10/7 and the Gaza War and its reactions have revealed so many things, most of them ugly and most of them to do with the shocking re-emergence of brazen ugly Jew hate throughout the West and the abject cowardice of our politicians and journalists, but now that we live in a new reality we need new assessments.
One of the things that needs to die in this new world is Tikkun Olam. "Healing the world", like so many prior attempts to get people to stop hating Jews, started with a noble purpose but it's lead to the same dead end: Jews giving money, time and energy to other people and their causes, only to find those supposed allies vanish or go over to the other side once its the Jews that need help, support, and healing. How many times do people have to tell you they don't love you and never will before you listen and take heed?
Instead of healing the world its time for Jews to heal themselves of the need to be seen as hyper-Christians in order to be accepted. If someone expects you to climb on the cross and die for their sins, you have no obligation to agree, certainly when they would never reciprocate.
"Imagine if Jewish philanthropy currently pouring into universities that host anti-Israel boycotters instead built new universities in Israel..." etc
This right here is the answer. All the "As a Jew"s who buy every lie and validate every ugly slander about Israel—the shallow narcissists of Hollywood and the phony radicals and pseudo-scholars of academia—need to be treated as enemies or at least as traitors. You can't heal the world if you hate yourself or hate your people.
I'm not Jewish, but my wife is. It's taken time and effort, but only recently have I convinced her that she has nothing to apologize for and there's nothing wrong with supporting Israel. I think it's easier to withstand the barrage of dishonest propaganda and enormous social pressure when it's not aimed directly at you. Now that I have a Jewish family via marriage, I feel the need to support and protect them. No one ever won anything (including self-respect and the respect of others) by refusing to stand up for yourself and fight back.
Awww that's actually so romantic - and so very true, I agree with everything you said. I agree being an outsider who loves Israel and Judaism - is still different and like you said easier to withstand a lot of the insane hate, even though it breaks our hearts. What you said about fighting back, is one thing I love about Judaism - it's very clear that it's not wrong to stand up for yourself, not that there aren't times when one should turn the other cheek as I grew up learning - but there is also a definite time when you have every right to defend yourself. Thank you for your thoughts! I appreciated reading them.
Once you convert to Judaism, you are as Jewish as those of us who have Jewish mothers. That is what Jewish law and tradition says. Most of those reading this would probably agree that as long as someone is raised as a Jew and identifies as a Jew they are Jewish, although Orthodox Jews would not agree with that.
Oh wow- YES! I so agree! 💯 This is such a fantastic article - I wish everyone would read this. It reminded me a little of what I was saying about having the right to stand up for yourseld. The West's rules just do not work for Israel, this author is correct I think. Israel must take care of Israel and use whatever means necessary. In my own life I think turning the other cheek has sometimes caused me to allow people to use me as a doormat and that's not right for me to allow that to happen to me- I wish I had been taught it's ok to defend yourself... just like Israel cannot be a doormat either. Excellent article.
I like the concept of separating and regrouping. I don’t think the word “retreat” fits. But if we’re going to retreat, I suggest starting with the U.N.
Not true, sadly. We need to be at The UN to fight the global Antisemites. All nations who are sovereign must be in the UN. Sad fact but true. Thus, Israel cannot be both sovereign and not represented at the UN.
The US doesn’t need to fund such filth! Let’s have the Trump adm put some pressure (ie set of conditions for our continued support and involvement) on the UN just as it has with the WHO (and leave if necessary.) It has been a useless body!
What the USA does vis-a-vis membership in or funding of the UN is really a separate question from what the State of Israel and the Jewish people in the diaspora should do. It is very useful, to say the least, that the USA, the most powerful member of the UN Security Council, continues to support Israel and blocks any attempt in the Security Council to ask adversely to Israel.
The General Assembly has no material power in the UN, only the Security Council does.
Nah. At the U.N., we are little more than a punching bag, providing perverse entertainment to the haters. The world loves watching us try to defend ourselves from the libels that they know to be false. Why give them the satisfaction?
Why should we give up any platform from which we can proclaim what we know to be true and righteous? Why care about diplomats walking out when Netanyahu speaks when news media around the world do report at least some of what he said, whereas if he had just been speaking from Jerusalem, they would be much less likely to report anything of what he said?
Also, there are nations which are standing by Israel. They did not walk out. They have announced that they will not be recognizing a Palestinian state unless there is material progress such as Hamas surrendering and going into exile.
