into the failings of the war; even the left wingers were in agreement. Who protested with all force? The religious! The very man who objected to the investigative committee was the very same man is registering gentiles as Jews. And, no less, he is the one who prides himself that there dwell in Jerusalem side by side Jews and Arabs (the vast majority of whom are murderers!)

(From a farbrengen Parshas Vayetze 1980)

The Sixth Knessia HaGdola 1980

There gather together many tens of Jews all of whom observe Torah and Mitzvos, read the portion of the week regularly, also on those weeks when the true borders of Eretz Israel are delineated. Some read newspapers and know the present world [dangerous] situation. The purpose of this convention is in order to strengthen Torah and Judaism. If this is so, how is it possible that they sat together for three days discussing matters of high importance, accepted good decisions, yet the threat to life of great numbers of Jewish people in Israel is not mentioned? And nobody raises any voice of protest! Thereafter they print an account of the proceedings and good decisions accepted by all and yet not one word is mentioned of danger to Jewish life! You respond that you do not want to make public this situation? The entire world knows of this situation! You cannot make a secret of this! The only response, which I received, is that since those involved are already over Bar Mitzva, ask them directly! I did so. They replied: “We have already taken action”. I asked: “What action was taken?” He replied: “Now is not the time to speak at length about this. On another occasion he will take up the issue. In the mean time there are many good decisions which were accepted needing to be activated.” I responded: “Could you ask: there is a law in Shulchan Aruch that a Rav who remains silent or who waits until asked on a matter pertaining to Pikuach Nefesh [life threatening danger] is classed as ‘shameful’. He himself knows of this halacha!” Now, since he is a Jew who knows how to learn, he responded: “The talmud states: Just as it is a Mitzva to say that which will be listened to, it is a mitzva to refrain from that which will not be listened to.” They know that they will not be listened to, so they omitted to make a statement. I further responded: “This is contrary to Shulchan Aruch! There is an injunction: Do not stand on your brother’s blood, meaning, that according to Jewish law where Jewish life is endangered, even if there is only a very slight chance that it will avail, one is obliged to declare a forewarning!”

We are not speaking of a theoretically. In times gone bye they argued about which way the stamp was glued to the envelope. At the time of the judgement of Beilis in Russia, even after a complete investigation they argued whether or not to punish him. They confronted the prosecution: “You received a letter in which all proofs for conviction were categorically annulled!” Having nothing to answer, he replied: “You know full well that the letter had its stamp stuck [with the head of the Czar] up side down!”

The Shulchan Aruch was printed in Tzfas by the leading rabbinical authority of Israel, the Bet Yosef. There we have the clear halachic injunction. The law is not inscribed without reason for there remains a loophole to ask what is the basis for the Law? The reasoning is given: lest the land be opened up before them {the enemy]. The classifiers of Jewish law state that this law apples outside of Israel. [Only regarding an eruv can there be a discussion as to whether this applies outside of Israel]. It is brought into the current laws of Shabbos. There can be no argument if this applies to this or that area of land, was it conquered or freed. The land is certainly not ours, yet a Jew lives where it will be open to them [to kill him], therefore does the Halacha stands in full force!

(From a farbrengen Parshas Vayetze 1980)

The Rebbe speaks out on Hebron 4

Here there arises the question: if the [dangerous] results (of Rabbis instructing that portions of the Land of Israel maybe relinquished) are so clear, how in fact do they permit this in writing? The sole point in their favour can be explained as follows. There is an explanation why Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov [founder of the chassidic movement] was named Israel. Chassidic writings explain that when a man is in a state of faint, and medical applications no longer help, there remains the advice that one should whisper into his ear his [Hebrew] name. The name of a man is connected to the very essence of his soul, to the point which is beyond the revealed powers of the soul, and this is able to awaken him. Up until the generation of the Baal Shem Tov the spiritual standing of the Jewish people had not yet reached this point of unconsciousness. That is why they still had a sense of feeling and could bear the pain of the spiritual descent. The Talmud [Shabbos 112B] states that earlier generations were like angels followed by later generations like men. Now we have reached the final generation [since the times of the Baal Shem Tov] when the Jewish people have fallen into unconsciousness. That is why the Baal Shem Tov whose name is Israel, was sent down from above. This revelation was of a sort of calling out of the name of the Jewish people to awaken them from their spiritual faint.

Herein lies the point of favour one can offer them some merit. They are the last remaining Jews who are still in the state of spiritual unconsciousness. G-d foresaw that if they were to experience the great pain they would not be able to bear it. Therefore did He put them into this state and are thereby able to put into writing such shocking conclusions!

(The Rebbe spoke a sicha [which will be published in the next issue] several days after the Sixth World Conference of Rabbis (Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah) during the course of which nothing was spoken of the threat to Jewish safety in Israel. The Rebbe had sent the following letter, but due to pressure from some internal factions it was never read out.)

‘Last days of Chanukah 1980

.. regarding a matter of immediate urgency, all necessary publicity should be given to the decision of the Council of Torah Greats of the Knessia Hagedola of Ellul 5697: ‘The Holy Land for which G-d has set out her borders in the Holy Torah is given to the Nation of Israel, the Eternal Nation, and that any surrender of the Holy Land given to us by G-d has no substance whatsoever.’

Especially and specifically, since that time the situation has increased in severity to the very foundatons, and any surrender is a matter of actual threat to Jewish Life. This is halachically defined [Shulchan Aruch Or Hachayim laws of Shabbos 329], [G-d have mercy upon us], that the land will be easily conquered. May G-d, who protects His Jewish Nation, protect every single one, both in Israel and abroad. Very speedily in our days may He put an end to the darkness, the redoubled darkness of the generation of the footsteps of Moshiach, who will redeem us from our bitter exile, for he will fight the wars of G-d and vanquish and build the Temple in its place and gather in the dispersed ones of Israel and the entire world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d.

The Rebbe speaks out on Hebron 3

Whilst under the power of the Czarist government when there were persecutions against the Jewish faith and Torah, and Jewish livelihood, the second Lubavitcher Rebbe raised money from Jewish people, poor people. With this money he instructed to purchase pieces of land in the city of the Patriarchs Hebron, stating that this is his heritage. Should we find ourselves in a situation of material hardship as in the time of the Czar, regardless of his own personal inclinations, nature, education and those that stand about him in scorn, a Jew should have the strength to state openly that there is nothing to debate regarding the status of Hebron: Hebron belongs to the Land of Israel and her borders and an essential part thereof. Gentiles know this no less than Jews. Some weeks ago the case was argued to the Israel government representative whilst in Washington: “You are relinquishing more than is expected of you!” We must emphasise clear evidence: there exists a document of purchase by the Mittele Rebbe of the plot of land in Hebron. This is further to the great and powerful document of purchase recorded in Bible. Additionally [is there documented evidence of Jewish ownership] not only regarding Hebron.

A certain Rabbi is approached that he give out a Halachic ruling to relinquish the territories. With regard to these very same territories that he is wishes to rule that it is permitted to give up, he is asked as follows: Since we find ourselves in the Shmitta [Sabbatical] year, how should we conduct ourselves with this land portion regarding the Sabbatical year? [Should it lie fallow?]. He responds: “Ignoramus! Why are you asking such a question? Look into the Halachic codes of Maimonidies, all the writings of the codifiers of Jewish law, the oral and written Torah, and you will see that this land is part of the Land of Israel. The land is sacred and bears the obligation of Shmitta. This was the conduct seven years ago, and the conduct of the seven Shmitta years for the past seventy years, this is the land of the Jewish people, the Holy land!” On this very same day when he responds it is ignorance to consider that there is any uncertainty; there is no need for any consideration or court of Jewish law as this is explicit; he rules that it is permitted to relinquish this piece of land! And all those around about stand in silence! To the contrary, they are overjoyed and take pleasure that Jewish people discuss this in depth to prove that Torah can follow the values of gentiles which [they determine] it is forbidden [that Jewish people] touch territory [which they say] was conquered from their owner!

This is a life-threatening situation in Hebron and throughout the territories. If that part of Hebron where no Jewish people live is forbidden to relinquish, certainly this is true of the area occupied by Jewish people. They are placing the inhabitants in actual danger to life. Even when a nation comes for no more than cattle fodder there is concern that the land will lie open before them causing danger even to one single Jew; even if they are no more than in preparation of approach, the Halachic ruling states: Violate the Sabbath, take up arms and stand with all powers and say: NO! Factually, their conduct is the opposite: they apply pressure to relinquish those territories, but secretly. Thereafter they begin to split their ruling. Regarding Shmitta - keep the laws on this land; regarding relinquishing these lands – do not stand in the way – he is in full agreement. The proof being – he puts this into writing!
(From a farbrengen Parshas Vayetze 1980)

The Rebbe Speaks out on Hebron Part 2

[The Government of Israel themselves are recommending the surrender]
The absolute proof of this is, that after ‘they conquered the territories’ [this is how they call this. In truth however, they freed and returned, openly before the eyes of all the nations, Jewish land and borders to their rightful owners]. Even before the advent of any international pressure, at a time when not one of the gentile nations ever dreamt that there would be discussions with Israel giving back territories, they, the government of Israel sent emissaries on a special mission. With full intent they choose an observant Jew in order to make known that this recommendation is forthcoming in the name of Torah – may G-d protect us! These emissaries recommended that Israel would return to the Arabs all that was conquered in the Six-Day War. At that time, after the open miraculous victory, not only was there no pressure from Washington, not even from the Arabs. The Arabs were overjoyed that they were not harmed and were not in receipt of the treatment which they would have meted out to the Jewish people had they been the victors; it did not even enter their minds to exert pressure. It was exclusively those Jews who stubbornly took this line. To our great pain, those very same people carry the influence now also. With one difference: now they lean on the broken walking stick: why are they taking this line [of retreat]? - because of outside pressure! If [asks the Rebbe], you are doing so because of pressure, why were you prepared to return land in 1967 when there was no pressure? When there were elections you should have made known that they are electing one who is not subject to changing his mind!

G-d gives man the chance to repent, regardless of the fact that for 119 years 364 days his conduct was unacceptable. Should he choose to return from his path, then, not only will there be no mention of his past conduct, in fact his deliberate sins will be regarded as merits. But only when he regrets the past, or at least he accepts upon himself good intent for the future. But he does the contrary. He stated explicitly ‘I have eaten [treif] – and I will continue to do so! Not only does he state so, but turns this into a system of thinking [of retreat] pressurising other Jews that they be bound to accept his view. Then when they meet up with gentiles and speak with them, the gentile says to him ‘I don’t even know what pressure you say you are subject to!’ He, the gentile never even dreamt that that this recommendation would be forthcoming. He, [says the gentile] was only speaking [for political reason] this way for public consumption, and for that matter, only these last few weeks.

There arrived here [to the USA] a representative of Israel. When he was in the capital [Washington] when newspaper reporters were not nearby, he was asked: ‘what is going on? What are you talking about? We never dreamt that you would offer to retreat. I do not know if he will relay this upon his return to Israel, because then, he would not have fulfilled his mission, and was mistaken in his assessment.

The government of Israel calls out: ‘Take back all the territories, Hebron, the Old City of Jerusalem.’ And nobody raises a voice of protest!
(From a farbrengen Parshas Vayetze 1980)

The Rebbe speaks out on Hebron

These days something totally shocking is taking place, specifically with Hebron. Unbelievable: a gathering of tens of Jews. How are they preoccupied, using their intelligence? Standing in judgement over Hebron! Was Hebron captured, or occupied from a foreign power! No shame, not for themselves, nor others, nor before gentiles who know what is written in the Bible, Hebron, the Cave of Machpela and the surrounding field was bought by Abraham our forefather even before the giving of the Torah, and that he paid for this 400 silver shekels. They know of the conquest of Joshua and of Jews who ascended from Babylon. Yet regardless, these Jews publicly present themselves at a special sitting express their ‘wisdom’ attempting to purify their vile thoughts. Their thinking is far below the impurity of vermin. Instead of using their intelligence to choose [a policy of protecting Jewish] life; [the Divine presence is forced down with 10 Jews together - whereby an angel present he would be nullified before the energy of the shechina.] A Jew is entrusted with a mission – a soul descends into a physical body to create for Almighty G-d a dwelling place in this lower realm. Rather they utilise their G-d given minds to cheat themselves and those around them by announcing that Hebron belongs to others, making announcements as if Hebron is some sort of liberated territory.

Recently I received a letter from a Jew in NY. A naïve Jew immersed in his studies. He toiled and gathered together statements of our Sages trying to bring proof in accord with his foolishness, that since these territories were conquered and an agreement signed by Jews who must never lie, came to the conclusion it is forbidden to retract! What do you mean, they signed a contract? The property signed for did not belong to them! This is the property of the entire Nation of the Jewish People. Even someone possessing all qualities and good intentions, he has no power of attorney or permit to sell property belonging to someone else, even of a single individual, certainly not of a great number of people. Even more so of property under the ownership of men of this generation and of all past generations beginning with the Divine Promise of the Covenant whereby G-d said to Abraham our forefather “To you have I given [this Land]! First they signed an agreement, and then stubbornly insist that since it is forbidden to lie, they be bound to uphold the lie and take away from tens of generations of the Jewish people their possession and to cede to others! Are you master to dispose of property and estates belonging to ten previous generations and to generations after you to the end of all generations?!
G-d chose Israel from amongst the Nations, and Eretz Israel from all lands as an everlasting inheritance! Only through our sins were we exiled from our land, and distanced from our soil. Yet, it remains our Land! This is ghetto mentality, far from the beginning of redemption! Never before have Jews stood in official judgement over Hebron. Worse still, the world stands by in silence! Jews showing on a public forum – may G-d protect us – Hebron does not belong to the Jewish people but was mistakenly captured! They [the Israel government] send representatives recommending [to the Arabs] to take it back. They nullify their own lie that the reason for their surrender is [international] pressure. In truth it is they themselves of their own free will, who offer to surrender!

(From a farbrengen Parshas Vayetze 1980)

How Those in the Israel Government Continue to Blunder. (Part 2)

Parshas Vayechi

[22.10.1974. Egypt agreed to a cease-fire. Two days thereafter the United States began to exert pressure on Israel to heed the UN decision 339 to return to Egypt conquered territory and that Israel retreat. The very first agreement that Egypt signed, they immediately reneged upon.]

And now, they (The Government of Israel) are once again deciding on giving away territories. Why (asks the Rebbe) do you need all of this? Washington, seeing these recommendations of Israel, conveyed them to Cairo and Damascus, and political pressure from all sides became only more intense! Leave (pursuit and grovelling after) the gentile! When they will see that you stand firm in spirit they will release their hold.

If it is your intention to obey the gentile – you could have remained in Galicia and in Poland and be afraid of the gentiles there! Now, since he (The Prime Minister of Israel) does not accept criticism - this being his nature, and ones nature does not change; therefore what is being asked of him is no more than “A man who is fearful and weak-hearted should go and return to his house” (Deuteronomy 20.8). One whose heart has melted and is fearful, cannot be a leader of Israel! Rather he should go home and there he can worry what they will write about him in the newspapers, just maybe they will even put his picture in the newspapers and from this he will get honor. But a leader? – this he cannot be!

In spite of the fact that he was born without a seat (in the Knesset) he thinks that he cannot be without a seat, and the seat cannot bear to be without him! He is already there for twenty-five years. (The time has come for him to) give up his place to someone else!
May it be the Divine Will that we should not need to reach this point. As in the example of the olive-leaf: the nations misinterpret this and explain that the meaning of the dove with an olive-leaf in its mouth is a sign of peace, that after the great flood there began a new world order. However, (the authoritative commentator on the Torah) Rashi interprets this differently. The dove is making a statement: “ rather my sustenance be as bitter as an olive, but in the hands of G-d, but not as sweet as honey and in the hand of men of flesh and blood”. This is exactly truth of our present situation in Israel: Do not be reliant on promises of men (the Arabs, USA etc.) but rather rely on His hand, the hand of G-d. Though it will appear to be bitter – the world community will point their finger at you – “a Jew”; still, you should conduct Israel with reliance “on His hand” – stand powerfully strong against the gentile and not be intimidated by him.

Until we reach the peace which Moshiach will build. He is not one to be intimidated, not from democracy, not from gentiles, and not even from Jews. Rather he will “encourage all Israel” (to follow in the footsteps of G-d). He will fix the borders of Israel as they are delineated in the “Eternal Covenant” (“To your descendants have I given this Land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates River”. Genesis 15), and there will come about the fulfilment of the verse “And I (G-d) will bring the peace into the land, and you will lie down and not be frightened”. There is no need to be intimidated from the nations even during the time of the Exile. Then we will leave the Exile with an uplifted head, absolutely.

(From the farbrengen of Shabbos Parshas Noach 1974)

How the Israel Government Blundered. (Part 1)

Damascus, Syria

[1974. In the very first days of the assault, the Israel army penetrated Syria; at the same time the air force bombed deep inside Syria. The assistant Prime Minister of Syria admitted that the bombing had brought a total standstill to the production of electricity and oil.]

Damascus could have been taken on the very first day of the attack. The Syrians were on the run, not protecting the city. No army stood in their way. Had Israel done so, Syria would have immediately agreed to their peace terms since their capital city would have been taken. Saudi Arabia and Jordan would not have entered the war. Israel would have been released from this additional war front, freed up 40,000 soldiers, tanks and a great number of arms. Washington was waiting for Israel to conquer Damascus since they wished to live in peace without confusion and this is why they wanted to help Israel. Not wanting to give the appearances that they are involved in the battle, they were interested in publicising that Israel should not go in and conquer. They wanted to help Israel to free up an additional war front, and for Israel to present them with a fait acomplait; then America could argue before the world that they took no part in this. America would instruct not to attack and Israel should perform the contrary. America was interested that Israel should not listen to them.

