Moving to Israel

While I would never discourage anyone from moving to Israel, today’s article of the week does, unfortunately, contain some sobering thoughts of the state of our country. Fred Moncharsh, an Oleh from the West Coast of America as well as a Likud activist and member of the Likud Central Committee, does a fantastic job of making his point and painting a very clear picture of some of the troubles facing the Jewish homeland today.

The biggest problem, says Moncharsh, is the lack of true leadership here in Israel and he points out that this is not a new phenomena. He talks of how this has been a problem dating back decades. In his words:

“Israel needs a real leader. A real leader who is more than hot air. A real leader who has a red line, any red line. A leader who knows that when the red line is crossed, the time to talk is over, and the time to act is crucial.”

Moncharsh is a true Zionist, lover of the land and a very astute observer of the political landscape here and in the Middle East. This is a highly recommended article and, as you’ll see by the comments at the bottom, a lively discussion and debate is already brewing. Enjoy the piece.

Ari

Ehud Barak’s abrupt ousting of the Samaria located Har Bracha Yeshiva from the Hesder (combined IDF and Torah study) program has been headline news in Israel for a week. He claimed that statements made by the Yeshiva “shake the foundations of Israeli democracy and encourage mutiny…and that there is no place for such behavior in a democratic country” and has, therefore, led the public to believe that Zionist rabbis, those heading Yeshivas that send their students to become officers and combat soldiers,  endanger the future of the army. These are very serious - and some would say libelous - charges brought against some of our leading rabbis and the Hesder community itself.

This is why I want to publicize the response given by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, head of the Yeshiva. His response is thoroughly thought out and well written and is a must read for everyone with an interest in Israel and its well being. With many slanderous accusations being lobbied at the religious community through the years (especially regarding the army) it is good to see someone stand up in their defense and challenge some of the authors of these libels.

May Hashem make the truth come out and keep our country protected.

Ari