You are wrong on the law. Participation in the U.N. is voluntary. A nation’s sovereignty does not depend on U.N. membership or the approval of any outside entity. Are you suggesting that if the USA withdrew from the U.N., the USA would no longer be sovereign?
And I guess ultimately we all need to make Aliyah. I'm very, very tempted, but I'm petrified of what might happen if we're all gathered in one place and the world, particularly the United States, turns on us.
I hadn't thought of that scenario, but then it also seems like we can't leave Israel with a few people - then it seems like a huge military needs to be built up were that to ever happen. I would gladly join the IDF.
In a world with nuclear weapons, it could be a literally fatal error for all Jews to be in the very small geographic area that is Israel. Even if the USA continued to support Israel, one or more nuclear missiles could be launched by some Muslim government like that of Pakistan, or several "suitcase" bombs could go off inside Israel. For that matter, it may not be long before Muslims control the governments of the UK and France. The non-Muslim governments of the UK and France are already dancing to the tune of the jihadist voters, which is why they have recognized Palestine as a state -- in order to stay in power by keeping the votes of Muslims.
I don´t see it as an "either/or" but "as well as". Jews can/must strengthen their sovereignty as well as working with others if both sides (can) get benefits from it and Israel/Jews don´t have to compromise beyond tolerable. Why should Jews/Israel renounce speeches of Netanyahu or friends of Jews (Milei etc.) at UN ?
Nah. Basically you're describing the most extreme Haredi who shun the oustide world. That's okay for that sect of Judaism, but I believe Jews need to engage the world.
You know, in a way though, it's a little like an abusive relationship - with the world being abusive. Would you tell someone in an abusive relationship to say and engage... or do you think that perhaps the power move would be to get away and then if you are going to engage you can do it from a distance? Just a thought.
Oh you're right, it's a world of scammers and plagues and rapists and natural disasters and injustice, etc. But it's also a world of cancer cures and sunsets and galumphing golden retrievers and love and honor and peace accords. And, unlike an abusive relationship - where you can leave and find one that's not - it's the only world we've got.
Josh, don’t believe all the antisemitic hype around at present! In fact, Israel and Jewish know-how is invaluable and irreplaceable where this matters, and we are still very and absolutely welcome internationally. You can be absolutely assured of this! But certainly, better to be invited than resented.
Also a very good point, for instance, one reason I am converting is because I had grew up with Sephardic Jewish Neighbors and a Jewish Community Center and my neighbors, I couldn't have lover more if they were my own Grandparents - they made a huge impact on me. I can't imagine if they hadn't been next door. They treated me and my sisters like their own family. I spent my summer before my Junior year in HS working at the JCC, which was the greatest experience.
The world is more complicated than any of us know, as we’re not running countries and engaging in diplomacy. That said, I would love to see Israelis stop airing their dirty laundry in public and unite behind Bibi, who is the most fearless, determined leader they’ve ever had- their own version of Trump. In doing so, they could make much more headway into unifying their land mass (yes, annex Judea and Samaria and take back Gaza), absorbing more diaspora Jews (who will need to leave their home countries in light of the weakness of their governments in dealing with anti semitism) and becoming more independent and self-sustaining than they already are (which is considerable). Call it whatever you want. Retreat. Independence. Self respect. Israel and the Jewish people are highly valuable on this planet and, until the world treats them with the kindness and respect they deserve, I say… unite and thrive. Am Yisrael Chai!
👏👏👏 Spot-on, Joshua! It’s time for the Jewish community in the West to turn inward and focus on building up and empowering themselves. They need to get out of these institutions that don’t respect them and don’t want them. I wouldn’t use the word “retreat” however but rather withdrawal. It would indeed be an act of sovereignty if the Jewish community withdrew to the confines of its own parallel society. Indeed, history shows when the Jewish people do this they always come out all the better for it. The Jewish people need to start building mini-Yishuvs in all western countries. They should concentrate their money, resources and energy on Jewish community centers, schools, restaurants, businesses, hospitals, etc. The outside world has shown it doesn’t want or appreciate the Jewish community so they should just focus on empowering and educating the next generation of Jewish leaders and helping Jews in the West thrive in their own enclaves where no one will bother them. Israel should cut diplomatic ties with any nation who recognizes a Palestinian state of doesn’t recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital.