What actually happened is that in Israel at a government sitting they decided to listen to Washington. They attempted to make a secret of this, but to no avail. Even the capital cities of the Arab states knew as their spies in Israel took the effort to ask the government committee why did you listen and received the reply: “in order not to antagonise Washington!” When I asked: “Why did you not conquer Damascus?” they replied to me “because there were cliffs and rocks which made the conquest difficult”. Had I not heard this reply directly, never would I have believed that they could offer such a bluff! When one hears such a reply - clearly the question was a powerful one. Soldiers on the ground want to make headway. They had nothing to do there [in Syria]. Israel had brought thousands of soldiers into those territories, and there was no movement neither forward nor back. The nature of a soldier is either to finish the battle or go home. What does the government do? They keep a huge force there with zero action. And in order to distract them from the fact that they are doing nothing the government brought out to them singers from New York and London!
On the very day that Israel could have finished with Damascus and the eastern side of the Canal for which Washington was waiting - needing this even more than Israel - Israel regressed and agreed to the Six Day War borders. Washington wanted Israel to hold onto the present borders, which were much broader than those of the Six Days. Israel made the same mistake in the Six-Day War. They halted ten kilometres before the Suez Canal without advancing. This mistake they performed in 1956 and in 1970 when they agreed to a cease-fire and called this a security achievement! At that time I stated that they should not agree to a cease-fire, as Egypt would use this to fortify themselves. Within 24 hours of the cease-fire Egypt advanced their rockets from which Israel has suffered greatly. After the Six-Day War Israel sent emissaries to Washington recommending the return of captured territories. Their only concern was to find a wording to be able to call this a security achievement. When at that time I publicised that Israel had sent such a delegation they responded: “No true.” Now, after six years, the truth has emerged: they had sent such a delegation.
(From the farbrengen of Shabbos Parshas Noach 1974)

There are 70,000 Terrorists in Jerusalem. Who needs this?

By the grace of G-d amid open miracles, the Old City of Jerusalem was conquered and everyone gave thanks that the hand of G-d achieved this. Yet, the very same man who registered gentiles as Jews prides himself that the Old City of Jerusalem is a symbol of Arabs and Jews dwelling together - the perfect Jerusalem. When I heard this I was devastated. Had this been said in the name of the Marxist doctrine – OK. But that in the Holy City of Jerusalem the city where King David dwelt, Arabs should live alongside Jewish people? – to say this in the name of the Torah of Moses as representative of thousands of religious Jews and no one raises any voice of protest? Within the Old City there dwell in excess of 60,000 Arabs and barely 100 Jewish families. A Jew wishing to purchase one cubit of land on the Old City hits fearful difficulties and has to undergo innumerable inspection committees. Unless he has special connections, his request is dismissed. In contrast, in the new city Arabs are able to purchase all of their heart’s desire with all the government excuses, business is increased etc. The severity of the situation is that a Jew wishing to purchase in the Old City - the real Jerusalem, between the walls, the City where King David dwelt, is not permitted to do so.

Since the world in which we live is the world of lies, we know that his word is worthless, not even reaching straight lies. A few months ago I protested. He responded with one word: ‘Not-true’, and instructed that his response be printed in the newspapers. But such a crude lie even newspapers refused to print. After he imposed strong pressure his response was printed. It was from this that the occurrence took place in the Old City 17 days ago. In the Old City there are some 70,000 Arabs who have their connections with neighbouring nations. The danger reached such proportions that it was not permitted to go to the Kotel not by night nor even by day. Great military forces were needed for protection. Only in the merit of a miracle did tribulation befall the Arab population.

This danger comes because after the freeing of Jerusalem, terrorists were allowed to remain. This is intense danger to the capital that there are 70,000 terrorists – who needs this? The Arabs themselves never thought that they would be permitted to remain but were sure they would be evicted, the reason being simple: that which they would do to the Jews may G-d protect us, had they captured the city, the Jews would do to them. You want to give them money – give them, but the main point - be rid of them. The Arab uncertainty was only if they would be permitted to take with them their movable possessions; would the move be one sweep, or step by step. Had they been instructed they would have left long ago. Instead they were informed unofficially that Jerusalem is theirs. Ambassadors were even sent to Washington to inform that they have no intention of taking Jerusalem. Washington was interested in evicting the Arabs. Only in this way would they be rid of the problem of Jerusalem. Either Jews remain and Arabs leave. Or, only Arabs remain, in which case the Jews leave.

It is the same now. The government of Israel is conducting negotiations to return territories. Once they were calls ‘doves’, today they are called diplomats; tomorrow they will be called pursuers of peace. A small group of them sit together deciding whether to give away this or that piece of land. They only have to find the appropriate wording to explain why this is a ‘security achievement’. Their only concern is not to create a storm of protest. The Arab wants the land – we had better give to him! But there are the youth that object. That is why they have to devise the appropriate wording to appease also them!
(From the farbrengen parshas Noach 1974)

The Mittele Rebbe Bought an Estate in Hebron.

Since we are now on the 9th Kislev after mid-day, we are already connected to 10th Kislev. This connection is a two-fold one. Each day is the eve of the next day [especially the eve of Shabbos after mid-day], and also that today [Shabbos] we begin to read the portion in Torah of the following week.

The redemption [freedom from Russian imprisonment] of the Mittele Rebbe [second Lubavitcher Rebbe] is in many ways comparable to that of his father the Alter Rebbe [Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi the founder of the Chabad dynasty]. Similar life incidents of our patriarch Yaakov took place in the life of his son Yosef. In a similar vein parallel incidents of the Alter Rebbe happened to his son the Mittele Rebbe. About the redemption of the Alter Rebbe, he himself writes that at the moment he uttered the words of Psalms ‘He [G-d] redeemed my soul’ he was told of his impending freedom [which took place on 19th day of Kislev]; the same was true of the Mittele Rebbe. When he uttered the very same words of Psalms ‘He redeemed my soul’, did he leave prison [on 10th day of Kislev].

It is self understood that 10th day in Kislev is similar to 19th Kislev. The Alter Rebbe writes that the charity which he gave to Eretz Israel was the mitzvah which stood by him. That is, by virtue of the charity which he sent to the Jewish people then living in Eretz Israel [thereby did he precede the healing [freedom] to the torment [imprisonment]. Many years before his imprisonment he had distributed this charity which resulted in his redemption. Similarly the Mittele Rebbe also was occupied several years earlier with giving charity to Eretz Israel and in its merit this stood him in good stead. There were those that inform against him to the Russian government; even though the accusations were lies, nevertheless there had to be an element of truth in their words since lies alone can have no standing. He was accused of sending great sums of money to the Turks for their war effort against Russia. In point of fact he was sending money, but not to the amounts attributed to him, and certainly not for that purpose, but rather for charity to Eretz Israel. The merit of this Tzedaka stood him in good stead in that he was ultimately redeemed.

The service to G-d of the Alter Rebbe was of the category of chochma [points of wisdom], whilst the service of the Mittele Rebbe was of the category of bina [a broadening of understanding inherent in bina over and above points of wisdom]. This being the case, that which appears to be no more than an extension in his life to that of his father as our example of the charity they gave, was in effect an innovation previously non-existent in the life of the Alter Rebbe. We are referring to the actual acquisition by the Mittele Rebbe of an estate in Hebron! Such a purchase was performed neither by the Baal Shem Tov, by the Magid [of Mezeritch], and not by the Alter Rebbe, but was an absolute innovation of the Mittele Rebbe. As he wrote in his letter that he purchased an estate in Hebron. [Consequent to his delving into the mystical Torah insights pertaining to Hebron, he purchased an actual piece of real estate there].

(From the farbrengen of parshas Vayetze 1969)

Religious MK’s disgrace the Torah!

There are three to four people who are destroying the Jewish people in the name of religion! They dare call themselves ‘religious representatives’ and speak in the name of religious Jews! At first they screamed like chickens that the law of ‘Mihu Yehudi’ [‘Who is a Jew’ - the law in Israel which registers non-Jews as Jews] is a destruction of our faith, contrary to Torah and against Moses our Teacher, against the Word of G-d – Halacha. When they asked the Rabbis they received the reply that it is forbidden to enter a government that does not rectify the law and carries the severity of ‘allow your selves to be killed and do not commit the sin’. Yet, they publicise that they will enter the government, all in the name of religion! They dishonor the Torah to the lowest order! A reward in the world to come they certainly will not receive. Even in this world they will see no joy since they have shamed themselves to such a degree. Initially they stated that under no circumstances will they enter. In reality, they entered the government.

There are those who are confused and amazed. How is this possible? But, in truth, this is no wonder. They never ever did have any truthful intention to exit the government. They should have left the government immediately, and not to wait two whole weeks when the forthcoming government would be formed. This is not a matter that is forbidden only at a later date. Every moment it is forbidden to sit in this government. They were obliged to say: “Till now we did not know it was forbidden. Now our obligation is to leave.” They did not do this and never had any intention to part from their seats! They made two declarations: First, that it is forbidden to sit in the government: this is an issue of ‘allow yourselves to be killed and do not transgress the sin’. Secondly, they enter the government! This should have shocked everyone. Yet no one raises any voice in protest! When asked, how come you entered the government, this surely is against the Rule of Heaven? He answers with buffoonery [litzonus] (whenever he has no answer he replies with buffoonery) ‘Heaven? My seat takes priority! [Hashomayim kisi – a play on the verse of the Prophets]. When told this runs contrary to the continuity of the Land of Israel, he answers: The Land? –This is my foot-stool! [Ha-aretz hadom ragli]. I tread upon it! How can one have any faith in one who is prepared to sell everything for the sake of retaining his Knesset seat?

The Talmud states: ‘A thief, at the opening of the tunnel [to commit a theft] calls G-d for help. The Talmud wants us to know that there can be one who call to G-d, yet is a thief! This is exactly our situation. He is a man who calls to G-d – he talks in the name of Torah. Nevertheless, he is a thief! They argue that because of the precarious security situation on the Syrian border they must enter the government. This is no answer, they can do nothing to help the situation since the government does not reckon with their views. They are told nothing and not invited to meetings. Apart from the three folders they were given (Ministry of interior, Religion, and Economy) they know nothing about what is going on. By having accepted these three responsibilities, them must follow orders. The left are interested that laws pass through religious members, so that they can be blamed for failures!

When religious members raise recommendations they spit in their faces. As usual the religious members do not regard this as a spit in the face but as ‘blessings of rain’. They are actually referred to in newspaper articles as second class humans! Should the truth be told, they are far worse. They are ‘Canaanite slaves of the third degree’.
(From the farbrengen of Parshas Ki Sisa, 1974)

They Prevented the Blowing up of the Death-Camps’ Railroads!

Strategic Borders - Yam HaMelach

This is not the first time that cowardly Jews have been the cause of suffering because of their fear of offending the gentile. At the time of the terrible holocaust, the United States had the opportunity to blow up the railroad tracks and thereby stop (or at least minimise) the journeys of the trains to the death camps. There were Jews who knew what was happening and put pressure on the US President of the time (Roosevelt) to give the instruction to do so. However, certain Jews came forth and silenced the matter with the argument that it is forbidden to exert pressure on the President of the United States because of the law ‘do not offend even a minor nation’. Amongst them there were also Rabbis who had received false information and argued that it is forbidden to conflict with Washington! Huge numbers of Jewish people could have been saved from formidable annihilation had the US blown up the railroad lines.

Today those Rabbis have their disciples who influence the conduct of the US and Israel. Shameless they utilise their influence in exactly the same way. When confronted with the argument: “See what you did in the past. All the fasts you will undertake will not be sufficient to atone for the hundreds of thousands of Jewish People who were murdered in the wake of your influence not to say a word against Washington. At least today take a back seat!” Not only do they take no notice of this argument, but to the contrary, they continue to play the role of “Your destroyers and obliterators will come forth from amongst yourselves (the Jewish People) [Isaiah 39.17]. We find ourselves at a time of war preparations. There is no time to influence or educate the timid ones to stop being fearful and weak hearted. We cannot even be certain that we will succeed because even to tell him of the results of his previous actions will not help. Therefore what can be expected of him now is “let them go back home” and resign his responsibilities.

There is a clear ruling in the Code of Jewish Law. To our pain, all necessary conditions enumerated there exist now: ‘Go out to war fully armed to protect all locations through which it is easy for them to conquer the land. This conduct is demanded where the danger is no more than a faint possibility, certainly in our situation of certain threat to life.

There are Jews today, certainly one Jew, who is afraid of the nations. He is used to receive from them honours and has come to the conclusion that his ultimate state of perfection in this world is that they should say of him that he is a good man. For this he is prepared to endanger the Jewish People. Now is not the time to educate him since every moment that the borders are not being settled the Jewish people are being endangered G-d Save us! It is possible to settle the borders in a very short time, in a moment. The situation demands this action. The army is prepared to move in yet he won’t permit this because of his fear. He must resign! Whoever is concerned for the life of even one Jew must do all in his power that all borders be settled. By not doing so, this is interpreted by the world community as Israel’s fear. The pressure on handing over Hebron, the Old City of Jerusalem, and all of the territories will be averted and Israel will show the world that she is not intimidated and many Jewish lives will be saved. Each moment those who are able to utilise their influence that the borders being settled and do not do so shoulder the responsibility!

(From the farbrengen Motzoi Shabbos Parshas Bechukosai 1978)

How To Stop Pressure From the United States

Parshas Toldos, 27th November 2005

When they are afraid to do what truthfully needs to be done, not only are they not looked upon favourably by the nations, to the contrary: this invites even more pressure and demands for further concessions. Tyre (in Lebanon) is a prime example of this. The army has always clearly stated that the city of Tyre must be conquered. Regardless, the politicians - afraid of what the gentiles say - never agreed. Because of this failure there is presently terrible distress from this city and its surrounding area (Southern Lebanon) to the extent that there was no other choice in the last few days but to kill. By not taking Tyre, not only this did not help the situation but to the contrary: the effect was to bring even more pressure. Following the view of the army would have saved all the problems of that region. Israel could be active there without any danger whatsoever.

Not only are they are fearful of carrying through their responsibilities forcefully, they send representatives stating that they will continue in this fashion! The results are open for all to see: not only there is no quiet but this caused the incident that took place in Jerusalem. (The bombing attack on the number 12 bus in Jerusalem [2.6.1978] in which 6 Jewish people were killed – one day before the Rebbe spoke this sicha) - a direct consequence of their fear of not touching the city of Tyre where the terrorists are located. Instead they hung their hopes on a gentile that perhaps he is one of the righteous gentiles of the world.

The subject in hand is actual life threatening danger to the Jewish people. It is imperative to act in accordance with the view of the army to conquer Tyre and the surrounding area where the headquarters of the terrorists is located. The politicians do not permit this. They think that by telling the terrorists we won’t attack, they in turn will cease their attacks. In reality the results of such a policy was exactly the opposite!

All of this is relevant to occupy the borders. My intent is not to build cities on the borders but to station security personnel at these locations, especially on the eastern border of Israel. Every moment’s delay imposes life-threatening danger to innumerable Jewish lives! We see every day the great need to do this, nevertheless those that who have the power to take these steps are afraid of a leaf blowing in the wind and do not lift a finger to occupy the borders.

This neglect is the cause for the USA promising arms to the countries who are the main backers of terrorism. When the USA see that their pressure works, that indeed Israel have stopped the occupation of the borderlands, so they permit themselves to exert even more pressure to the point where they arrived at the decision that Jews were responsible for what took place in Lebanon.

The only way forward to prevent world pressure and to ensure security is to inhabit the territories. After the facts are on the ground, pressure will be of no avail. If in the wake of pressure Israel does not take these steps, the danger will only grow in strength. Had they settled all the borders, specifically the eastern front, the terror attack in Jerusalem would never have taken place. The terrorists would never have been able to penetrate Israel.
(From the farbrengen Motzoi Shabbos Bechukosei 1978)

This event recorded in the T’nach is vital for our time!

The Golan Heights
At first sight it seems inexplicable. The Torah does not speak disparagingly even of an unclean animal, and certainly should not do so of Shebna who was a Torah giant, and a member of the Sanhedrin sitting in the Temple precinct. How could the Torah malign one who was great in Torah, publicising the fact that he stumbled and spoke against a command of G-d handed over through the Prophet Isaiah?

The explanation is as follows: This event bears relevance to future generations and is linked to conduct required by Halacha. (As is brought in the Talmud [Megilah 14.1] that a prophecy not needed for generations to come was not recorded) Therefore it is obligatory to recount in T’nach and the Talmud the entire episode in fine detail for future generations to learn the message.

Similarly we have a well known question: The Talmud [Pesachim] writes that the Torah added eight additional letters in order to avoid expressing an improper word, as is written: ‘You [Noah] should take from the pure animals and from the animals which are not pure’ (avoiding using the word ‘impure’ with regard to an animal). Again, this is not understood: In the book of Vayikra we find many times explicit expressions contrary to purity. Why does the Torah use additional expressions to avoid an improper word? The explanation: When the issue is of a ruling pertaining to a practical instruction – as is told in the book of Vayikra regarding an item of food which is contrary to purity and forbidden to be eaten, the Torah must explain it with a clear concise expression. Therefore the word ‘impure’ is used with regard such an animal. On the other hand, in the portion of Noach the Torah uses the wording ‘which are not pure’ and not impure since there is no instruction for future generations.

The practical law which we need to extract from our story, even though prophecy in our time remains idle and we do not have guidance from Isaiah the Prophet as did Hezkiah. Nevertheless today there are Rabbis – and the Talmud deems Rabbis to be the kings, who lay down the ruling that it is forbidden to relinquish the territories. It is imperative to abide by their ruling of the Shulchan Aruch.

It is inconceivable that a Rabbi should rule contrary to that which is written in Shulchan Aruch. If he does so, he is no Rav! A Rabbi is not master over the Shulchan Aruch. There is a certain Rabbi who argues that he cannot mix into matters pertaining to Eretz Israel because he relies on the Rav resident there who decides on such matters. When it is a question pertaining to money, he himself suddenly becomes the resident Rabbi. When they bring him a ticket to speak at a certain location, he travels there and offers his opinion with the contention that he thereby increases the Holiness of the Land! So far does he digress from the truth that he registers a gentile – in bold letters - as a Jew and the holiness of Israel is truly harmed - both the Land and the Torah, and they write that this is a religious achievement! Suddenly he wishes to offer his opinion!

(Spoken at the farbrengen Simchas Torah 1976)

A Prophesy for our time: Do not surrender Jerusalem!

The following talks which we will review over the forthcoming weeks, were spoken (on Simchas Torah 1976) in the wake of the interim agreement between Israel and Egypt signed under tremendous coercion from the USA on 25th Elul 1975 (1.9.1975). In the course of this pressure Israel surrendered to Egypt the Abu Rhodes oil fields and retreated from territories vital to her security. As a gesture of reward, the USA gave Israel fighter jets and money. In the course of his talks, the Rebbe stormed with his warning that Egypt will not adhere to the agreement, exactly as they reneged in their conduct with the cease-fire signed in 1970. Additionally, the Rebbe publicised the fact that for every jet and for every dollar that the USA hands out to Israel, they contribute to the Arab world three times as much! Their relevance to today’s situation needs no further elaboration.



