THE SWORD OF PEACE

By: Rabbi Reuven Mann

Congregation Rinat Yisrael, Plainview, New York

My Dear Friends and Fellow Americans,

Every year in the Hebrew month of Nissan, which generally falls sometime in April, Jews gather to celebrate Passover and recount the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The Jews had been enslaved by Pharaoh, the wicked king of Egypt. G-d sent Moses to confront Pharaoh and tell him, “Let My People Go and worship me in the wilderness.” When Pharaoh defiantly refused G-d intervened with a mighty Hand to bring down his evil regime and grant physical and spiritual freedom to the former slaves. We recount this story and teach it to our children, although it happened about three and a half thousand years ago because its eternal lessons are relevant to every generation. They are that we must recognize our Creator, respect the dignity of all people who are created in His Image and emulate G-d’s ways by confronting evil and defeating it. History teaches that evil can only triumph because of the silence and moral indifference of the bystanders and the failure of good people to come to the aid of their brethren in need.

I believe that no country embodies the ideals of freedom and compassion more than America. And yet, America is such an underappreciated country. What would the world be like today if not for America? In the 20^th century the evil empires of Fascism, Nazism and Communism were crushed and dismantled because of American leadership of the free world. Yet I am concerned that too many people who enjoy the freedoms of our country fail to appreciate its greatness. Many have nothing but unconstructive criticism for America, disdain for its leaders and hatred for our President.

This would be contemptible at any time, but have we forgotten that we are at war against a brutal enemy who despises freedom and the dignity of man? I am appalled by the lack of patriotism which afflicts the land. This is the time to remember that in war there is no substitute for victory. Nothing would be more disastrous than a U.S. defeat in Iraq, Heaven Forbid. Our brave troops have fought magnificently to secure the downfall of one of the most odious regimes in history. It is almost a year since justice caught up with Saddam Hussein and he met the fate he so richly deserved. A new opportunity for a better life in Iraq was created as millions of people were saved from tyranny, thereby joining the hundreds of millions of people who were liberated from the evil “isms of the 20^th century by the steely determination and freedom loving spirit of the American soldier.

Ladies and Gentlemen: We have gathered here today to pay tribute to those who fought and died for our country throughout its history. I ask you to honor and reaffirm, for ourselves and our children, the eternal ideals of freedom and human dignity that they fought for and which America represents.

I ask you to join me in prayer for the men and women who are right now in harms’ way in far flung battlefields around the world. May G-d be with them to shelter and protect them and give them the strength to prevail in their monumental mission.

And I call on each and every American never to lose sigh of the evil nature of the enemy. Never forget 9/11 – when thousands of ordinary Americans engaged in productive lives were suddenly and viciously destroyed. Never forget the merciless beheadings of innocent civilians. Remember always the horrific brutality which the enemy regularly and casually visits on innocent men, women and children.

Remember also this critical distinction: The enemy fights for glory, conquest and the destruction of advanced civilization. We fight for freedom and the dignity of man. Theirs is a sword of war and destruction. Ours is a sword of liberation and peace. Almighty G-d, may the sword of peace be triumphant and may the prophecy of Isaiah be soon fulfilled. “They will beat their swords into ploughshares. Nation will not lift sword against nation, neither will they learn war any more. For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of G-d as the waters cover the sea. Let this be thy will. And let us say, Amen.

Presented at the Annual Memorial Day Parade and Service

At Veteran’s Memorial Park Hicksville, New York

May 28, 2007