Western Jews should be encouraged to make Aliyah and to buy a home in Israel as soon as possible. There needs to be a HUGE wave of Jewish nationalism and community pride! Jews should shun the outside world outside of true Gentile allies. Jewish police forces and neighborhood watch groups should be formed as well. As to Israel, Israel should withdraw from the UN for the time being and donate all the money it would normally use to pay its UN dues to a government trust fund for IDF veterans, former hostages and victims of October 7th. Israel should without apology, do an Entebbe type raid to seize the Temple Mount from Jordan. It should open the Temple up for prayer from ALL religions. Gaza should be annexed in full. All Gazans will receive Israeli citizenship and representation in the Knesset. Construction of Jewish settlements will start immediately and Jewish settlers will start moving in. Gaza will be developed and turned into the Singapore of the Middle East.
Israel will assert FULL sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. The PA will be exiled to Jordan. Israel will launch a full-on counter-terrorism operation against Jihadists and Jewish extremists. The F1 settlement will be built. The settlements in East Jerusalem will be expanded. Israel will reoccupy Southern Lebanon. With the permission of the Egyptian government, Israel will establish a buffer zone in the Sinai. The Galilee, the Negev and the Golan Heights will be developed and more settlers will be sent our there to build homes and live. Israel will complete its normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. Britain, France and Canada will be told to close their embassies in Tel Aviv and their ambassadors will be asked to leave and their countries will agree to recall them and bring them home.
Joshua, what a stellar essay! Thank you. I’ve been reading the brand new Koren Shalem Humash with transliteration and extensive commentary by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and reflecting on this: What we have been given by God is enough. It is everything. We stood at Mt. Sinai, in the desert, just to be alone with God. This separation from the others made Mt. Sinai possible. I honestly feel you have written the most honest benediction regarding the advantages of Returning to our Peoplehood, our Living Heritage and Birthright and agree that all signs indicate it is time, as you wrote. This is agency, not surrender. I believe every individual is revealing themselves for who they are and have always been and far prefer this to the charade of assimilation, knowing now, discovering after Oct. 7 what our “allies” thought of us all along. I’ve long since ceased grieving lost friends, so relieved they finally showed their Jew hatred to me after a lifetime of feigned friendship. We know where we stand and it is alone, in our Covenant with God. Let us now regenerate ourselves within ourselves knowing we lack for nothing spiritually and the worldly benefits will follow our rededication. Truly appreciate your saying it out loud. Shavua Tov.
Why use the word "retreat"? That term, as is, does not have any connotation of strength or even of choice. The connotation is of being defeated. "We've got 'em on the run!", our enemies will think, and they will be emboldened to attack us even more. In contrast, "tactical retreat" is a well-established military term and practice which makes those engaging in such a maneuver understand that they have not lost, but rather are regrouping in order to be more successful against an adversary going forward.
Also, what exactly is being proposed by suggesting that the Jewish people retreat? Is this just another way of saying that we should all make aliyah?
Israel cannot exist in isolation. No modern economy can.
Another comment suggested it would be better to use the word "separating", but that still would need to be better defined because, again, no nation in these times can exist in isolation, for many reasons: economic, cultural, diplomatically and to benefit from science.
5 Now therefore, what have I here,” says the LORD, “That My people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them make them wail,” says the LORD, “and My name is blasphemed continually every day. 6 Therefore My people shall know My name; therefore they shall know in that day that I am He who speaks: ‘Behold, it is I.’ ”
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
8 Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; for they shall see eye to eye when the LORD brings back Zion.
9 Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem! For the LORD has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The LORD has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
11 Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her, be clean, you who bear the vessels of the LORD.
12 For you shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight; for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”
Torah’s Curses! This is history repeating itself.😞 722BC 586BC 70AD 2025-🤷 For Israel to manifest itself as leadership of the nations, it MUST EMBRACE its JEWISH Messiah Yeshua Nationally. Have the FAITH like faithful Abraham and believe the Gospel. 🤲Shalom
PREACH!
10/7 and the Gaza War and its reactions have revealed so many things, most of them ugly and most of them to do with the shocking re-emergence of brazen ugly Jew hate throughout the West and the abject cowardice of our politicians and journalists, but now that we live in a new reality we need new assessments.
One of the things that needs to die in this new world is Tikkun Olam. "Healing the world", like so many prior attempts to get people to stop hating Jews, started with a noble purpose but it's lead to the same dead end: Jews giving money, time and energy to other people and their causes, only to find those supposed allies vanish or go over to the other side once its the Jews that need help, support, and healing. How many times do people have to tell you they don't love you and never will before you listen and take heed?
Instead of healing the world its time for Jews to heal themselves of the need to be seen as hyper-Christians in order to be accepted. If someone expects you to climb on the cross and die for their sins, you have no obligation to agree, certainly when they would never reciprocate.