In the times of the Prophet Isaiah, King Sennacherib of Assyria initiated war against Israel. Sennacherib managed to conquer the entire land of Israel and reach the gates of Jerusalem. As Sennacherib was encircling Jerusalem in order to conquer her, he sent messengers into the city with the suggestion to sign a peace treaty with the Jewish people under certain conditions. One of these terms was the surrender of Jerusalem. Shebna who was a member of the Sanhedrin (no less) argued that since it was clear that Sennacherib would overwhelm them, Israel should submit in order to attain peace with him.

Hezkiah who was king at that time, argued that it is forbidden to submit to Sennacherib as he was commanded by Isaiah the prophet in the name of G-d. The community within Jerusalem were split into two camps: Shebna and his supporters and King Hezkiah and his supporters. At that time Isaiah the Prophet turned to Hezkiah, regardless that Shebna was a member of the Sanhedrin and he and his supporters were the majority against Hezkiah and his followers, (and Torah declares one must follow the majority) telling him: “Do not join forces with them because all of their representations are no more than a pack of rebellion” [Isaiah 8.12]. Do not connect to their views and do not sign the peace agreement because their pact is one of the wicked.

Isaiah said to King Hezkiah: “Do not fear what they fear and do not be overwhelmed by it. He commanded him to tell all of Israel not to fear Sennacherib. But to the contrary, to stand strong and do not hand over Jerusalem.

Indeed, finally Hezkiah was saved from Sennacherib. On the other hand Shebna and his supporters were punished.

Israel‘s secret negotiations to raise the Jordanian flag over the Temple Mount

We are now in a situation of ‘Nations gather and regimes talk (against the Jewish People, but their efforts will end) in vain’ [Psalms 2.1]. Not that this gathering is G-d forbid to threaten Jewish lives. The gathering is nevertheless against G-d and His anointed Nation.

The Arabs demand that they be given the sacred spot of the Holy of Holies, rights over the Temple Mount and the permit to raise there the flag of Jordan. The Government of Israel (in their willingness to concede) wanted to keep this (agreement) secret.

But in reality it is already days and weeks that this is known to Washington, the Arab Nations, and also to those who are pained by their lack of Jewish pride. They attempt to justify this step by saying this will prevent danger to life, with all their excuses. Yet in the mean time their negotiations continue together with the shocking fact that Jews are prepared to relinquish into their hands this most sacred spot to the extent of giving the permit to raise the flag of Jordan! Continuously we have stormed to prevent them from Internationalising the Old City of Jerusalem a city of three ruling governments. But they have reached a far lower state.

It may be asked: what difference does it make which flag flies there? It is irrelevant, does not bother anyone, and has no halachic problem? But the public is not grasping how frightful such a step is. Some years ago it was absolutely untenable that Jerusalem be ruled by several governments. It was further ruled out that Jerusalem be given the status of ex-territorial. Now a gentile has the audacity to state that he has total rights: not just over Hebron, Shechem, the Old City of Jerusalem. And more: he demands that the Holy of Holies be handed over to him, the Foundation Rock (of the Creation), and that he be given the rights to raise there the Jordanian flag!

They (The government of Israel piously) explain that this will save bloodshed, and one Jew is an entire world. The truth must be told - there is no link between the two.

The Talmud lays down the ruling that the Jewish people are the fiercest amongst the nations. ‘G-d gives strength to His People, G-d blesses His People with peace [Psalms 29.11]. The Midrash states [Song of Songs 2] ‘There is no strength other than Torah. When the Jewish People hold on to the Torah, they will survive. G-d will simply grant His People fortitude, and G-d will bless His People with peace. The Midrash [Yalkut Shimoni, Torah 267] relates that not only do Jewish people know of this fact, but the entire world community have heard that G-d gives His strength to His People and G-d will grant His People with peace. And this has reduced them to submissiveness to accept peace.

(From a farbrengen first day Rosh Chodesh Iyar 1976)

They want to give away the Old City of Jerusalem!

On the verse ‘And the Children of Israel travelled from the wells of the sons of Yaakov to Moser’, Rashi comments that after the great victory of the Jewish People over the King of Arad, beset suddenly with fear of further war, they retreated eight journeys. This is difficult to comprehend. Why were they in shock and why did they flee? They were convinced by their evil inclination - a master craftsman concealing his intent in supposedly G-d-fearing words: ‘Certainly you conquered the King of Arad, but there is reason to fear further war-fare. You may well be conquered because ‘you must not rely on miracles’.

Precisely this was repeated after the Sinai War (1956). Israel, in trepidation of Egypt, felt they must submit to Egypt’s demands. Israel forces retreated in return for assurances of peace and rights to access freely through the Suez Canal. President Nasser of Egypt violated this promise. (For peace - Israel’s reason for retreat), Egypt prepared for war! Once again, shortly before the outbreak of the Six Day War, Egypt closed the Straits of Tiran preparing their military for war. Many argued Israel should not initiate war but find a peaceful solution. With G-d’s mercy, Israel opened the attack disregarding world opinion. The entire world saw the miraculous victory. After the Six Day War the view not to retreat from the territories took precedence.

Fact: Whenever Israel took the initiative when faced with war, the number of dead was minimal. On the other hand, in Jerusalem where it was decided NOT to attack, the number killed was much greater. Yet now, regardless of having seen the victory of the Six Day War through no fear and subservience to the Arabs, for three years now Israel is begging the Arabs to take back the conquered territories! President Nasser was convinced that Israel is setting a trap never thinking that Israel would return conquered natural security borders. But after years of entreaties he began to understand that Israel really does want them to take back the territories.

I must expose the truth: They have decided to give away the Old City of Jerusalem! In order to sweeten the pill they have presented the recommendation to the President of Egypt that Jerusalem will belong to the Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Even according to those that consider that this is the way to make peace, this textual order is unfathomable ‘ Christians, Muslims and Jews’. Jerusalem belongs to the Jewish People not only from a halachic perspective. History documents without contradiction, that King David established Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. One thousand years later saw the arrival of Christians and Arabs. Why in the text of compromise did they end with the word Jews? Where is the limit to the abasement of Jewish pride? And this is not final. They want to relinquish Hebron! A shame and disgrace that in Israel there should be a law to which all government ministers put their signature clearly implying that Jewish People have no right to dwell in Hebron and by the Cave of Machpela.

This law was joyfully handed to the City head of Hebron whose family members murdered Jews in Hebron in the riots of 1929. Have they murdered and gained the right to inherit? (Spoken at a public gathering Shabbos parshas Eikev 1970).

A Gentile will Accept this Truth Immediately!

At the opening of the book of Genesis, the commentator Rashi explains: “Rabbi Yitzchok said: The Torah should have opened with the words ‘This Month is to you…’ Why does the Bible begin with the account of creation? Because (G-d) informed His People of his powerful act of giving them the inheritance of the nations.” [Similarly do we find (Deuteronomy 32 / 43) ‘Sing, nations the praises of His people, for He will avenge the blood of His servants. He will bring retribution on His enemies, and He will appease His land and His people’ (for their distress inflicted by the enemy). The original Hebrew text omits this word ‘and’ because the land of Israel and the people of Israel are one.]

Rashi emphasises that the Gentile needs to clearly know that everything belongs to
G-d. ‘He initially gave the land to them, then to us’. No one is in denial that nations lived there. Yet, as He gave it to them, so did He choose to take it from the nations and give it to the Children of Israel. G-d informed His people that they (not be seated in the house of learning and study this with a friend, but) convey this message to the gentile. Openly and shamelessly, to the entire world. That a five year old will understand.

Stated with conviction, the gentile will immediately accept this. For a Jew to accept an open truth, he needs to battle with himself. A gentile is not faced with such decision making. He will understand and accept this truth immediately. Especially bearing in mind that the Torah wants this message to reach the gentile.

True, it is forbidden to study the Oral Law with a gentile. But he should be taught the Seven Noachide Laws. (Maimonides explains that at a time when the Jewish people are strongly established they have the obligation to coerce the gentile to observe the basic Seven Noachide Laws of human existence.) One of these is ‘Do not steal’. The gentile need be taught that if the land of Israel is in his possession, this constitutes theft. Transgressing one of these incurs the death sentence. If careful of this, he merits life. When the land of Israel is not in his hands – this is for his good.

Not as is argued by those that purport to ‘pursue peace’ that if Israel is not held by the gentile, it is bad for him. To the exact contrary: specifically when the Land of Israel is not handed over to him, is this for his good and thereby does he merit life. No portion may be handed over. (Every inch is part of the borders of Israel). This constitutes theft. A gentile has no portion in the land of Israel!

At the Covenant (of the pieces) did G-d give the Land of Israel to the People of Israel. Prior thereto does the verse state (Genesis 13 / 15) ‘To you will I give it’. And further, (Genesis 15 / 8) ‘I have given it to your progeny’, it is given already! Rashi comments that the word of G-d is a given. From then on was the land of Israel ours.

(From a public address Shabbos Parshas Bereshis 1970)

Terrorists Must Be Removed in One Single Procedure

Mt. Hermon
I once spoke with a physician of an operational procedure. Our discussion moved on to the situation in Eretz Israel. I said to him: “When you operate on a Jew, your intention is to improve his health. Now since an operation is a serious matter costing much health and blood, may G-d protect us; you are a merciful and intelligent man, perhaps you break up the operation into ten stages.” First operate; only some blood will be lost, wait for this area to heal, operate the second stage, until the tenth, when you finally reach the problem, and remove the undesirable elements.

The physician replied: “Do not take offence, but you are not qualified in medicine.” To my question, “Why”, he replied: “The purpose of an operation is to remove the ailment. If a small incision is made, and we wait for this to heal; after a week make a second incision, until the tenth, the element remains embedded in the body and much blood spilled. No benefit will be gained because the source has not been removed. There is no choice but to perform one procedure. He will be temporarily weakened and more blood spilled but ultimately less blood lost. The patient will be healed because the ailment is dealt with.” I responded; I am pleased to hear his view. This should be the precise procedure applied to Eretz Israel. There are two options: One, to tell the opposing side that we will not relinquish into their hands the Land of Israel. Since he will be offended we will take no action against terrorists. We wait a week or so, perhaps his mood will improve, then suggest he gives in on something. But we do nothing. The armed terrorists remain in the Old City of Jerusalem, Hebron, Shechem, Ramallah, and everywhere, G-d protect us!

Versus this there is the second option: in one operation take out all the terrorists intact and be rid of them! Not all hundreds of thousands of Arabs there are terrorists; these are relatively few. The rest of the inhabitants are not preoccupied with terror. They just want to live in peace. In Lebanon those that create the turmoil are a small minority who murder tens of thousands, may G-d protect us. The same is true of terrorists in Israel: There are a small number in the Old City of Jerusalem, Hebron, Shechem, and Lod who create horror. They (the government of Israel) know who they are and are able to deal with them but are afraid to do so not to offend a small nation - certainly not a major power. They take no action, forbid Jewish people to live there; even security personnel are not permitted there because of the government’s fear of the Gentile. It is now ten years that only one hundred people have been permitted to take residence in the old City of Jerusalem! One hundred people in ten years! In this time the Arabs have multiplied (by natural growth) many times over!

May it be the Will of G-d, the command be fulfilled “Appoint for yourselves judges and patrol officers” whose decisions are based on Torah Law - “By compromising with terror the land becomes easily conquerable by them”. In Israel, Boro Park, Kew Gardens, Williamsburg, Crown Heights or Bnei Brak: the law stands the same everywhere! This decision must be taken in Ramallah, the Golan Heights, and Hermon. Army Officers (presently serving the Army) have clearly stated: “Retreating from the territories and not take operative security action places life threatening danger upon every Jew in Israel!”

From talks of Motzoi Shabbat Re-ei and the first day of Elul 1978)

Busy with clause 242 - not with danger to lives!

There is a situation in the Holy-Land which makes no sense. It is public knowledge: returning the West Bank is life threatening. One does not need a great expert to say this. When one looks at these territories their (short) distance from the sea, those (the enemy) who are positioned on the East Bank (Gaza), who man war-ships, one can see mortal danger, G-d protect us! Regardless, the government of Israel has ceased discussing this threat. They should be speaking of the clear ruling - the obligation to ‘go to war armed lest the city be taken captive and from there the land be easily conquered’. Instead they argue about the UN clause 242, preoccupied with its interpretation (the decision of the UN which calls for Israel to withdraw from the territories liberated in the Six-Day War). Does this mean ‘territories’, or ‘the territories? is the withdrawal before or after negotiations?’)

The document’s meaning is irrelevant! The issue at hand is life-threatening danger, to save many times 600,000 Jewish lives! He (the Israel Prime Minister) had no right to sign. He did so because he is a man of a fearful and weak heart. His very nature is to fear even sound of ‘a leaf blowing in the wind’. He considers since he is Prime Minister, everyone is obliged to follow his orders, so he continues to do all he can ‘to melt the hearts of his brothers as his own’.

All know that Sadat (P.M. of Egypt) himself states that he is not master over those who dwell on the East Bank (Gaza). He only hopes that if he were to retain his position the PLO will agree to talk peace. Only then will it be possible to talk of the peace terms. Peace is in not dependent on himself! Yet, the Israel government avoids mention of these vital conditions. They simply continue to argue amongst themselves if it is worth while to take certain steps for the sake of peace. They are fearful even to mention that peace depends on parties who are at war with each other, but are all in agreement that their enemy is Jewish People everywhere, especially those in the Holy Land. The situation has reached the point that for the sake of such ‘peace’ they are prepared to fall, bow down, and submit themselves to find favour in his (Sadat) eyes to influence him to take everything they will give him - Sinai, Yehuda, the Shomron, threatening millions of Jews!

The saying goes ‘A wise man’s question is half the answer’. He is asking; how is this half the answer? But it depends how the question is phrased (to evaluate if the one asking has any wisdom whatsoever!). If they were to state the facts - relinquishing territories is life threatening, there would be no more discussion. Instead they question clause 242 and bring this to the vote in the Knesset. There amongst the voters are Christians, Muslims who are actively working to recognise the PLO, and it is they who have the power to vote how Israel conducts herself!

There was a time when vital issues were considered. Last summer representatives of Israel visited the USA and placed the map on the table of the President in Washington showing him the distance between the territories and the sea, how easy it is for the Arabs to cut across the land G-d forbid, and he was in agreement. This was publicised in all the newspapers. Even a simple man understands that when his wife and children are at risk he put aside all issues and turns his attention to the vital issue at hand – the security of his household.

(From a farbrengen Motzoi Shabbos Shmini 1978)

It is forbidden to relinquish any part of the West Bank. This is life-Threatening!

It was for the representatives of Israel to present the argument that they are unable to cede the lands of Yehudah and The Shomron (these are of no interest to Egypt). The Torah explicitly forbids this (‘Do not cede any part of Israel to the Nations’). Primarily the territories of Yehuda and The Shomron are border lands serving to protect Eretz Israel.

Had they argued this forcefully they would certainly have succeeded in their quest. Jerusalem stands as a proof. The President of Egypt demanded Jerusalem with the exact fortitude with which he demanded other issues. When he was told in no uncertain terms: “NO”, he fell into agreement. As they stood their ground on Jerusalem they could have stood with fortitude regarding ‘The West Bank’. But since they faltered they were unsuccessful in holding on. This was well known to all those who were in the know of the diplomatic issues at hand, in addition to the information which filtered through from behind closed doors. After this failure some consider that since we have signed, it is as if the territories are given and cannot be retrieved. But note, this is not yet a 'fait accomplait'. In fact the matter has not even begun. Initially they need to talk through the subject in question down to the finest details. At that stage the decision to regret and annul will become the issue. This is not a matter of which we can speak publicly.

I say with full responsibility: It is forbidden to relinquish any part of the West Bank according to Jewish Law because this is life threatening! If only the United States would see that they have dealings with men who know how to take a powerful stand; a stand of Jewish Law, a Torah stand - the Torah of Truth. The Torah of Life states since this is life-threatening; it is forbidden to open the borders even to the extent of the small finger because this will open up the entire land before them. As was seen previously, when they argued forcefully, their demands were accepted.

This is the view of all the military. They can once again call a meeting and ask them the situation purely from a military perspective and then come to a conclusion. All the military will state in one unified voice that to cede territories will create a life threatening situation to all of the Jewish inhabitants of the Holy Land, may it never happen. Therefore it is impossible to concede Yehuda and the Shomron.

This argument will be accepted even now: Egypt is not desperate. The West Bank is irrelevant to her. The United States will not permit the parties to leave Camp David without some sort of signature of a break through to peace between Egypt and Israel. When the US will see that no way they will they reliquish Yehuda and Shomron they will exert their influence that Israel and Egypt sign some statement of peace to prevent war. (As is known there cannot be war without Egypt being involved). In order for this to take place, in the few hours they are there they must stand strong and declare clearly the view of the military. They need not say this is written in the Shulchan Aruch, but rather the unified voice of the military.

(From a public farbrengen Motzoi Shabbos 1979)

Jewish Possession of the Land of Israel

Parshas Vayelech, 7th October 2005

Matters of the Torah of Israel, the Nation of Israel, are found also in the Land of Israel. There were times when the entire land had not yet been conquered. For example, when the Jewish People initially entered the Land they first conquered Jericho, thereafter the city of Ai, then further territories until after seven years had they conquered the entire land. Years later in the time of Jeroboam the son of Nevat there came about a division of the People. Then came the exile to Babylon. (Before this there took place the exile of Sencharib who captured a portion of the Land.) By then the entire Land was in the hands of the nations. Even when the Temple stood the entire land was still not in the hands of the Jewish People, not all of who dwelt there.

At the elementary stage of studying Torah verses a child is not yet able to advance to study Mishna. However he should know from the start that the entire Torah is one indivisible entity. If G-d forbid the child would be told that there is nothing beyond the verses, this is a denial (of the truth). Not merely a denial of the Mishna and Talmud, but of the verses he extracts from the Torah of Moses. As Maimonidies states: if one were to say that one letter of Torah is not of the Torah of Moses (not G-d given) he is in denial not merely of this single letter but of all the letters. When a child begins to talk he is told of Moses our teacher who gave the Torah to all of the Jewish people. He is still far from studying verses yet is already told that the entire Torah is an indivisible entity which was commanded to us by Moses, something he does not understand!

