Defending Israel            

Rabbi Reuven Mann

This past week, Jews observed two related events back-to-back: Yom Hazikaron, the Day of Remembrance, followed by Yom Ha’atzma’ut, Israel Independence Day.  

On Yom Hazikaron, a siren sounds in Israel, and everyone stops in their tracks. Even motorists pull over to the side of the road to observe a moment of silent remembrance for the soldiers of the IDF who gave their lives to preserve the State of Israel. The question arises, should Jews in the United States mark this day as well? In my opinion, we should.

Of course, we are loyal citizens of America and are grateful for all the freedom she affords us. In a very limited sense, we do not derive our physical security from the Israeli military. However, Israel is the ultimate homeland of all Jews. Her Law of Return guarantees automatic citizenship to any Jew who seeks it. The very word “return” indicates that choosing to live in Israel is basically going back to the place from which we came, but were unfortunately exiled from. In a very real sense, Israel is the center of Jewish existence, and her welfare is of paramount importance to Jews everywhere. 

We must have great appreciation for the Israeli boys and girls who, at the age of 18, interrupt their lives to join the Army. They are a uniquely courageous and idealistic group, whose love of Israel and Jews and whose fighting spirit inspires all of us. 

It is thus our duty to recognize and honor their service and sacrifice. But how can we demonstrate our appreciation? The answer is that we must strive to become better Jews. Israel is under attack by vile antisemites around the world. We should show our support by fighting back against the haters, especially those who advocate boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against Israel companies.

Anti-Israel behavior is not limited to Gentiles. Many Jews, particularly those on the far left, condemn Israel at every turn and seek to influence the US government to take a harsher stand against her. Some of these detestable people try to camouflage their animosity by joining groups that claim to have Israel’s best interests at heart. Organizations such as J Street allow Israel-haters to gain credibility by proclaiming their “concern” for Israel. They do incalculable harm by allowing the enemy to claim that even Jews themselves recognize the horrendous nature of Israel.

Not everyone who claims to be a Jew can be taken at his word. Even if he is born to a Jewish mother and is technically a Jew, that is of little consequence. There is more to being a Jew than an accident of biology. One’s beliefs and behaviors are equally significant. A true Jew must recognize the Torah, seek to live by its ideals, and acknowledge the special mission of the Jewish people. 

A Jew must love his people on both the individual and collective levels. He must be dedicated to helping them and promoting their welfare. This does not mean that he must agree with all of Israel’s policies and actions. He may and should criticize her when it is warranted. However, this must be done constructively and helpfully, out of love. There is a thin line between legitimate criticism and vilification that plays into the hands of Israel’s enemies. 

The Rabbis say that a Jew can be identified by 3 character traits: being merciful, modest, and doing good deeds. Those who act brazenly and crudely cannot be regarded as genuine Jews. 

As we celebrate Israel’s 67th birthday on Yom Ha’atzma’ut, let us commit to becoming better Jews who have wisdom, compassion, and the courage to stand up against all who condemn Israel, including those who pose as Jews.

Shabbat shalom.