"Imagine if Jewish philanthropy currently pouring into universities that host anti-Israel boycotters instead built new universities in Israel..." etc
This right here is the answer. All the "As a Jew"s who buy every lie and validate every ugly slander about Israel—the shallow narcissists of Hollywood and the phony radicals and pseudo-scholars of academia—need to be treated as enemies or at least as traitors. You can't heal the world if you hate yourself or hate your people.
Also well said, I totally agree. I am actually a girl who is converting to Judaism; to be totally transparent - but I still deeply feel all of this.
I'm not Jewish, but my wife is. It's taken time and effort, but only recently have I convinced her that she has nothing to apologize for and there's nothing wrong with supporting Israel. I think it's easier to withstand the barrage of dishonest propaganda and enormous social pressure when it's not aimed directly at you. Now that I have a Jewish family via marriage, I feel the need to support and protect them. No one ever won anything (including self-respect and the respect of others) by refusing to stand up for yourself and fight back.
Cheers
Awww that's actually so romantic - and so very true, I agree with everything you said. I agree being an outsider who loves Israel and Judaism - is still different and like you said easier to withstand a lot of the insane hate, even though it breaks our hearts. What you said about fighting back, is one thing I love about Judaism - it's very clear that it's not wrong to stand up for yourself, not that there aren't times when one should turn the other cheek as I grew up learning - but there is also a definite time when you have every right to defend yourself. Thank you for your thoughts! I appreciated reading them.
Once you convert to Judaism, you are as Jewish as those of us who have Jewish mothers. That is what Jewish law and tradition says. Most of those reading this would probably agree that as long as someone is raised as a Jew and identifies as a Jew they are Jewish, although Orthodox Jews would not agree with that.
I love that 🙏🏼😭😊 that's so beautiful, thank you for sharing.
Welcome! ❤️✡️🇮🇱
Thanks! And same to you...
I've read so much the past few years to help me make sense of the situation, and I found this to be very helpful and clarifying:
https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/live-law-die-cross-israel
Cheers
This is amazing essay! I urgent everyone to read it.
Oh wow- YES! I so agree! 💯 This is such a fantastic article - I wish everyone would read this. It reminded me a little of what I was saying about having the right to stand up for yourseld. The West's rules just do not work for Israel, this author is correct I think. Israel must take care of Israel and use whatever means necessary. In my own life I think turning the other cheek has sometimes caused me to allow people to use me as a doormat and that's not right for me to allow that to happen to me- I wish I had been taught it's ok to defend yourself... just like Israel cannot be a doormat either. Excellent article.
Glad you enjoyed!
It was very helpful for me.
Thank you for sharing that! 🙏🏼 I will absolutely read this. I appreciate it!
You mean a woman -> welcome to the Tribe
That is what I was going to say! Harvey Girls Magazine is a woman!
Thank you so very much 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Welcome to the tribe!
I like the concept of separating and regrouping. I don’t think the word “retreat” fits. But if we’re going to retreat, I suggest starting with the U.N.
Not true, sadly. We need to be at The UN to fight the global Antisemites. All nations who are sovereign must be in the UN. Sad fact but true. Thus, Israel cannot be both sovereign and not represented at the UN.
The US doesn’t need to fund such filth! Let’s have the Trump adm put some pressure (ie set of conditions for our continued support and involvement) on the UN just as it has with the WHO (and leave if necessary.) It has been a useless body!
What the USA does vis-a-vis membership in or funding of the UN is really a separate question from what the State of Israel and the Jewish people in the diaspora should do. It is very useful, to say the least, that the USA, the most powerful member of the UN Security Council, continues to support Israel and blocks any attempt in the Security Council to ask adversely to Israel.
The General Assembly has no material power in the UN, only the Security Council does.
Nah. At the U.N., we are little more than a punching bag, providing perverse entertainment to the haters. The world loves watching us try to defend ourselves from the libels that they know to be false. Why give them the satisfaction?
Why should we give up any platform from which we can proclaim what we know to be true and righteous? Why care about diplomats walking out when Netanyahu speaks when news media around the world do report at least some of what he said, whereas if he had just been speaking from Jerusalem, they would be much less likely to report anything of what he said?
Also, there are nations which are standing by Israel. They did not walk out. They have announced that they will not be recognizing a Palestinian state unless there is material progress such as Hamas surrendering and going into exile.
Not true, sadly. Legally, We must be there to remain Sovereign.