The same holds true of the Land of Israel: as of the moment they entered the land, Jericho was first conquered not as a solitary city but as the lock - the very key to open the entire land. The Halachic ruling in the Talmud (Bava Basra) is well known: Possession of the lock acquires the house. The plan and intention was to conquer the entire land. The nations who inhabited the city of Ai knew that the key was taken and that their city was only a matter of time. This was why the Gibeonites tried all sorts of ruses to make peace, even to subjugate themselves as taxpayers. The Girgashites left even before the Jewish People arrived! Once the Canaanite Nations had seen that the lock of the land was taken they understood that all is lost.

The conquest acquired the land of Israel for the Jewish people for eternity, and was not of a momentary nature. The Land turned into an inheritance and gift from G-d for evermore.
Either the inhabitants dwell there, or they are as a son exiled from the table of his father. The table remains the table of the father, and the sons the sons of their father who waits for his sons to return. Then the table will once more seat them. G-d forbid suggesting otherwise! Israel was exiled from their land (when Assyria entered the inheritance of the ten tribes) - G-d forbid to say that that it had become the land of Assyria! This remained the land of Israel! (Certain precepts became null only because they can be observed when it is inhabited by Israel.) The land of Israel belongs to Israel already from the eternal Promise (of the Pieces) of G-d. When the Jewish People exited Egypt and faced Mount Sinai (and receive the Torah) and conquered the land of Israel by way of Jericho, the land cease to be Canaan. It could never be the land of Babylon, Media, Greece, or Edom merely because Jews were exiled to Babylon, Media, Greece and Edom. A Jew residing outside of the land retains his portion in Israel. Its name remains the land of Israel after the People Israel. All nations refer to her as the Land of Israel - the Holy Land.
From a Public Gathering Yud Gimmel Tammuz 1969

The Government of Israel has itself created the ‘Demographic Problem’!

Parshas Nitzavim, 30th September 2005

The Government of Israel has created with its very own hands the demographic problem by not expelling the Arabs who were warring with us through the Six-Day War, leaving the Arabs in their locations. So let the government not come now and wave (what in truth is their own failure) a demographic problem to explain away why they (say they) need to withdraw from the territories and not annex these to the State of Israel.

Indeed, I will admit that their (the large Arab population) dwelling in the State can create a great problem, but what is the better alternative? Is it better that that this area be an independent Palestinian state or a Jordanian state in which there are one and a half million Arabs within shooting distance and war with every town and village in the Land? Is it not better that those very same million Arabs be subject to controlled supervision of the State within her borders, even with all the problems to which this gives rise?

It is shameful that those Israel representatives in their political dealings are totally afraid to mention that our right to the Land comes from G-d’s Promise.

Note that we see many young Arabs who are not ashamed of their ‘faith’. When they demand what they consider are their rights to the Land, they bring religious reasoning. They express themselves therewith that they will not compromise ‘the holy lands’. Only in our circles are there those who are ashamed. You have tried already all formula (expressions for Israel’s rights to the Land) and have seen the (tragic) results. And nevertheless you are afraid to try the most effective way (of international persuasion).

(From an interview with Mr. Shmuel Katz, 1978)

The Government of Israel squanders Victory and the Gains of War

Parshas Nitzavim, 26th September 2005

Ron Pekkar itemises points he heard from the Rebbe in his interview 1976. (Kfar Chabad Magazine No. 659)

The Rebbe also spoke to me of the importance of observing Mitzvos: he asked of me at the very least to lay tefillin, maintaining that if people would know that one of their officers and leaders is observant of mitzvos, they would do likewise.

Claimed that the airforce is the decisive factor in war, in that the victory of the air force is of higher value than other military forces. Next time – fly into Cairo without any hesitation. Take great care of military quality advantage.

It is forbidden to restore (gained advantages and territories) in stages.

The Arabs will attack the moment they are able to do so. There is no need to be intimidated by the Arab nations.

The Israel Government’s conduct today is a disaster.

Everything depends on Jerusalem.

You are obliged to stand strong and deter the enemy.

High quality leadership will be the determining factor.

Maintained that the Americans are fearful of an energy crisis.

President Ford is weak. Kissinger is the US Foreign Minister, and not a Minister of Israel. He acts only to the advantage of the US.

The Israel government just wants to hear the compliment ‘good boy’. This is nonsensical.

In spite of the fact that the ‘73 war was a great military victory, the political leadership of Israel do not know how to advantage this and has squandered the victory. And this is repeated every time with all of the wars of Israel. Even Ben-Gurion, who was strong, returned the Sinai in 1956. This was a mistake.

How can it be that we are victorious, and immediately thereafter beg the enemy to take back the territories?

Buffer Zone. Do not Trust Egypt. Egypt is sending terrorists into Israel!

Parshas Ki Sovo, 21st September 2005

On the verse (Psalms 40.5) ‘Fortunate is the man who has placed the reliance on G-d’ - quoting the last phrase of the verse ‘and has not turned to the arrogant ones’, Rashi comments (Bereshis 40.23) – “and did not rely upon Egypt who is called arrogant one”. Therein lies a lesson for our time. In the past we had to search for a clue; one verse alludes to the Kingdom of Greece, another to the Kingdom of Edom, yet a further verse to Rome. In our days of double-fold darkness at the end of the exile, G-d shows everything openly with no need to discover signs.

‘Do not trust Egypt the arrogant ones’ we see openly in the Camp David Agreements to which the Egyptian minister placed his signature. Rashi further comments on the verse ‘The palace cup- bearer did not remember (Joseph)’ - on that day. On the very day of signing it never was the intention of the Egyptian signatory to adhere to the agreement. Immediately thereafter he began his violation as is known to all!

The verse continues: ‘he forgot him afterwards’. Even after he saw how the Jews kept their side of the agreement down to the finest detail, generously giving Egypt broad territories, Egypt continued to violate her side of the agreement to the extent of penetrating Israel with terrorists from her border! Before they returned the territories to Egypt (as agreed at Camp David) the Egyptian border was several hundred miles from Jewish settlements. From this distance they were unable to send in terrorists to cause harm G-d forbid to Jewish settlements. When however the government of Israel returned to Egypt these buffer zones, they brought the Egyptian border close up to Jewish settlements creating an immediate security danger.

When they ask the Egyptian minister to explain: “Why do you not honour the agreement upon which you signed?” he has the reply ready at hand: “In your Torah it is written: ‘Do not turn to the arrogant, do not put your trust in Egypt’. You yourselves were the cause of all this - you placed your trust in Egypt!” As we have spoken of in the past, all of this comes from an inferiority complex before the gentile. They trust him and wish to find favour in his eyes! Even after they see the results of this conduct – all unanimously agree the serious mistake at Camp David, they gave back everything in return for nothing: instead of learning from past mistakes and changing future conduct, they continue down the same path!

If they already speak of a committee of investigation, they need to investigate those guilty with this serious misdemeanour perpetrated by the signing of the Camp David agreements. Ministers must be toppled. The main point is: who should replace these men that this mistake not be repeated? “A man who will put his trust in G-d and not turn to the arrogant!” A Jew who trusts in G-d and conducts himself in accord with the guidelines of Torah!

(From a public address Parshas Vayeshev 1983)

The Shomron

Parshas Ki Sovo, 18th September 2005

In the Talmudic tractate of Sotah, the Mishna ( Chapter 7, mishna 5 ) states: “When the Jewish People crossed the Jordan River and arrived at Mount Grizim and Mount Ebal in the Shomron, etc. (The Mishna continues to describe the epic event whereby six of the legions of Israel ascended Mount Grizim and the other six legions ascended the facing Mount Ebal. The Priests and Levites (together with the Holy Ark) who remained in the valley between then turned towards Mount Grizim and uttered great blessings, to which the entire Jewish People responded Amen, etc).

Thereby does the Mishna lay down the ruling that both Mount Grizim and Mount Ebal are connected with the Shomron. Now since this a clear Mishnaic decision, we have a principle “one (a judge) who makes a mistaken ruling on a theme brought in a Mishna, the ruling is to be annulled, (and the case must be retried) since on such an explicit law a mistake is unacceptable.

On this basis it clearly understood that there remains no room to dispute the fact that the Shomron is part of the Land of Israel, and cannot be relinquished; not to Arabs, Americans, nor to any of the seventy nations, since this is within the exclusive ownership of the Jewish People.

And even more: The very blessings of the land of Israel are dependent upon the mountains of Grizim and Ebal. It is no insignificant fact that G-d gave His Blessings on a mountain merely because this was a lofty spot. Rather, it is a matter of absolute certainty there is an inner connection between G-d’s Blessings to the entire Land emanating specifically from Mount Grizim.

Thereby does the Mishna state its ruling: “Mount Grizim and Mount Ebal are in the Shomron”. From here it is evident that Mount Grizim and Mount Ebal are the source of blessing for the entire Land of Israel. Further: the Mishna states that these were in the Shomron: it is thereby clear that the Shomron hold the balance of the entire Land of Israel. ( From a public address Shabbos Re-ei, 1977)

Temple Mount, Cave of Machpela Registered in Name of Gentiles

We find ourselves now at the time of the end of the Exile. We hear the footsteps of Moshiach. From time to time there are occurrences which remind us of this. These events are not accidental, rather by Divine Providence to awaken Jewish People that they be purer, be better off, and not, G-d forbid to the contrary. Very recently several new occurrences took place into which of us can contemplate and find many pointers from which to learn. I will consider two points which are relevant both generally and specifically. The teaching of the Bal Shem Tov is well known: Whatever a Jew sees or hears has within it a message in his service to his Creator. Certainly when he sees a happening of a more general nature not just relevant to himself or to a small number of Jewish people but to a great number. Then certainly this is a wider message. Not always does one expose all happenings that take place because this may well cause pain to Jewish people. We see however that a matter of shocking proportions has turned sour. And the situation remains status quo even though there are those in the government who make out as if they know nothing.

Until this very day it remains registered in official documents that the legal owner over the old city of Jerusalem, over the Temple Mount is a gentile. (These locations remains sacred since we have a ruling that holiness maintains in its place into the future and can never become nullified as Maimonidies writes - the Shechina does not become null and this remains the Halachic ruling). They know who this is and offer tacit agreement until this very day. No-one wishes to get involved. Rather, they silence the entire matter. The same remains true of the Cave of Machpela with the surrounding area. Official documents record these belong to a Gentile! This runs contrary to (not just to love of Israel) but to the love of justice and honesty!
Simply said, just as they took over many locations for security reasons and paid for them in a manner of pleasantness and peace. Similarly they could have done this regarding the place of our Temple and the Cave of Machpela. Regardless, this status quo remains until this very day. The agents of which we spoke are who are responsible make out as if they know of nothing, in spite of the fact that the matter is public knowledge.

Elijah the Prophet called out at Mount Carmel to the Jews who served idols: “ How long will you continue to waver between two opinions?” If you wish to choose a specific path – make the choice! “If the Master is G-d – go after Him”, but don’t waver between two views. In one respect this is much worse than idol worship.

The main point is that in this instance they are not even wavering between two views. Immediately after the military powers of Israel conquered Jerusalem and Hebron, they already knew that there is an official paper from the time of the Turkish occupation in which documents unjustifiably and incorrectly that the Temple Mount and the Cave of Machpela belong to a gentile. This Arab did not make a purchase! (for 400 silver shekels as did Abraham our Patriarch). Regardless, they left the documents of ownership as it was.

(From a public address 13 Tishrei 1977)

Will there be a renewal of war in the region?

Parshas Ki Setze, 12th September 2005

(Interview with Ron Pekar 1975, Kfar Chabad Magazine no. 659)

Ron: “What is the view of the Rebbe on the new arrangement with Egypt?”

The Rebbe: “The arrangement is not good. It is forbidden to return the oil wells in Abu Rhodes. This was a mistake. Oil wells are not merely a piece of desert. It is impossible to store oil. Oil is liquid, impossible to compress it as is possible to do with other raw materials. Only army commanders are able and eligible to determine what can be returned. Politicians have no understanding in the matter. And if (they will not take this approach), they will need to go to war over this again. They have no right to decide what to return. The arrangement is a piece of paper with no value. Only the facts on the ground are of value. Where has it ever been heard of, that a country that has been victorious in battle begs and offers the enemy to take back the territories?”

Ron: “Is it the view of the Rebbe that the enemy is strong?”

The Rebbe: “Negative. The Arab armies are not organised. They have the quantity but insufficient quality. If Syria will go to war, Egypt will come to her aid. We should not be at peace with ourselves over this matter. We will yet be pained that we returned the oil wells.”

Ron: “Will there be renewed war in the region?”

The Rebbe: “The moment the Arabs are able, they will attack. They (The Israel Defence Force) should have gone for Cairo and Damascus. Why did you not do so? They should have done this even without the ok of the government. This is a time of emergency. This was a moral obligation to continue (the war) and attack the capital cities. Why did Arik Sharon not continue into Cairo? He was a mere 100 kilometres away! He is just telling stories that he was short of gasoline! On the path there was sufficient Egyptian gasoline designated for the Egyptian military powers and he could have made use of this.”

The Rebbe asked me: “Have you ever flown over Cairo?” After I answered to the affirmative and I described to the Rebbe a little how the city appears, the Rebbe did not release me for several minutes, charging: “Why did you not take airforce jets and conquer Cairo? Why did you not surprise them? Had you taken them by surprise then (their advantage) in numbers would have played no role. If however you give them the opportunity to take off first, only then do numbers come into play. The airforce should have flown directly to Cairo and would have conquered it even in a short time span.

Then, everything would be different!”

Jewish people contend: “We are thieves. We stole the Land!”

Parshas Shoftim, 6th September 2005

At the beginning of his commentary on the Torah Rashi opens with the words: ‘Rabbi Yitzchok says the Torah need not have begun in this way… Why then does the Torah begin with the account of creation?’ The response is in a verse of Psalms (111.6) ‘He makes known to His People the might of His hand in giving to them the inheritance of Nations (the Land of Israel)’. When the Nations of the world will say to Israel: “You are thieves..... You conquered the Lands of the Seven (Canaanite) Nations”. They (the Jewish people) should respond: “The entire world belongs to G-d. It was He who created it and gave it to whom He saw fit. According to His will did He give it to them, and according to His Will did He take it from them and give it to us”.

Rashi quotes “He makes known to His people the might of His hand in giving them the inheritance of Nations” (a message to His People). At this point we are not yet speaking of any contention of Gentiles. But rather to a situation whereby there are Jewish people who will come and argue (even before the conquest of the Land of Israel), “how was it that G-d permitted that we conquer the land of Israel - it belongs to the Nations!” The response: He shows the might of His creation to His people. The Land of Israel (and indeed the entire world) is an act of creation by G-d. He is Master over the Land of Israel given as (at a point in time) an inheritance to the nations. Therefore He is entitled to subsequently grant it to the Jewish People.

Rashi continues his comment: “If the Nations will contend”. Here there arises a difficulty. We can readily understand that before the conquest of Eretz Israel there is a need to explain how could the conquest of the Land of Israel take place? It belonged to the Nations! But after the conquest - what need is there for this explanation? Rashi explains that it is quite conceivable that Gentiles will come with a claim against the Jewish Nation – you are thieves! How do you justify holding on to the Land of Israel? Therefore, in order to respond to the Gentile, the Torah opens with the account of the Creation to tell him that it was G-d who created the Land and therefore “with His will did He initially give it to them, and subsequently it was with His will that He took it from them and gave it to us.

There remains a wonder: How do we know that a Jew is obliged to respond to a Gentile to his accusation “you are thieves!” The answer lies in the name Rabbi Yitzchok. In tractate Brachos (7.2) Rabbi Yitzchok says that when things are going well for the Gentile it is forbidden to taunt or provoke him. One should take note of him and not be overwhelmed when he comes with a storm of contentions. When however the Gentile accuses - you are thieves, this very same Rabbi Yitzchok quoted by Rashi states that here the verse stipulates that you are obliged to respond to the Gentile with the greatest force! Because only then will all claims become null and void.

(From a public talk dated Shabbos Parshas Bereshis, 1971)

Annex the Territories to The State of Israel!

Parshas Re’eh, 1st September 2005

(From an interview of Mr. Pinchas Peli with the Rebbe, from ‘The Rebbe, Thirty Years of Leadership’ p 122)

The whole package of problems with which we are struggling are all bound together in one combined source: concern of (what) the nations (will say). The problems of Jewish spiritual leadership; also of the Orthodox; both in the Golah and in Eretz Israel; the burning problems of American Jewry with new events unravelling; the problems of the territories in Eretz Israel - all of these flow from a lack of a clear and fortified Jewish independent stand vis a vis the Gentile.

Regarding the problems of the territories, the view of the Rebbe is clear. We must strengthen the territories and annex them to the State of Israel regardless of all of the problems which such an annexation will bring with it. However the reasoning of the Rebbe regarding such a stand is far different from the reasoning of the people who belong to ‘The movement for the Greater Land of Israel’. As far as the Rebbe is concerned, their motives are neither mystical nor visionary, but quite straight-forward: this is the way of the world; the conquerer conquers and takes control and is not concerned with what others say.

(The Rebbe’s view is as follows) No man would have considered the return of the territories had Israeli statesmen not spoken of this first. True, one million Arabs within the boundaries of the state are likely to be a problem. However the Rebbe asks: ‘What would be ‘the best alternative’ to holding on to the territories? An Arab or Jordanian State, independent or federal, in which there would be 1.5 million harmful Arabs?
Would it be better to have 1.5 million Arabs in their own country a firing shot away from the cities and villages of the Jewish State, rather than to have one million Arabs subject to the scrutiny of the State within her borders, with all the problems which this would create?

According to the view of the Rebbe, we have here (in our retreat and assisting to establish a palestinian state) a severe threat to Jewish lives. The Halachic ruling (that to do so is absolutly forbidden) is clear. Had the State of Israel made this (the annexation) a fact on the ground both in Jerusalem and the territories immediately after the conquest no-one would have raised their voice in protest. Now that we have shown our weakness the Arabs and our enemies raise their voice of protest over every stone that is moved in Jerusalem. All of this has befallen us because we want to find favour in the eyes of others.

The Government of Israel Will Stand on the Side of the Arabs

Parshas Re’eh, 28th August 2005

(Interview of Mr. Ariel Sharon with the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Recorded in the Kfar Chabad Magazine issue 684)

“The Rebbe always amazed me on subjects that I never anticipated would happen. For example with his descriptions of military defence: of how to defend the Suez Canal and Sinai. At that time I was battling by the Bar-Lev line because I saw the danger in the coming days. And in the framework of the battle I also publicised the letters which the Rebbe sent to me regarding the line. In these letters the Rebbe analysed the dangers from a defence point of view of setting up such a line, and he anticipated the catastrophes which would befall us in its wake. It is to my pain that all the vision of which the Rebbe wrote there came true in the fullest sense!”