You are wrong on the law. Participation in the U.N. is voluntary. A nation’s sovereignty does not depend on U.N. membership or the approval of any outside entity. Are you suggesting that if the USA withdrew from the U.N., the USA would no longer be sovereign?
I am not going to get into a standing argument with you mate. You are wrong.
No need to argue, Please just cite me to the applicable law that supports your contention, and I’ll stand corrected.
And I guess ultimately we all need to make Aliyah. I'm very, very tempted, but I'm petrified of what might happen if we're all gathered in one place and the world, particularly the United States, turns on us.
We saw a foreshadow of this with the previous administration. I too feel the same (finish my medical career in Israel!)
This.
I hadn't thought of that scenario, but then it also seems like we can't leave Israel with a few people - then it seems like a huge military needs to be built up were that to ever happen. I would gladly join the IDF.
In a world with nuclear weapons, it could be a literally fatal error for all Jews to be in the very small geographic area that is Israel. Even if the USA continued to support Israel, one or more nuclear missiles could be launched by some Muslim government like that of Pakistan, or several "suitcase" bombs could go off inside Israel. For that matter, it may not be long before Muslims control the governments of the UK and France. The non-Muslim governments of the UK and France are already dancing to the tune of the jihadist voters, which is why they have recognized Palestine as a state -- in order to stay in power by keeping the votes of Muslims.
Excellent. I have been both advocating this and searching for a term to describe it. Well said.
I don´t see it as an "either/or" but "as well as". Jews can/must strengthen their sovereignty as well as working with others if both sides (can) get benefits from it and Israel/Jews don´t have to compromise beyond tolerable. Why should Jews/Israel renounce speeches of Netanyahu or friends of Jews (Milei etc.) at UN ?
Nah. Basically you're describing the most extreme Haredi who shun the oustide world. That's okay for that sect of Judaism, but I believe Jews need to engage the world.
You know, in a way though, it's a little like an abusive relationship - with the world being abusive. Would you tell someone in an abusive relationship to say and engage... or do you think that perhaps the power move would be to get away and then if you are going to engage you can do it from a distance? Just a thought.
Oh you're right, it's a world of scammers and plagues and rapists and natural disasters and injustice, etc. But it's also a world of cancer cures and sunsets and galumphing golden retrievers and love and honor and peace accords. And, unlike an abusive relationship - where you can leave and find one that's not - it's the only world we've got.
Josh, don’t believe all the antisemitic hype around at present! In fact, Israel and Jewish know-how is invaluable and irreplaceable where this matters, and we are still very and absolutely welcome internationally. You can be absolutely assured of this! But certainly, better to be invited than resented.
Also a very good point, for instance, one reason I am converting is because I had grew up with Sephardic Jewish Neighbors and a Jewish Community Center and my neighbors, I couldn't have lover more if they were my own Grandparents - they made a huge impact on me. I can't imagine if they hadn't been next door. They treated me and my sisters like their own family. I spent my summer before my Junior year in HS working at the JCC, which was the greatest experience.
So well said 🤍🤍🤍
The world is more complicated than any of us know, as we’re not running countries and engaging in diplomacy. That said, I would love to see Israelis stop airing their dirty laundry in public and unite behind Bibi, who is the most fearless, determined leader they’ve ever had- their own version of Trump. In doing so, they could make much more headway into unifying their land mass (yes, annex Judea and Samaria and take back Gaza), absorbing more diaspora Jews (who will need to leave their home countries in light of the weakness of their governments in dealing with anti semitism) and becoming more independent and self-sustaining than they already are (which is considerable). Call it whatever you want. Retreat. Independence. Self respect. Israel and the Jewish people are highly valuable on this planet and, until the world treats them with the kindness and respect they deserve, I say… unite and thrive. Am Yisrael Chai!
👏👏👏 Spot-on, Joshua! It’s time for the Jewish community in the West to turn inward and focus on building up and empowering themselves. They need to get out of these institutions that don’t respect them and don’t want them. I wouldn’t use the word “retreat” however but rather withdrawal. It would indeed be an act of sovereignty if the Jewish community withdrew to the confines of its own parallel society. Indeed, history shows when the Jewish people do this they always come out all the better for it. The Jewish people need to start building mini-Yishuvs in all western countries. They should concentrate their money, resources and energy on Jewish community centers, schools, restaurants, businesses, hospitals, etc. The outside world has shown it doesn’t want or appreciate the Jewish community so they should just focus on empowering and educating the next generation of Jewish leaders and helping Jews in the West thrive in their own enclaves where no one will bother them. Israel should cut diplomatic ties with any nation who recognizes a Palestinian state of doesn’t recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital.
Western Jews should be encouraged to make Aliyah and to buy a home in Israel as soon as possible. There needs to be a HUGE wave of Jewish nationalism and community pride! Jews should shun the outside world outside of true Gentile allies. Jewish police forces and neighborhood watch groups should be formed as well. As to Israel, Israel should withdraw from the UN for the time being and donate all the money it would normally use to pay its UN dues to a government trust fund for IDF veterans, former hostages and victims of October 7th. Israel should without apology, do an Entebbe type raid to seize the Temple Mount from Jordan. It should open the Temple up for prayer from ALL religions. Gaza should be annexed in full. All Gazans will receive Israeli citizenship and representation in the Knesset. Construction of Jewish settlements will start immediately and Jewish settlers will start moving in. Gaza will be developed and turned into the Singapore of the Middle East.
Israel will assert FULL sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. The PA will be exiled to Jordan. Israel will launch a full-on counter-terrorism operation against Jihadists and Jewish extremists. The F1 settlement will be built. The settlements in East Jerusalem will be expanded. Israel will reoccupy Southern Lebanon. With the permission of the Egyptian government, Israel will establish a buffer zone in the Sinai. The Galilee, the Negev and the Golan Heights will be developed and more settlers will be sent our there to build homes and live. Israel will complete its normalization deal with Saudi Arabia. Britain, France and Canada will be told to close their embassies in Tel Aviv and their ambassadors will be asked to leave and their countries will agree to recall them and bring them home.
I think that the concept of rethinking priorities is a far better description than retreating
Joshua, what a stellar essay! Thank you. I’ve been reading the brand new Koren Shalem Humash with transliteration and extensive commentary by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and reflecting on this: What we have been given by God is enough. It is everything. We stood at Mt. Sinai, in the desert, just to be alone with God. This separation from the others made Mt. Sinai possible. I honestly feel you have written the most honest benediction regarding the advantages of Returning to our Peoplehood, our Living Heritage and Birthright and agree that all signs indicate it is time, as you wrote. This is agency, not surrender. I believe every individual is revealing themselves for who they are and have always been and far prefer this to the charade of assimilation, knowing now, discovering after Oct. 7 what our “allies” thought of us all along. I’ve long since ceased grieving lost friends, so relieved they finally showed their Jew hatred to me after a lifetime of feigned friendship. We know where we stand and it is alone, in our Covenant with God. Let us now regenerate ourselves within ourselves knowing we lack for nothing spiritually and the worldly benefits will follow our rededication. Truly appreciate your saying it out loud. Shavua Tov.
Really not what I expected on this blog. Gaza 2005 and Rome (Titus) I think show good examples of trying to retreat and do our own thing.
Integration is also definitely needed. However I agree more thought is needed on the hoelw/when.
Why use the word "retreat"? That term, as is, does not have any connotation of strength or even of choice. The connotation is of being defeated. "We've got 'em on the run!", our enemies will think, and they will be emboldened to attack us even more. In contrast, "tactical retreat" is a well-established military term and practice which makes those engaging in such a maneuver understand that they have not lost, but rather are regrouping in order to be more successful against an adversary going forward.
Also, what exactly is being proposed by suggesting that the Jewish people retreat? Is this just another way of saying that we should all make aliyah?
Israel cannot exist in isolation. No modern economy can.
Another comment suggested it would be better to use the word "separating", but that still would need to be better defined because, again, no nation in these times can exist in isolation, for many reasons: economic, cultural, diplomatically and to benefit from science.
Isaiah 52:5-12
5 Now therefore, what have I here,” says the LORD, “That My people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them make them wail,” says the LORD, “and My name is blasphemed continually every day. 6 Therefore My people shall know My name; therefore they shall know in that day that I am He who speaks: ‘Behold, it is I.’ ”
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
8 Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; for they shall see eye to eye when the LORD brings back Zion.
9 Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem! For the LORD has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The LORD has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
11 Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her, be clean, you who bear the vessels of the LORD.
12 For you shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight; for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”
Am Israel Chai!
Torah’s Curses! This is history repeating itself.😞 722BC 586BC 70AD 2025-🤷 For Israel to manifest itself as leadership of the nations, it MUST EMBRACE its JEWISH Messiah Yeshua Nationally. Have the FAITH like faithful Abraham and believe the Gospel. 🤲Shalom