“At a different meeting I spoke to the Rebbe regarding settling the Old City of Jerusalem and Hebron. The Rebbe said to me words that sounded at that time so far from reality. He said that very serious things would take place at these places in the future. And added that in his opinion, the day will come when the Government of Israel will oppose Jewish People from settling there, and will stand on the right hand side of the Arabs in the strife between them and Jewish People.”

“This talk took place about twenty six years ago. The words of the Rebbe at that time were so absolutely unreasonable and outside the realm of reality. And yet, behold, we see what distant vision he had! We see what is taking place before our very eyes!”

G-d blows His Great Shofar and Announces His Eternal Nation

Parshas Eikev, 22ndth August 2005

(Interview with Yosef ben Eliezer, one week after the Six Day War)

After shaking hands with greetings of peace the Rebbe turned to me and said: ‘This is a great and auspicious time for the Nation of Israel. The Jewish People are accustomed to miracles throughout the great length of their history. Her entire existence is one single chain of miracles. However only on a few occasions are these miracles shown by G-d to the entire world. It is as if He blows His great shofar and announces His eternal Nation, the Jewish people. This is how it was with the Exodus from Egypt and on a few occasions, and last week. There are periods when G-d, as if to say, conceals His face from His children. However there are moments when His graciousness and miracles are publicised most openly. G-d gave the Land of Israel to the People of Israel. For a great length of time He took away from us the Land and gave it to the nations of the world. This last week He took it back from them and gave it to the Jewish People. And in order that there be no uncertainty that it was G-d alone who gave it to us - this was bound up with great miracles. At a time when all the enemies of Israel plotted to obliterate the Jewish Nation in the Land of Israel; when the entire world and Jewish People were fearful and concerned how would Israel be saved, encircled from all sides with enemies intent to destroy her. G-d show miracles and wonders. In the space of a short time defeated her enemies and gave her the most sacred of our places.

However Jews have freedom of choice and on two counts do they now need to stand on their guard. Firstly not to state that it was ‘our own power and strength of our hand’. Not to pride themselves with the power of their army that brought the victory. This was no more than a small instrument within nature. The miraculous victory was from G-d - from Him alone.

'Secondly,' the Rebbe continued ‘and this pertains to you and this is why I wished to speak to you. I recognise the nature of Jews and those who stand today at the head of the government of Israel. I am most concerned that in the forthcoming days they will swiftly send a delegation to Washington stating their preparedness to return the conquered territories. They do not understand that it was not they who conquered any territory. Rather s.it was G-d who gave them this as a great gift with great miracles the Land which rightfully belongs to them. This must be prevented at all costs.’
With courage I asked: ‘Rebbe, how do I enter the picture?’ ‘You meet up with Israelis who who come to the UN, with the Israel Ambassador, etc. It appears that you have entrée to the State Department, you sense what is happening. When you come across the weak spirit of Israel representatives, repeat the words which you heard here with utmost strength.’

The Rebbe turned to me in a voice laden with emotion, with almost a stormy soul: ‘If the Israelis ask you, how can you be so sure? On what basis do you know what is good for Israel, and what is not good? Tell them, about the only son, whose parents were fearful for his welbeing and wished to bring him back here to the USA; and it was from this room that he was assured, as were many thousands more, that there is nothing to fear and certainly it will be well. And on what basis were they assured from this room? On the basis that there is a Creator and Master of the World who decided to give as a gift the Land of Israel to the People of Israel. When the Creator of the World gives us a gift, we must hold it precious, guard it, and not search for ways to rid ourselves of it!

Israel’s reliance on the USA brings severe misfortune

Parshas Va'eschanan 15th August 2005

The Talmud (tractate Shabbos 33.2) relates that Rabbi Yehuda, Rabbi Yossi and Rabbi Shimon were once seated together, and with them was Yehuda ben Gerim. Rabbi Yehuda opened the debate and stated: ‘how praiseworthy are the works of this nation (the Romans). They have built market places, bridges, and bathhouses’. Rabbi Yossi remained silent. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai responded and said: ‘All that they have built has been for their own benefit. They built markets for women of ill repute; bathhouses to pamper themselves; bridges in order to exact taxes’. Yehuda ben Gerim left and repeated their discussion, which came to the attention of the Roman Empire. The authorities announced: ‘Yehuda who promoted, shall be promoted, Yossi who was silent shall be exiled to Zippori, Shimon who disparaged shall be killed. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was forced to be a fugitive and remain concealed in a cavern. Why does the Talmud relate this introduction to Rabbi Shimon’s words which resulted in his having to remain concealed? We have here a teaching how the Rashbi related to the acts of the nations, and the kind of tribulations which result from relying on the ‘kindness of the nations (which is) a sin’.

As in those days, so it is in our time. All of the anguish which exists today is because there has been ongoing for many years a dismissal that there is nothing to fear from all the Arabs who want to exterminate us. Amongst the gentiles, they believe, are our ‘good friends’ in Washington who will not permit even one Arab to harm Israel, as our Sages have stated: ‘we have a sister in the Palace’. This makes no sense. There are eighty million Arabs haters of the Jewish Nation who rise to annihilate us. Regardless, there are those (the government of Israel) who argue there is nothing to fear. Not because they are reliant on G-d, but because they rely on a gentile in Washington who, they believe, will do all within his power not to permit harm to Israel. They do not pray to G-d to guard us. The only act, which they do perform, is to flatter the gentile so that he will agree to help and they are sure that this gentile will sacrifice his life to save the Jews. Israel relies on the USA who, they believe, will intervene at all costs, and therefore Israel does everything to find favour in her eyes.

The reason for this is as the Talmud states, ‘one who faults others does so with the same fault’. Jews fall before and flatter gentiles to such an extent, that when they see a gentile they beg him to go to the Holy-land and assure him that they will register him as a Jew. He anticipates that the gentile will conduct himself with him to the extent of self-sacrifice. However their reliance is with closed eyes. An entire calamity is unfolding. They have forgotten that the gentile is no more that an axe in the hands of the quarryman (Zohar Bereishis 36.1) which can do no more than it is commanded. They look to find favour in the eyes of the axe. This is totally mindless!
This is the cause for all the troubles. The gentile does as he pleases with no consideration of the good for the Jews. They call this ‘independence’, having the freedom to do as they please. Yet never has there been such a situation of such reliance on the nations as now. This is where it has brought them – all those that argue that they are independent – to their conduct in running after and (begging) the nations!

(From a public discourse Parshas Emor 1974)

The Rebbe declares his warning

From the Talmud we learn how Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai related to the actions of the Gentiles. His argument was that one must not be naive. When we see a non-Jew doing good, building bridges and the like, one must realise that they built these for their own benefit in order to raise taxes. The Rashbi knew that since we are in exile we need to move and make efforts with the nations that they contribute to our welfare. The Talmud states that when there was a need to annul a decree, the Rashbi himself journeyed to Rome to make the efforts to bring about its annulment. The Rashbi knew that Jewish people are reliant on G-d. Nevertheless he knew that it is the intention of G-d that we take natural precautions. If however this would not help, the Rashbi was prepared to undertake to use powers beyond the natural.

The Talmud relates that when the Emperor of Rome refused to annul the decree the Rashbi brought down an angel. When this also did not help, he went so far as to bring down a demon. In the first instance it is the desire of G-d that we operate in the natural way. If this does not help, other avenues are available…

This is a message for our time. There are times when it is appropriate to travel to Washington as the Rashbi journeyed to Rome to make the effort with the Emperor Yet at this time it is vital that the ambassador be seen as a faithful Jew who conducts himself according to Torah and Mitzvos.

If the gentile will ask, ‘you believe in G-d, you can even bring down an angel or demon, why do you need my help?’ To this, one replies: ‘since the Jewish People are in Exile, it is the will of G-d that we act in a natural way, (this is why we pray for the peace of the country).’

However, if the natural approach does not help, we will bring down a demon, and he will do what has to be done, exactly as done by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, since we walk with the power of Torah.
The gentile continues to ask: ‘Are you really in exile? You find yourselves in the Land of Israel of which it is written in Scriptures, ‘Continuously do eyes of G-d gaze towards her (the Land of Israel) from the beginning of the year till the end of the year’?

To which the Jew replies: ‘on the contrary, there in the Land of Israel the exile is far more severe. There, there is a Jew who considers that since he is Minister, he can do whatever he pleases.’
(From a public discourse Shabbos Parshas Emor 1974)

The Rebbe on the expulsion from Yamit

B”H Parshas Dvorim, 8th August 2005

Visit of the Gaon Rabbi Eliezer Yalles second day Chol Hamoed Pesach 1982 (part 2)

Israel declares: ‘Peace!’ The Arabs declare: ‘War!’

The Rebbe: “I never did understand the words of the Talmud: ‘the plaintiff claims: (it is) ‘wheat’, and the defendant responds: (it is) ‘barley’.

At this time we see this openly: They (the Government of Israel) remonstrate that this is (a step towards) peace, stating that after this they will make peace with the rest of the Arab Nations…

Their agreement was that after the returning of the territories (Sinai) no (Egyptian) soldiers will be stationed there. The facts on the ground are that within twenty-four hours they (the Egyptians) brought in soldiers, and when they (Israel) asked them, what’s going on? – they responded, 'they (the stationed soldiers) are in civilian clothing.' This response was given to (Israeli) officers, men of intelligence, whereas in reality this answer is appropriate for small children……..

Thereafter the Egyptians travel to the USA and ask for Mirages and demand that they be given arms in greater supply than Israel is receiving. When they (the Israelis) ask them (the Egyptians) ‘are we not at peace, why do you need weapons of war?’ They respond: ‘we need these for war against Libya’.

All of this shows that the situation is terrifying!

Automatically after the handing over of Yamit the Arabs are drawing 10 kilometers closer to Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak and to Kfar Chabad.

Some weeks ago Begin expressed wonder that we are alarmed regarding Yamit since Yamit never was part of Eretz Israel.

But, as I have emphasized, the matter at hand is not an issue of the sanctity of Land. We are discussing actual threat to life!! This is an explicit Halachic ruling it is forbidden to hand over these territories! Furthermore, when the issue is one of a threat to life, our Sages state this if there is a delay by the Rabbinical authority in not taking the initiative in publicizing the danger, they earn the title of ‘shameful’, and more so; the Rabbi himself is deemed to have shed the blood!”

The Rebbe on the expulsion from Yamit

B”H Parshas Mas’ai

Visit of the Gaon Rabbi Eliezer Yalles second day Chol Hamoed Pesach 1982 (Part 1)

The Rebbe: ………… “At this moment we are talking of a life-threatening issue. Anything connected with a life-threatening situation has a clear halachic ruling: even where the opposing side is demanding no more than stubble and straw for their animals, since thereby the ‘land will be opened up before them’, there is a clear ruling: one must desecrate the Shabbos, go out to war fully armed against them. This law is brought in the Talmud relating to the city of Nehardo’oh (present day Iraq). At that time there were settlements of Jews living there, and the halachic decision is that it is imperative to desecrate the Shabbos, and go out armed, in order to prevent the land being opened up to the enemy.”

HaRav Yalles: “Why is there such a storm of protest (from the Rebbe) with regard to the return of Yamit? One can understand the objection to the return of oil wells and its landmass (Sinai) because this is a security matter.”

The Rebbe: “In Yamit there live Jewish People exactly as there did in Nehardo’oh which was outside of the land of Israel, where there were both Jewish and non-Jewish people. The same law would apply to Brooklyn. If G-d forbid a nation were to demand stubble and straw the law states there would be the obligation to go out against them armed even on Shabbos! Here we are speaking of Yamit whose residents are exclusively Jewish. It is the intention (of the government of Israel) to drive out the Jewish people from there and to give the city to Egypt, at a time when the Egyptians are stating in no uncertain terms that their intention is not just for straw but to get a hold into the infrastructure of the land (of Israel)! I am not speaking about the sanctity of the Land.”

“The problem with Yamit is that this is a threat to the lives of three million Jews, may it never happen! They (the government of Israel) argue that this is an issue of peace. Have you ever seen something like this before? Two countries are making peace between themselves. One side gives everything, whilst the other side gives nothing in return. Not that they are giving insufficient; they are giving nothing whatsoever! The only gain is that one will be able to travel to see the pyramids. Have you ever seen such a great achievement in your life? They (the Egyptians) have no intention of peace at all. What has happened is that after warring for tens of years without succeeding to gain territories, they decided to take the territories through ‘peace’ in the very same agreement which was signed at Camp David by Begin himself that within five years Israel is obliged to arrive at an agreement with the palestinians?! Those (in the Israel government) who argue that the issue is about peace take upon themselves the responsibility for the security of three million Jewish People!”

“Especially those (religious Knesset members) who link this (agreement) with Torah, because they will thereby get a few more dollars for their yeshiva…..”

When Rabbi Yalles attempted to defend this matter, the Rebbe remarked: “HaRav Yalles! You are a Cohen and therefore wish to find merit. But these are exactly the facts of the situation!”

A Clear and Precise Prophecy by the Lubavitcher Rebbe

B”H Parshas Masai, 3rd August 2005

In August 1968 one year and four months after the Six-Day War Mr Tzvi Caspi was appointed Consul of Jewish Affairs in New York. One month after accepting this post he received a telegram from the assistant Prime Minister of Israel Mr Yigal Alon. The telegram stated: ‘Meet with the Lubavitcher Rebbe and request of him in the name of the Government of Israel as follows: 1) He should instruct Chabad Chassidim to settle in Hebron. 2) He should come out with a call to his Chassidim to settle the Land (of Israel).’

Mr. Caspi until this very day is moved by the words of prophecy he heard from the Rebbe in response to his appeal. He was received in audience with the Lubavitcher Rebbe at 12 midnight. The Rebbe studied the telegram and responded as follows:

"Chabad has legal rights to properties in the streets of Hebron, yet you are not recommending that we settle within Hebron. Instead you will do in Hebron the same as you did in Nazereth. You will set up another Nazareth Illit (an outlying area for Jewish People to settle there). You will leave the Arabs in the city (of Hebron) as you did in Nazareth, and for the Jewish people you will add something".

The idea of establishing (the outlying area of) Kiryat Arba had not yet been thought of at that time, yet the Rebbe stated explicitly prophetic words. If I am not mistaken, the Rebbe even stated the future name of the settlement to be set up near Hebron –‘Kiryat Arba’. He spoke of a Jewish settlement by the edge of Hebron and argued forcibly that it would be a blunder to do this! Further into our discussion the Rebbe stated (with regard that which had been done in Nazareth and would in the future be done in Hebron): "You made a grave mistake. These murderers raise a white flag (expressing submission by waving a white flag) and you allowed them to stay! Why were you afraid? Terrible fear and trepidation befell them when you went out to war against them, why did you not allow them to flee? You were afraid that the world would have what to say against you? – The world is full of refugees!"

The Rebbe concluded that this is a mistake and added in a painful tone: "This is a serious mistake, you will pay dearly for this. You made no offer that we settle in Hebron, but to live outside of Hebron as you did in Nazareth".

(Originally printed in the Kfar Chabad magazine issue 635)

Security Authorities have determined: It is forbidden to hand over territories!

B”H Parshas Mattos, 29th July 2005

It is brought in the code of Jewish Law that in a situation of uncertain threat to life, even if only to one Jewish life and certainly to thousands and tens of thousands; a fortiori where this is a definite threat to life, the law is clear. Even if the opposing side is approaching for no more than straw and fodder – it is forbidden to relinquish territory or land space. Certainly when their intent is more insidious than a mere request for straw and fodder.

There are such people who justify the handing over of territories by distorting the true interpretation and by saying that in order to save lives it is imperative to hand over land or give the reason of the talmudic ‘three vows’. By permitting the handing over of land whether for these or other interpretations, it is not just that they are ‘playing’ with the words of Maimonidies. Rather this is an issue of a real threat to the lives of the Jewish People, may this never happen!

They base their view on the decision given out by Rabbi…… who decided to permit relinquishing land since he claims that there are experts who say that for the sake of saving lives one must give up land. I have never seen this halachic response. It is a matter of shock to even believe that there can be such a reply. This view must be negated. Factually, when the delegation arrived at Camp David they once again asked the opinion of high [U.S.] military experts (who at present serve in the army). Every one without exception responded in one united voice, that if they will relinquish any one of the territories, may G-d protect us, this will create a life-threatening situation to all of the Jewish people in Eretz Israel! The (government of Israel) knew who said this and when: after the (Israel) delegation travelled to Washington (offering to relinquish all captured territories), knowing which territories the Arabs wanted, and after comprehending the autonomy program in all its detail. The experts concluded: This threatens the lives of all Jewish People living in Eretz Israel.

However, the (U.S.) military expert could not openly state this, because the high-standing of his duty forbade him to make such a statement. He is bound to follow orders. Yet when he was asked in a private capacity in such a way that he can rely on not be quoted, he responded that the relinquishing of territories is absolutely life threatening. As one army officer who is versed in Torah study expressed himself from a military viewpoint and of saving life, the agreement (to relinquish) is one (of a servant going free with the loss of his teeth and eye) - of great military disadvantage, and he brought many proofs. Furthermore, an additional military man stated that from the point of view of threat to life this represents a clear open threat with no doubt whatsoever.
If regardless of all the above there is a Rabbi who is so convinced that in order to save lives one must give up specific land; since it is possible that he was misled, bearing in mind that this is an issue regarding endangered lives, he has the option to call into his room a security expert and ask his opinion regarding this. He will hear from him that which has already been heard from so many security experts: relinquishing land endangers the lives of every single Jewish person living in Eretz Israel!
(From a public address Motzoi Shabbos Ha-azinu 1979)

With determined power dread of the Jews fell upon them

B”H Parshas Mattos, 26th July 2005

We will recount an event which has just taken place. We see from here, that when a Jew walks with his Judaism with determination, he has nothing to fear. To the contrary not one was harmed. Information of this story has just reached us from the Holy-Land. Before the festival of Purim a convoy of emissaries went out to soldiers stationed in Shechem who have the merit to protect Jews living in the Holy-Land. Lately there have been disturbances so they were accompanied by a driver and several soldiers. As they approached the town, they saw from a distance a barricade of wood and rocks blocking the road. This barrier had been set up by Arabs who were averse to further Jews and soldiers reaching Shechem and its surrounding area. Those travelling in the car realised that this was not just a blockade of rocks but there were people there - Arabs. When the driver saw this he thought: ‘why should I endanger lives and undertake the responsibility of the emissaries bringing gifts of festive food to the soldiers? Let them do this another time rather than put themselves in danger, breach the barrier and provoke the Arabs standing nearby!’

However, the emissaries stated with simple faith that they have a mission to encourage and bring joy to Jewish people on the festival of Purim, to tell the soldiers (the story of Megillas Esther) ‘the Jews had light, joy, happiness and dignity’. And we will have the same now not just in one place but in one hundred and twenty seven countries throughout the world. Therefore, we must take no account of the barricade of wood, stones and earth even if there are Arabs there, because they have no freedom of choice (to harm us). Certainly, the emissaries argued, when one does an act of good to bring joy to Jewish people, no bad will befall us. They convinced the driver and the soldiers accompanying them that they have nothing to fear, rather they should continue travelling forward. And lo, they broke through the barricade! The Arabs began throwing rocks and the soldiers were forced to fire at the Arabs to shock them. Actually no one was harmed neither Jew nor Arab. The emissaries reached the soldiers and there followed a joyous Chassidic gathering as is befitting Purim, and returned to the Holy City of Jerusalem healthy and well.

This is, as we said a story which happened this Purim which we are obliged to take as a model and instruction: to disregard obstacles and difficulties both from still life - rocks, growing – wood, and human (who have however no freedom of will). A Jew is on a G-d sent mission to bring joy to another Jew and to himself with the joy of a mitzva, of Purim, together with the light of Torah, the dignity of Tefillin. They put on Tefillin with all the soldiers (for some reason they had not put on Tefillin that day) and there really was light, joy, happiness and dignity. This success took place precisely because they went with the force of Torah, with no fear. All barriers became null and void whether of rocks or of people.

Now with this determined power, the dread of the Jewish People will once again fall upon them. G-d assures us: ‘I will give peace unto the land’. Shalom - peace, also from the grammatical root, shleimus – complete, meaning the complete Land, together with all the Jewish People intact bound up with the complete Torah. And from here we will achieve the complete Land to include Shechem, Hebron, and the Ancient City of Jerusalem.
(From a public talk Purim 1976)

The Decision of Rabbis of Israel will annul the decision of Nations concerning Eretz Israel

B”H Parshas Pinchas, 21st July 2005

Any act by Jewish People performed with Torah and Mitzvos has a ripple effect throughout the world. We have a situation that ‘the nations storm and plot’, one must not be intimidated. It will come to naught. The prophet Isaiah assures us ‘the plans which they formulate will be annulled, their speeches will not come to fruition, for G-d is with us’. Nothing which G-d created in this world is for naught. Information that comes our way is intended for us that we increase in ‘the voice is the voice of Yaakov’ which will annul ‘the hands are hands of Esau’. We are bound to speak specifically of those matters being spoken at the gatherings of the Nations. When they choose to speak against G-d and His annointed one, we are duty-bound to speak of the greatness of G-d and His Moshiach. Furthermore, according to the interpretation that ‘annointed’ refers to cheder children, to speak of the value of a Jewish education.

So too, when they speak against the Land of Israel and the holy City of Jerusalem we must speak stormily, with feeling and strength – the Land of Israel belongs to the Nation of Israel with the Torah of Israel - an eternal inheritance to an eternal Nation!

Now since there are in this house of learning (770) many tens of Israel, ‘the Divine presence rests upon ten Souls of Israel’ (tractate Sanhedrin 39.1). All of the nations are no more than seventy – therefore seventy Rabbis should rise to their feet (representing all of Israel parallel to all seventy nations), and proclaim an Halachic Declaration with regard to The Integrity of the Land, of the Torah, and of the Jewish People (Mihu Yehudi). This should be an Halachic Declaration, and it will come to pass! As the Talmud states, one who pre-occupies himself with the laws of sacrifices is regarded as having offered a sacrifice. So also is it with those preoccupied with the Laws of the integrity of the Land, of Torah and the Nation of Israel. This is why we are discussing the nations’ doings and speaking. This could be considered a waste of precious time for Jewish People to study more Torah and perform more mitzvos. However we are obliged to speak (and thereby overwhelm) specifically these matters being spoken by the Nations.

This Halachic ruling will effect the Gentiles. The Midrash recounts an amazing story. Haman saw how Mordechai met some children returning from Cheder and asked them: ‘tell me a verse of your learning’. The children responded: ‘Do not fear sudden terror nor the destruction of the wicked when it comes. They will contrive a scheme but it willl be foiled; conspire a plot but it will not materialise, for G-d is with us. Till your old age I am with you; to your later years I will sustain you; I have made you and I will carry you. I will bear with you and I will deliver you’. This had its effect on Haman. Why was Haman so affected by three Jewish children? But this is a sign that when the truth is spoken from the Torah of truth, this will destroy even the likes of Haman. Certainly will this effect Jewish People. So too, when you will declare an Halachic injunction to retain the entire Land, this will effect the Nations. This may appear almost childish, nevertheless this is the message we have from this story. Here we have many tens, more than 70 Rabbis, ‘Who are the powerful Kings? – The Rabbis!’ (Tractate Gittin 62.1). 72 Rabbis (two to overwhelm Esau and Ishmael the two heads of the nations) should declare that the storming of the nations and their plans are Null and Void! The Jewish People have the eternal Covenant of the complete Land of Israel, the complete Torah and complete Nation of Israel. Then all will be nullified. All will see that this is a mirage. A Rabbi should stand up and speak of the Land of Israel belonging exclusively to the Jewish People. Thereafter the remaining 71 Rabbis should voice their agreement , and all those assembled respond Amen, Amen!

The point is, all of Eretz Israel belongs to every Jew and all the Jewish People. No-one can change this: neither gentile, nor Jew! And so it shall be ‘The word of our G-d will stand for ever’. May it be the Will of G-d immediately there will be fulfilled: ‘I believe’, ‘I wait for his coming daily’, the true and complete redemption immediately NOW!

Public address Yud Shvat 1976

Just take a stand! Don’t kneel or bow down!

B”H Parshas Pinchas, 18th July 2005

There is a clear guideline to be learnt from the leadership of Mordechai (not to compromise our principles of faith) ‘as in those days - for our time;’ we take a firm stand ‘not to kneel or bow down’. And this must stand true not only in a synagogue or house of learning, but openly even at the gate of the king. Even in the presence of Haman, knowing full well his demand that all the servants of the king are obliged to kneel and bow down before him. ‘They had informed (Haman) the nationality of Mordechai (Book of Esther 3.2).’ Wherever Mordechai was, not only would he not serve the idol, but would deny its very existence. Even when told of the command of Haman who had paid the huge sum of 10,000 silver shekels, he responds: ‘since I am a Jew, I refuse to kneel or bow down.’ A Jew must say unequivocally today: ‘I belong to the People of Mordechai who has set the order of action before the eyes of the entire world’. Gentiles would never have initiated such a difficult path for a Jew to tread. The problem has arisen from (the Jewish People) themselves. G-d has in His world a Nation of wise and understanding people, beginning with heads of your legions down to wood choppers and water drawers. Amongst these are also those who are afraid and weak-hearted arguing ceaselessly: ‘don’t argue even with a minor nation, certainly not with a world power.’

How can the retention by the People of Israel of the Land of Israel be interpreted as ‘inflammatory’? Who is creating an argument here? The Jewish People are doing no more that retaining their G-d given Land!

We see clearly that the Gentiles themselves would be in agreement with the Jewish People’s presence in the Land of Israel were it not that they see that the Jewish people themselves conduct themselves (as the spies did in the land) ‘we saw ourselves as grasshoppers’, and therefore ‘that is how they regarded us’.

Just take a stand! Don’t kneel or bow down! See for yourselves that immediately ‘the fear of the Jews will befall them!’

However, this politician is afraid and of weak disposition. His interpretation (of one who takes this stand) is that this man is a fool who does not understand the world of politics. This man belongs to the yeshiva or house of study, to remain amongst Jews, not amongst cultured individuals, diplomats, world leaders! In his personal affairs this man conducts himself in a religious fashion and declares ‘there is a Master to the world’. Yet, he argues, since we live in exile, we need to conduct ourselves diplomatically. The leadership shown by a diplomat must be to speak untruthfully. The very essence of diplomacy is to convey the situation not as it is; and yet he must remain wary not to be caught out with a lie. No one must realise that the declarations are contrary to the truth. So that should he need to regret what he said, he can make an about-turn and say that he never ever said that; it was not he that wrote that; his intention was not this. So to become a successful diplomat needs considerable training.

(From a public talk dated Motzoi Shabbos Parshas Vayakhel Pikudei, 1979)

Fear of the Nations is holding back the Geula!

In this week’s Parsha Balak, we are told that the Jewish People already stood on the banks of the Jordan River. All that remained was only to cross the Jordan and enter into Eretz Israel. The very same is true of our time. We find ourselves at the final moments of the Exile, truly just before the Redemption. We must not be intimidated by the enticements and devious claims of the Nations and of Jews that we hold the Land intact. Due to perverse and dishonest reasoning they have not yet comprehended the truth, that the entire Land of Israel with all of her borders belongs to the entire Jewish People. Even according to international law, not one of them has the domination, the ability nor the right to enforce us to abandon parts of the Land of Israel.

If this Jew imagines that by hiding the truth (regarding the connection of Eretz Israel to the Jewish People) he is fooling anybody, he should know that aside from himself he is not deceiving anyone. Already since the prophecy of Bilaam, the nations of the entire world know that in the end of days the Land of Israel will belong to the Jewish People. They see without doubt that we find ourselves already at ‘End of Days’ by G-d performing open miracle in the Holy-Land.

Had we merited, the Exile would have ended and the true and final Geula begun after the victory of the Six Day War. Since however we have not merited, there have come along men of timid hearts; fearful-ones, who have an inferiority complex vis-à-vis the nations. They immediately sent a delegation to Washington to inform them of their preparedness to give back the conquered territories because they do not want to incite the ‘gentile’ (USA) only to please them. This prevented the Redemption! In the meantime the multi-fold darkness of the Exile continues its path because these faint-hearted ones do not have the tenacity to hold on to the open gift G-d gave to them. They only have the strength to weaken the hearts of Jewish People as their own hearts are weak. G-d has bestowed to the Jewish people all the available strength. He has also given them the power to choose how to use these and not to be ashamed before those that mock. This was meant amongst Jewish People, how much more so not to be ashamed before Gentiles that mock. ‘The Gentiles storm and plot’ all of which will come ‘to naught’.

Instead they use these G-d-given powers to weaken other Jews! The fear of the Gentiles is the very factor which has prolonged this difficult and bitter Exile and the multi-fold darkness for so many years!

From a public address Motzoi Shabbos Parshas Balak 1978

Letter of the Lubavitcher Rebbe to Mr Ariel Sharon

B”H 18th Menachem Av 1970
Brooklyn NY

Mr Ariel Sharon, Peace and Blessing.

I hereby confirm with thanks receipt of your letter of 16th August. Due to the importance of the matter and its urgency I am hurrying to respond to you, specifically with respect to the end of your letter. In accord with our discussions which took place here, it is my opinion that your appropriate position is in the Israel Army; it is there, that with the help of G-d, you have been successful and will continue to be successful. This is in addition to the public benefit for the Jewish People - the Holy Nation, who dwell in Eretz Israel - the Holy Land; G-d has blessed you and made you successful in defending them with your aptitudes, your efforts and your energetic drive, etc. Therefore, as I spoke to you when you were here, it is most certainly that it is your duty to continue this service and role of high responsibility. It is my strong hope that even if the relationship of someone with yourself requires improvement and rectification for some reason; in the final analysis this itself shows your seriousness, sense of responsibility and devotion to your role to the extent that this is your very life. In accord with what we have said, my opinion is self understood that there is no reason G-d Forbid that you should turn to a different post, and absolutely not to the political scene, to neither a ministerial position nor the like. This is not your task. In this field you will not be able to utilise your talent and knowledge, but to the absolute contrary.

With respect to this, I wish that Mr. Ezer Weitzman would also not have left the army, in spite of the fact that according to what I hear he was insulted and promises to him were not kept, etc. etc. There is no reason that because someone wronged him he should take a step causing himself harm. His having left the army has caused harm to himself in addition to the deficiency caused to the army by not being able to utilise his knowledge and talents. These words remain true even if he were to remain in the government, how much more so as the matter has consequently unfolded.

It is not in my interest to interfere into matters of the army and the like. But should a simple soldier, with whom just a few months of military training has been invested, leave the army it would rightly be considered a serious crime. Is it therefore not bizarre that a General, with whom the highest military training, effort and money have been invested etc., is able to leave the army for his own private considerations? Is it not strange that that he may leave even when explicitly admitting that his reasons are of a personal nature and thereby causing a loss to the army and the general security situation?

These last remarks are spoken as if in parenthesis. However with regard to yourself, as we have written above, I have absolutely no shadow of doubt that your mission and success is specifically in the army. Especially now, that you are high ranking and essential for the security situation of the entire country. Of what significance is it that this involves some ill feeling or friction etc, bearing in mind the public benefit and protection of the nation.


All of the above is applicable even in the present situation. However, even though I am not a pessimist whatsoever, one must not hide from the present situation that if,
G-d Forbid this continues its natural course, the opposing side (Egypt) is strengthening and fortifying itself on the opposite bank of the Suez Canal. Most certainly, regardless of all diplomatic warnings, the enemy is utilising each day to gain strength, introducing the most effective weaponry, etc. There is no doubt that the USA will not be prepared to enter into a war with the USSR over this. To the demand and remonstrance – “how come you have not stood by your assurances?” (No-one ever believed that [Egypt] would not utilise the cease fire [for re-arming]; certainly no member of government neither of Israel nor the USA, nor the USSR etc., as we saw this happen three years ago, fourteen years ago, and on many previous occasions). They will continue to formulate counter arguments as much as possible, and then accept the status-quo as it will stand at the termination of the investigation. Throughout the dealings of conditions of a peace, after the opposing forces have become fortified, Israel will remain disadvantaged, since the security situation will have dramatically deteriorated as of the first day of cease-fire through until the final day of dealing over demands and conditions, etc.

I am concerned to state, and perhaps this is not really a matter of concern, but to the contrary – I have a sort of anticipation, that as it was at the outset of the Six Day War – the opposing side will make a senseless move which will force a breakdown to the cease fire. Then G-d will once again perform miracles and wonders in the space of a very short time after the breakdown of the cease-fire and (Israel) will renew a policy of acting in defence of herself. The only way to reach this will be to attack. (Israel) must activate all of her powers, NOT in a half-hearted manner as she has done until now, but activate a real defence system. Only then will there be hope of a permanent cease-fire and final peace. Not as in the present situation, as we have spoken above, which is a path leading directly to a renewal of warfare, may G-d protect us, with considerably worse conditions than those at the time of cease-fire.

I have written at length with regard to that which you wrote regarding my words (that Egypt is arming itself on the other side of) the Canal etc - are outdated. I am fearful that within a short space of time that which I did say will once again become the reality. I only wish that I should not be correct in my estimation but (it would prove to be) no more than a fabrication. Nevertheless in my opinion the way the wind of events are naturally unfolding, this appears not to be so.

I am pleased to have been informed that Mr. S.M. conveyed the presence of peace within your family and within his family. May it be the Will of G-d that finally we be informed of true peace in the Land. Certainly the path to this is not by exhibiting signs of weakness and preparedness to compromise and to offer great concessions as is now quoted and publicised in all the newspapers.

But to the absolute contrary. As the saying goes, if you really want peace you must show that you are prepared to enter the opposite (war) with all fortitude under conditions favourable to yourselves.

The Rebbe Demands: Protest! Resign! They Endanger Millions of Jewish Lives!

B”H Parshas Chukas, 3rd July 2005

Protest! (Private interview with Mr Moshe Ishon, 1970)

Many ask: What right do those who live in the United States have to state their opinion on matters pertaining to Eretz Israel. The Rebbe smiled, recognizing full well those who pose the question and object (to anyone offering a view), and fully acquainted with the newspaper articles written against the one who sits in Eastern Parkway (-the Rebbe, accusing the Rebbe) of wanting to spread his net of control over Jerusalem. The Rebbe was not at all surprised at the question and replied calmly: “Every Jew regardless of where he lives, owns a minimum of one square cubit of the Land of Israel. Every issue finds expression in Halacha. There is an halachic document known as a “Pruzbul” (enabling a creditor to gain the return of his loan inspite of the Shmitta, Seventh year) which, in order to be effective, has a legal proviso of ownership of a piece of land. Every Jew does in fact hold ownership of some land in Eretz Israel. Consequently any matter whatsoever which takes place in Eretz Israel is a matter pertaining to the entire Jewish People. Furthermore: every Jew has the right and indeed the obligation to state his concern whether they (the Israel Government) will or will not take any note”. After a moment’s thought, the Rebbe continued: “At first sight it would appear that a Jew has only the right to offer his opinion on his plot of ownership which is no more than the size of one square cubit. But this is not the case. Not only does he have the right to offer his opinion, but more so: By choosing to remain silent and not responding he thereby shoulders the responsibility of everything he knows that takes place there.”

Resign! (From a public broadcast Lag B'Omer 1970)

"There is nothing to be ashamed of to resign from the role of Member of Knesset. In order to prevent a Jew from being murdered it is worthwhile losing all public office. In the final analysis no man was born a government minister. There are only so many years that you have been voted in as minister; there is no shame in resigning. If he will not resign, this will be of no avail to him. Ultimately he will be thrown out from his ministerial post when it becomes clear that he is a man whose word cannot be relied upon. If he is capable of playing with the Shulchan Aruch, (if he is one who professes to believe and practice Torah and Mitzvos) – he is capable of playing with other things (Jewish lives!)."

They Endanger Millions of Jewish Lives! (Public address Parshas Behaloscha 1970)

"Someone wrote to me that there is now a new phrase in Eretz Israel – 'be killed and don’t let go'. There is a Jewish Law: 'be killed and don’t transgress'. I asked him: “What is the meaning of this?” “Why don’t you understand,” he replied, “let them be killed and don’t let go – they are prepared to do anything and everything, even to permit Jews to be killed. The main point is - don’t let go of their Knesset Seats.” In order to hold on to their Knesset Seats they are prepared to endanger two and a half million Jewish lives. G-d Save us. May it never happen!”

The Rebbe said with great passion: Egypt is preparing for War! (Part 2)

(Interview with newspaper reporter Yona Cohen, 1970, Kfar Chabad Magazine, # 484)

“Why do the leaders not learn the message,” asked the Rebbe, “from the results of the retreats in 1948 and in 1956? Why do they not understand that it is forbidden to agree to retreat from the territories?” When I mentioned ‘international guarantees’, the Rebbe replied that no intelligent person would agree to rely on Gentiles, certainly not on the assurances of Egypt or Russia who are solely concerned for their own interests. Only after two previous acts of bitter deception did the Six-Day War come. Finally when Israel recognised that the kindness of Nations is sinful, G-d came to their assistance. Everyone then recognised the Hand of G-d and His Wonders. Even the leftist groups openly spoke of this. It was only the charedim who refrained from speaking of this explicitly”.

“Now men of scant faith have arisen who want to reach peace with the Arabs, regardless of the fact that they continue to announce that their intention is the destruction of Israel. They continue to believe in the assurances and recommendations of the Gentiles. If they would only have agreed to peace talks, ok. But the Government of Israel has agreed to a cease-fire in Suez. So many Jewish soldiers fell in order to prevent Egypt from assembling their missile formations!” The Rebbe asked passionately – “how can one not understand that the cease-fire was needed by Egypt solely for war preparations, to strengthen her military standing along the Suez Canal, so that thereafter phantom jets will be of no avail. Every day they are advancing their lines of missile towards the Canal. The heads of government are beginning to say that the Cossack is acting inappropriately, he is deceiving us. Why don’t they say: OK let’s talk peace, but we will prevent Egypt from strengthening herself along the Suez Canal. After their army formations are improved, why should they make peace? Further war will break out and more sacrifices will fall. Why? What purpose does this serve? Can there be greater folly than this?”

At this point the Rebbe could no longer continue to speak. I saw tears of emotion and pain choking him. In a passionate voice he recounted the words of the Haftara in which the Prophet (Isaiah 50:2) says: “Why have I come (to give you warning) and there is no man (listening), I have cried out, and there is no response”.

The Rebbe expressed himself with sharp bitterness against the heads of the Government of Israel. “If today the heads of Government are unsure of their ability to withstand the Nations; if they are fearful and weak, it is better that they leave the task of leadership to others. The Torah metes out neither punishment nor lashes to one who is weak-hearted. Rather the Torah states: “Who is the man who is fearful and of weak heart, let him go and return to his house, and not melt the hearts of his brothers”

The Rebbe said with great passion: Egypt is preparing for War!

(Interview with newspaper reporter Yona Cohen, Kfar Chabad Magazine, # 484) Part 1

I asked the Rebbe regarding his strong opposition to the cease-fire which the Government of Israel has agreed with Egypt. The Rebbe replied that as far as he knows the higher echelons are concealing from government ministers the view of army-officers. If the latter would know the true conviction of the army, they would never agree to Egypt advancing their missiles and to the Government of Israel refraining from giving the order to the Israel Defence Forces to take counter action. The Rebbe confided with me a specific tactical manoeuvre, and asked me to hold this secret… this was connected to his recommendation how to respond to Egypt advancing clusters of weapons in the Sinai Desert. I kept my promise to the Rebbe, and I kept his words to me an absolute secret. Years went by, and I revealed his words to nobody. With the passing of years the essence of the matter flew out of my memory. What however I do remember is that our meeting took place after a visit to the Rebbe of a government minister who told the Rebbe that there is a fierce internal disagreement of how to retaliate. The Rebbe shared with me a specific tactic of reprisal. But even that which the Rebbe did choose to confide in me, he took extreme caution. Consequently it became clear that all of the Rebbe’s vision on the subject became painfully realised one hundred percent. More than this I am not able and I am not permitted to share with you. I asked the Rebbe if he knew that he was being investigated in Israel for his words of opposition to the cease-fire. The Rebbe responded that he is not intimidated by this investigation because of his words, because one who knows of great impending danger is forbidden to remain silent. The danger has materialised through the Israel Government-agreed cease-fire with Egypt. This is an immense danger which will, G-d forbid bring war. Apropos, the Rebbe told me in connection to the subject of surrendering land, that not only Israel Army experts see the danger, but also he has first hand sources of American Army experts who view it as prohibited for Israel to surrender the land conquered in the Six Day War.

The Rebbe told me he is attempting to find a defense to discover some sort of merit for those who agreed the cease-fire. He was able to find only one credit in their favor: these are a category of people who consider the Six Day War as having been forced upon them against their will. Their sole wish is to find favor in the eyes of Nations. In their view there is only one way forward: surrender to the Gentiles.

I asked: “Is the Rebbe totally opposed to peace-talks?” The Rebbe answered: “An agreement for direct talks with the Arabs or via a mediator does not necessarily have to be linked with an agreement for a cease-fire. Other Nations have conducted negotiations, which were not necessarily linked to any cease-fire. Talks amid a cease-fire are only an invitation to renewed warfare. When? Every day Egypt is adding to its store of weapons and missiles and Israel is forced not merely to defend herself but additionally to take upon herself defensive raids.” Once again the Rebbe stated with passion that a cease-fire is a disaster, because according to all the signs in his hand, Egypt is preparing for war….

On Dwelling in Multiple Darkness

Continuation of previous talk – Government of Israel prepared to surrender the Old City of Jerusalem
(Shabbos Parshas Bo 1976)

“The reason why I am speaking of this now is because it is possible that this will have its impact. The proof being, that when I stormed with the issue of Mihu Yehudi (Israel Government’s illegitimate strategy of registering non-Jews as Jews – editor’s note); as a result they closed several “factories” (government initiated centers with so called “rabbis” who distributed false quicky worthless conversion documents in Russia to countless thousands of non-Jews making them eligible for monetary rights as a new imigrant and who now live in Israel– ed. note) for mass-producing proselytes not in accord with Jewish Law. This even had the effect that many of these people who underwent further steps to become genuinely Jewish. Now they realise that there is nothing to be proud of (their fraudulent process of conversion exposed by the Rebbe – ed. note) so now they attempt to continue their production under cover.

For reference we have the well-known analogy, there once dwelt for a considerable time a group of people in a dark underground pit. After some years a man reached them, and when he saw them dwelling in darkness he was amazed. Upon asking them: ”Why are you living in darkness?” they answered him – “this is no darkness, this is light!” Having sat in darkness for so long, they actually thought they were living in light!

The same is true for our times now. We are living in the greatest darkness of exile. Regardless, there are people who see darkness as being light, and who say (that their activities of bringing from Russia their fictitious converts to Israel – ed. note) we are thereby living in the beginning of the Redemption, the Geula! This is as a result of them living for so long in the state of darkness of exile that they see this as light.

Just like this very government representative (a religious man who headed these false conversions operation - ed. note), when he was told to give up his Knesset seat and to go home and learn some Torah and perform some mitzvos, he replied that this is undemocratic. Since he has occupied his Knesset seat for so long, he must remain sitting on it!

The Government of Israel has agreed to surrender the Old City of Jerusalem!

NEW !!!

(Continuation of the talk recorded below “In these last moments of Exile they put an Egyptian at the head of the table)

Part 1 from a public talk Parshat Bo, 1976.

“From every event recorded in Torah one has to learn guidance for our time. There are Jews who have an inferiority complex before the Nations, they tremble before them and are even dependent on them. This dependence leads in its wake to their preparedness to surrender secure borders and oil wells! These Jews refer to this as a “religious achievement and even the beginning of the Redemption. Jewish People have been in Exile for 1900 years. Was this entire exile in order that we arrive at this station where we stand now?! Never has there ever been such a debased situation whereby Jewish People are so dependent on the Nations – as today! This state was not brought upon us by the Nations but by Jewish People themselves. Jewish People have decided that they must tremble before the Nations. Never before have Jews have turned themselves into Canaanite slaves! Since the religious Knesset representative is ashamed to say outright that he is a Canaanite slave, he calls this a religious accomplishment! The situation has reached such a low that they have agreed to surrender to the Arabs any piece of land which they will demand, with the sole reservation that they will draw this out for an extended time in order for them to show outwardly that they are taking a strong stand of resistance. If they were doing this in the name of Karl Marx it would be well understood; but why are they doing this in the name of Torah?

It is already five years since I have stormed against their decision to return the Old City of Jerusalem (they are only searching for a whitewash phrase in which to present this so that the public eye should not be gouged out and that they not be ejected from their Knesset seats). Of late they have attempted to investigate public opinion on the division of Jerusalem. One of the members has publicised that it is his personal view that Jerusalem must be turned into the “City of Three Faiths” (this is the phrase which they have found to facilitate the surrender of the Old City of Jerusalem). Subsequently one of the government members publicised officially that this is his viewpoint. Concurrently they prepared a denial, so that if there would be a public outcry they would immediately publicise that he never ever said this! They wanted to test the public response in Israel. In actual fact, they saw that this was not so bad - there was no public outcry whatsoever! Already one full week has passed and no-one has protested! And even if there has been some sort of protest, this was in quiet muted tones.

The very same one who registers non-Jews as Jews prides himself that Jerusalem is the “City of Peace” in which Jews and non-Jews live together in harmony. There live there 65,000 Arabs (as of five years ago, and now probably 70,000) with no more than 200-300 Jewish families. When he is presented with this fact he responds that Jews don’t want to live there. The truth however is that they do not permit them to live there! As we have stated, the trouble is that everyone is silent, there is no voice of protest!”

The Words of the Rebbe to Mr. Moshe Katzav Yud Shvat 1992 ( Part 3 of 3)

NEW!!!


“The security of Eretz Israel is from the One G-d. If they will conduct themselves appropriately with all the expected strength then there would be nothing to fear regarding the security of Eretz Israel. Now they are speaking only of five years because they are afraid to tell the truth that they want to relinquish portions of Eretz Israel, but in my estimation Shamir himself knows of their intentions better than I do.

Shamir has much merit regarding Eretz Israel, beginning from the time of the Irgun when nations ruled over Eretz Israel. Shamir battled against this. Now he is the one who is negotiating giving away portions of Eretz Israel! In my opinion it is imperative that Shamir immediately nullifies the decision and negotiations regarding autonomy.

I consistently battled that there be a government headed by Shamir. Just as I did all that was within my power to establish a government with Shamir as Prime Minister; if they will continue talks in this direction then I, Menachem Mendel will be the first to battle with all force and with all my strength against Shamir that the government should be brought down!

Until today it was only Mr. Shimon Peres against Shamir’s government. If Shamir will continue in this direction on talks of autonomy I also will be against Shamir’s government. If Shamir cannot withstand world pressure, let him announce this publicly that he cannot stand up to world pressure and he can no longer remain Prime Minister!

About the “Shamir”, as I have spoken many times before it is written - this is something that can split a rock. Shamir should place a Shamir with all strength against decisions to discuss relinquishing portions of Eretz Israel, and then all decisions and thoughts on this matter will be split and totally nullified.

Mr. Moshe Katzav: “It was the Rebbe Shlita who set up the present government and we wish for the bracha of the Rebbe to continue to bring holiness into the government.”

The Rebbe Shlita: “When Shamir will draw holiness into Eretz Israel, then this will give him the strength to withstand pressures.”

M. Moshe Katzav: “Shamir will surely remain strong.”

The Rebbe Shlita: “Up till now he was strong. Now it is imperative that he immediately severs all talks on autonomy. Certainly you will carry this message to Mr. Shamir and not be annoyed that I have given over to you an uncomfortable mission. Convey this with all the power with which I spoke. Forgive me that I have spoken so strongly but if the truth were to be said much more should have been spoken on the subject, but now there is not the time for extensive talks. Please G-d you should have good news to tell, and we will only speak of the holiness of Eretz Israel and of the Jewish People. Good news.”

The Words of the Rebbe to Mr. Moshe Katzav Yud Shvat 1992 ( Part 2 of 3)

NEW!!!


“Regarding their explanation that what is under discussion is merely (Arab) self-determination - their education, farming, etc, but not foreign affairs or security, and no more than a testing case - this is diplomatic terminology. In our instance we are not discussing diplomacy but talks – and may G-d save us – of relinquishing parts of Eretz Israel. These negotiations constitute a desecration of G-d’s Name, opposing G-d and His Torah, and therefore there is no difference whichever sweet diplomatic terminology Jews use. They say that there is at present an Aliya from Russia; they need US government guarantees etc., that is why they take note of US Government statements; in reality this constitutes the first step in relinquishing portions of Eretz Israel. The proof being – that they themselves say that the reason for them doing so is because they are intimidated by the Nations and they are under pressure. So, when there will be further pressure they will be further intimidated by the world community with no end in sight as we actually saw in the past that when they surrendered and gave in to pressure - this brought on even more pressure.

(Mr. Katzav said this last year that there was a letter from President George Bush that he is opposed to a Palestinian State and this year he wrote merely that he is not in favor of a Palestinian State – we see here a change. The Rebbe Shlita: We hereby see in which direction this change is moving).

“It is inconceivable that a Jew who believes in G-d and His Torah can be G-d forbid a partner to such matters and offer his signature to this. It would be advisable that the Government be dissolved - there be no Jewish government because such programs are only discussed because of international pressure (as they themselves have said). This being the case it would be preferable to set up – may G-d save us – an International Government in Eretz Israel and that this body decide what to do with Eretz Israel. Thereby there would thereby at least be no Jewish signatures!

You surely know Mr Menachem Begin initially was not in agreement with the Camp David, and stood strongly against it. But finally he began to compromise, and according to what one hears – still today regrets his compromise on a part of Eretz Israel. Were it Jews who have no faith in G-d who had done this it could have been be understood. But men who do believe in G-d to put their signature to relinquishing portions of Eretz Israel –this is a desecration of the Name of G-d.

Shamir does believe in G-d and the Sanctity of Eretz Israel, therefore it is incomprehensible that he specifically is in agreement to a program of relinquishing portions of Eretz Israel.”

The Words of the Rebbe to Mr. Moshe Katzav Yud Shvat 1992 ( Part 1 of 3)

When Mr. Moshe Katzav was introduced, the Rebbe shook his hand (and continued to hold on to his hand throughout the time of their talk) and blessed him: that he should merit in his role to gather in The People of Israel, the Torah of Israel and The Holy One may He be blessed, that these three never be broken apart. The Rebbe Shlita continued:
“Of late I have heard a strange and shocking rumor regarding the negotiations and decision of the government in Eretz Israel about conceding portions of land in Eretz Israel. Actually they are at present negotiating a five year program which they refer to as autonomy. However it does not matter in which language this is couched and how they explain it away because the reality is that these words and discussion of these matters fall within the explicit prohibition of “Lo Tichonem” – that it is forbiden to relinquish any portion of Eretz Israel to the nations of the world! These words will ultimately lead to actually giving away of portions of Eretz Israel. Merely talking on this issue constitutes a denial of G-d, of His Torah, of Eretz Israel and of the Holyness of Eretz Israel.
These talks regarding a program of autonomy constitute the first step to giving away portions of Eretz Israel, - and not just of small areas but of major areas such as Yehuda, Shomron, Gaza, Hebron, and Jerusalem, etc. This is a severe threat to Jewish Life! As we have stated, it is irrelevant what Jewish People think, say or how they explain it. What matters is how the Nations interpret this. Their interpretation is that this is a framework of negotiations to ultimately relinquish areas of Eretz Israel and the establishment of a Palestinian State.
You understand Arabic; so ask the Arabs who live there and you will see for yourself that their intention in their negotiations of autonomy in five years in fact means that they are being given portions of Eretz Israel to set up a Palestinian State. It is irrelevant how the Jewish people explain this, because the main point is how the nations regard this.
The mere talking of a program of autonomy is a desecration of G-d, and a desecration of Holiness. If there are in Eretz Israel Jews who are non observant of Torah and Mitzvot – this is relevent to them on a personal level. But in this instance we are talking of the Government of Israel declaring open warfare against G-d and His Torah!”

Att: Readers.

Due to the seriousness of the situation in Eretz Israel and the urgency of the Rebbe's call, we will now be posting two talks of the Rebbe weekly. Every reader is urged to be an active participant in this campaign and save Jewish lives by passing on this blog to increasingly more contacts weekly.
Thank you.

Why are you placing terrorists into prison? Kill them!!!

From the words of the Rebbe to Mr. Zvi Caspi, originally recorded in the Kfar Chabad magazine vol. 635

You are mistaken with your policy of capturing terrorists and putting them into prison. These terrorists are coming to murder. We have a ruling; “One who comes to kill you, take pre-emptive action – kill him!”
Then the Rebbe added his vision:
You will pay dearly by putting them into prison, because in the future you will be beset with assorted demands to strike a ‘deal’ to free them as part of an exchange agreement.

Israel’s Security

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

Erev Yom Kippur 1983

At the beginning of today’s daily shiur it speaks about the blessing of Moses to the tribe of Dan, Naftali, and Asher, after which there appears the verse “Iron and copper shall be your locks”, which, as Rashi comments, this speaks for all of Israel.
The essence of the matter: Hereby does the Torah emphasis: Iron and copper shall be your locks, - that the strong ones of all Israel must live on the border cities, and lock the borders that the enemy not enter, as if the land were closed with locks and bars of iron and copper.

It is understood and clear that it is G-d himself who guards Israel, Behold he does not slumber or sleep, nonthe less it is G-d’s Will that it is imperative that all natural preventive action must be taken.

And this is the halachic ruling – one goes out to war against them fully armed even on Shabbat. From here is evidently clear a fortiori - not to give land of Eretz Israel to the Nations – on the contrary not allow the enemy to make entry!

The story of Ahab and the King of Aram, recorded in Torah as a message for our time

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

It’s happened before: a similar narrative is brought in Tnach that G-d caused the kingdom of Aram to suffer a huge defeat in the hands of King Ahab of Israel. Regardless, Ahab runs after him saying: listen! Don’t be afraid of me! From this there were terrible repercussions for the Jewish People. – After we already know of this event, why do we need to fall into this pitfall a second time?

There was once a child who learned in cheder. In his first year he studied the story of the sale of Joseph, how his brothers tricked him, threw him into a pit, and sold him to Egypt. He went into a state of shock. The following year, the teacher once again studied with the class the same portion. After the child studied the section, he did not go into shock as in the first year. When those around him were surprised at this, he explained: His brothers already sold him last year! So this year he should have known what was in store for him! He was taken in by their plots a second time round? Such a person is unworthy of pity!

The story of Ahab in all it’s details has already happened! – The King of Aram gathered around him a huge armed force sure of triumph. He had even planned the division of the land after his victory. But, a miracle beyond the bounds of nature took place – they were utterly defeated. They fled, leaving behind them all their belongings! – Regardless, Ahab ran after them, explaining that he is persuing “peace”, and won’t cause him any harm!

Torah narratives are not just stories; they stand as Halachic directives with real tangible guidance! Two years ago this exact story took place! Israel won an awesome victory ( the Six Day War ).Regardless, Israel runs after the Arabs asking that they take everything back! – unwilling to take the message of what befell Ahab.

They thereby permit those very same shocking results to be repeated !


From a public address 13 Tamuz 1969

My position on the transfer of Land (part 2)

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

(Second of four parts from a letter dated Chanuka 1981)

If there exists a question whether or not this is in fact a life-threatening situation, then, just as in an instance of illness one takes the advice of a medical authority, here then also, the decision must be made upon the advice of expert military experts. If military experts decide that there is a life-threatening danger, no other considerations may take precedence, since the threat to human-life override all else. If military experts recommend that parallel to such danger there are other considerations to be taken into account, as for example political considerations (satisfying the nations) – this is clearly contrary to the Halachic law, because the Jewish Law demands that no other political benefits - only danger to life - must be the ultimate and sole decisive factor.

Now, with regard to the liberated territories all military experts, both Jewish and non-Jewish are in agreement that the present situation of surrender of even a small portion thereof is liable to create the severest of security dangers. Not one suggests that surrender of even a small part can in any way increase border protection. There are some military experts who are prepared to undertake such a danger in order not to upset Washington and/or to improve their “international image”. To move in this direction is not just contrary to the clear Halacha, but puts aside previous gains that were won at great cost. A good and outstanding example of this is “The Yom Kipur War”. Days and hours before the attack there took place urgent meetings of the government to judge the situation with the army. Military information proved that the Egyptian attack was underway, and the military experts recommended to open with a preventive attack that would save many lives and prevent the invasion. Regardless, the politicians with the tacit agreement of some humbled military experts did not accept this action, arguing that such a step or even a general call-up before the Egyptians crossed the border would be interpreted to denounce us as the aggressors and endanger our relationship with the USA. This decision went contrary to the law of Shulchan Aruch. The tragic consequences of this decision showed the truth and absolute relevance of the Shulchan Aruch (if there is such a need at all) because many lives were massacred for no reason. The situation reached ultimate danger had it not been for G-d’s kindness. Suffice it to mention that the Prime Minister of that time admitted that throughout her life she would remain deeply troubled because of that tragic decision.

My position on the transfer of Land ( part 1 )

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

(From a letter dated Chanuka 1981)

I am absolutly opposed, in terms which should not be understood in any other way whatsoever, to the surrender of even the smallest portion of the territories which have been freed and which are now under negotiation, as for example Yehuda, Shomron, The Golan, etc.

The reason is straight forward, and it is for this reason alone, - that the surrender of even the smallest land-portion stands in disregard to the clear Halachic ruling (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim chapt. 329, point 6,7). I have emphasised again and again that this halachic decision is in no way linked to the sanctity of the Land of Israel, or to “the days of Moshiach”, or to the Redemption or such considerations. But only to one single decisive point – the life-threatening danger thereby created. This is emphasised even more so by the fact that the source of this halachic injunction is to be found in the Talmud (Eruvin 45,1). There, the Talmud uses as it’s example “a border-city” – the city of Nehardoa (Iraq of today) which is certainly not part of Israel. I have emphasised again and again that this is a life-threatening situation, and the case must be judged exclusively on this basis, and not on any geographical basis (i.e.whether or not it is part of Israel).

The halachic law discusses a situation whereby Nations (not even enemies) take up positions against a Jewish border-city, ostensibly in return for no more than cattle fodder, and their stated intention is then to leave. But, because of the implicite danger, not just to the Jewish People of this city, but for other cities also, the Shulchan Aruch determines that when information is received of no more than such preparations by a nation, the Jewish People are obligated to immediately mobilize and to take up weapons even on the Sabbath – in accord with the law that any life-threatening danger over rides the Sabbath.

Rabbis – “Do not tread on your brother’s Blood!!”

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

The Rabbis outside of Israel are doing nothing, and raise no voice of protest that the territories are being given away. When I ask them, “Why?”, they answer that they cannot do anything without a directive from Eretz Israel! When it is some other negative issue, - they do not respond in this way. Yet, when the issue is to take positive action – a protest to keep the Land intact – Shleimut Ha-aretz, they respond that they are unable to mix into matters pertaining to The Holy Land, because there are many Rabbis in Israel.

Their argument is incomprehensible: There is a negative command in Torah – “Do not tread on the blood of your brother”! – also when your brother is not close by in the house, but in a distant place and in danger – the obligation is upon you to save him! They (The Rabbis) hear that they (The Israel government) wish to return the territories which poses a serious life threatening threat! And choose to remain silent and do nothing, rather they bury their face in the earth. The repercussions for this are most serious, as recounted in the Talmud (Tractate Shabbat P.119, side 2).

As we spoke earlier, such a path was already practiced in Egypt. Regardless of the fact that Moses proclaimed that the Geula has arrived, still, Jewish People continued to bring Egyptians into their homes. Similarly now, Moses is saying that behold - Moshiach is coming, and yet, regardless, they (Jewish leaders) are intimidated and are running after them (the Nations), and bringing in the enemy to be amongst the Jewish People; G-d save us!!

May it be the will of G-d that we merit the coming of Moshiach immediately in our time!

(From a public talk Shabbat Parshat Bo 1976)

“When the Creator of the world gives us a gift, one must regard it as precious, and guard it, and not look for ways of getting rid of it!”

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

From a private audience with Yosef ben-Eliezer one week after the Six Day War

After a hand-shake with peace greetings, the Rebbe turned to me and said: “This is a great and auspicious time for the Jewish people. Throughout their history, the Jewish People have experienced wonders; their entire existence has been one chain of miracles. However, only on very few occasions are miracles shown to the entire world, as if G-d blows a great shofar to publicise His eternal nation. So it was with the Exodus from Egypt and on certain further occasions, and this is how it was in this past week. There are times when it appears that G-d conceals His face fron his children; but there are moments when His kindness and miracles are projected with great clarity and publicity. It was G-d who created, and continues to guide the entire world, who gave the land of Israel to the people of Israel. Previous to this, for a great length of time, He took the land from us and gave it to the nations. This last week, He took it back from them and handed it to the Jewish nation; and in order that there be no vestige of uncertainty that it was G-d who gave it to us, this act was bound up with awesome miracles. At this time when all the enemies of the Jewish people conspired to obliterate the Jewish nation in the land of Israel, and the entire world, and all of the Jewish people were fearful and concerned. Israel was surrounded on all sides by enemies who desired to destroy her. Yet, G-d show miracles and wonders that within a short time-frame, her enemies were routed, and He gave her the land, the most sacred of our places.

However, Jewish people have freedom of choice, and need to guard two principles of faith. Firstly, not to declare that it was “my strength and might of my hand”, - not to pride herself that it was the power of her army that brought about the victory. This was no more than a small instrument within nature. The miraculous victory was from G-d alone. The second principle, the Rebbe continued, relates to you, and that is why I asked to speak to you. I know Jewish nature, and those that stand today at the head of the government in Israel.

I am concerned that already in the coming few days they will swiftly send a delegation to Washington declaring that they are ready to give back the conquered territories. This has to be prevented by all possible means!”

The Lubavitcher Rebbe on: A Referendum

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

The wording of the question, when they go to make a referendum on giving away territory!

“I suspect those who wish to solve the dispute on the retreat by making a referendum, because inherent danger lies in the very wording which will be offered. If they will come and ask the nation: “Are you prepared to give up land in return for peace?” - this would constitute a deliberate misleading of the voters, because by posing the question in this deceitful form, they are already slipping in half the response which they wish to elicit; as if to suggest that giving away land will bring peace.

If they are going for such a referendum, this should be only on condition that they will set out the wording in a form such as follows:
Is it worth while to place a life-threatening danger into every single home in Eretz Israel, to bring on the threat of war, with Israel left remaining without oil, without borders, without defense, with the enemy close to our major population centers, in return for the signature of Sadat (at the time this was said - translator), at a time when Egypt to this day has already betrayed their signature four times; and it is clear that Sadat will not live much longer and will not rule over Egypt for ever; and it is clear that he has no control over the Arabs in Yehuda and Shomron, and that the Arabs of Yehuda and Shomron announce publicly that their intention is to annihilate and kill all people who dwell in Zion. And it is clear that even were one group to agree to peace, other groups will not be in agreement – so the question is – given this situation, is it worth while to return lands in return for a piece of paper which obligates nobody?”

(From a private interview with Mr Shmuel Katz)

Words of Prophesy from the Rebbe!

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

“One of the questions I am asked, - since I have demanded that this be put right for a long time, yet the Israeli Government continues it’s policy of surrender giving away territories - I have been wasting my time – nothing has changed?! To this there are two answers:

1. If there would be absolutely no protest then the situation would be much worse.
2. The Torah states – “You should continue to reprove your friend” which the Talmud elaborates to mean – “even one hundred times”. Commentators explain this to mean quite literally –100 times, that even if one has already fulfilled one’s obligation 99 times, the Torah demands a 100th time with the same enthusiasm as the first time, since this 100th time is part of that very same command!

This seems inexplicable: he has already reproved 99 times, what will the 100th time achieve? The response is based on the halachically binding words of Maimonidies. If the world would not be in a state of equal balance then certainly one single act could have no effect to alter the balance. However, since the world is in a state of equal balance, then with one single outcry of protest he is able to alter this state of fine balance for himself and indeed the entire world-scales towards the good, and brings himself and the entire world to be saved!

May it be Hashem’s Will that they should not pursue their chosen path which until now has brought us to this present harmful situation - far worse than it was a year ago. Then, it was much easier and simpler to set up residence throughout the lands of Yehuda and Shomron, Hebron and the Old City of Jerusalem. Today, when one wishes to set up even one single home, the Nations immediatly rise in protest: “For ten consecutive years you yourselves did not permit this, and now when we are signing for peace you are jumping in to do this?!”

In any event, may it be the Will of Hashem, that going forward - all the territories should be immediately inhabited since with every passing day it becomes more difficult.

And since ultimately there will be no fleeing from the territories, it is better that this be done now!”
Spoken on Shabbat Pershat Bereshis 1979

Visit of newspaper reporter Ron Idlist to the Rebbe, Kislev 1991

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

Ron: Does the Rebbe still hold of the view that we need to hold on to all the territories?

The Rebbe: If I could wield influence over you then I would sway you in this direction - that the entire land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people, and whoever gives a part of it away to anyone else is robbing the Jewish Nation!

Ron: Even if this includes war against the whole world?!

The Rebbe: Those who wish to wage war against the Jewish People do not need a specific reason, - since they wish to harm Israel. It is irrelevant if Israel will act one way or another. I come from Russia and in Russia there were always blood-libels against the Jewish People, not because Jewsih People were guilty but because they were searching to libel and harm Israel.

Ron: Is it not possible that the Nations will ever make peace with us?

The Rebbe: It is irrelevant what I will do or what you will do. If they only had the power to do so, it would not depend not on me or on you to prevent this. This would depend on HaKodosh Boruch Hu and Hashem does not need my encouragement, because every one of Israel and especially those in Eretz Israel are the only son of Hashem. Don’t look for reasons how to give away any part of Eretz Israel. It is not worth while wasting time finding reasons that perhaps we should be giving away any part of Eretz Israel.

Nations that besiege a city one goes out against them armed for battle!

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

There is clear Halachic ruling, that when a border city (whether this city is in Israel or abroad - if this is a city where Jewish people live, it is considered a border city) receives intelligence information that a nation is preparing to approach, even if it their stated intention is merely their need for cattle fodder, - the ruling is to go out to war - armed and to even desecrate the Shabbat!

When this becomes the accepted policy - “fear and trepidation will fall upon them”, - war will not even be necessary. And if G-d forbid this does lead to war, it will be victorious, since they are marching with the power of G-d.

As we actually saw in the war which has just taken place in the north - that they were successful, since they conducted themselves as is expected in a life threatening situation.

There is no choice in the matter, since “This Torah is beyond change”, decisions must be made according to this ruling, regardless whether or not their conscience tells them so. We are speaking of one who, in his private affairs he conducts himself religious, and when he was asked, how is this possible, that you act in this way, when we have the ruling of Halacha to the contrary?! - he answers, that, since I was voted in, I act in accordance with my conscience.

When further asked, but you are a Torah observant Jew, how do you go along with your conscience which is contrary to Torah?! The question went unanswered ! Till today he continues to conduct himself in a way that “weaken the heart of his brother as his heart is weak” - and certifies that he will not do what is necessary in order to save lives! This is the extent of the deep darkness which envelops The Holy land.

In spite of the fact that I have spoken many times of this Halachic ruling recorder in chapter 329 of the laws of Shabbat, there are those that have an interest in misinterpreting that which I said, therefore I find it necessary to repeat myself. As we have stated many times, since the darkness of Exile is so intense, we are shown from above how vital is the matter. We actual saw, when they stood with all power, and took fast action - this lead to success and prevented war. Had there been no publicity, the action would have been even more successful. had there been no protracted consideration, there would have been no loss of life whatsoever.

But now is not the time to speak of any matters of negativity, only to take the message
for the future.

(From a public address Purim 1978) Volume 1 No. 1

Demolish the Building !

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

Now is the time to discuss the savagery of some Jews who show total disregard that it was G-d who gave the Land of Israel to the Jewish People “I give it to you as a possession”. They wage war against a verse documented in Torah, (that even Saducees and non-Jews accept). Because of their cowardice they are actually giving away portions of the Land of Israel! This give away not only contravenes Halacha, but undermines all reason, - not just of the soul, but even of normal logic. Even the most timid of people would not willingly dance in fire or offer his neck to be slaughtered!

The act of handing over portions of the Land is exactly this – jumping into the fire!

Now, those that are willingly handing over regions of the Land of Israel – heedless of the verse “ I (G-d) give this (Land) to you (the Jewish People) as your possession”, - are those that are sitting in the Knesset.

This being the case, there needs to be the fulfillment of the Torah verse:
“And you shall demolish the house!!!”

The present Knesset is no true house, because sitting in this building are Communists, Muslims and Christians – and those who wish to give away the entire Land of Israel! They shout, that for the sake of peace anything is worth while, even to give away the entire Land ! (This was publicized not just in the weekly journals but in the daily newspaper.)

Therefore there has to be the fulfillment of the verse “And you must demolish the house”, and put up a new building, a true building!


From a public address Parshat Metzora 1981 Vol. 1 No. 3

Hebron: You murdered them - and thereby inherit them?!

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

I sent a representative to the government of Israel to ask them: “How is it possible that you are actually giving Hebron to the Arabs?” They replied to me that “This is not the case, that there are 240 families that were permitted to live there”. I asked again, “But even to these 240 families were given a permit only to live outside of the borders of Hebron, not in Hebron”. They answered me: “What do you mean? The location they were permitted to settle is only 10 minutes from Maarat hamachpela”. I asked them: “ What do you mean - only 10 minutes? A distance of just one minute can be across of the borders of Eretz Israel! Even such a short journey, - is outside of Hebron!” I do not know how they can enact a law that forbids Jewish People from living in Hebron. How can a Jewish government ratify giving Hebron to the Arabs?!

And more: the Mayor of Hebron (Sheik Jabari) is an Arab who took part in the pogrom in 1929 against the Jews. We know clearly that either he, or his brother or father, took part in the pogrom against the Jewish People! There are photographs from that period which prove that he was the Mayor of Hebron involved with the murders. And the Mayor, not only does he not hide this fact, but even prides himself that it was he who evicted the Jews from Hebron. These very same Arabs! Not Arabs from Egypt but these very Arabs who murdered Jews in 1929 – they are giving Hebron to them!

What do the government representatives answer me? “We have here a situation of “status quo” – Hebron has been in the hands of the Arabs already for 30 years.” What kind of status quo do we have here?! This situation is one of “You murdered them and thereby inherit them?!

Is this called a status quo?!


Volume 1 No: 6 (From a public talk Shabat Parshat Noach, 1971)

In these last moments of the Exile, they put an Egyptian at the head of the table!

From the writings of The Lubavitcher Rebbe

Rashi infers from the verse “And there will be no plague amongst you”, - “but there will be a plague amongst the Egyptians. An Egyptian in the home of a Jew will not escape - this verse teach us that amongst you only there will be no plague, but the plague will strike an Egyptian in your home. Furthermore, a Jew in the house of an Egyptian will not be smitten – there will be no plague amongst you.

That Rashi needs to teach us this lesson is evidence that at the time of the final plague there were such Jews who permitted Egyptians into their homes, and more so, there were Jews who went to visit Egyptians! Jews knew very well when there arose a new King (who refused to recognize Joseph’s responsiblilty for Egyptian survival) that the Egyptians were evil. G-d brought upon them the previous nine plagues, and Moses declares that momentarily they will be struck by the tenth final plague, the death of their first-born. These are the final moments of the Exile, and immediately thereafter G-d will reveal Himself in all His grandeur. Regardless, there were such Jews who invited Egyptians into their homes, set them at the top of the table welcoming them: “You are our brothers!” They were ashamed of their Judaism, with an inferiority complex wanting to find favor in their eyes, inviting them into their homes! Jews who did not want to associate themselves with other Jews, socializing instead with Egyptians in their houses, knowing full well that they were putting themselves into mortal danger at the very moment of destruction. Incredulous! here, in a Jewish home, with blood on the two doorposts and lintel, sits an Egyptian at the head of the table with a Jew serving him the Pascal lamb!

Today there are such Jews who have the same inferiority complex - in trepidation before the Nations, making themselves utterly subservient to them giving away secure borders and oilwells! And they call this a religious achievement and an act heralding the beginnings of the redemption! The Jewish People have been in Exile for 1900 years. Was all of this long drawn out agony of Exile just so that we achieve this downtrodden state?? Never before have the Jewish People reached such a low, to be so dependent on the nations. Jews have turned themselves to be veritable slaves!
(From a public talk Parshat Bo, 1976)