A MESSAGE FROM AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA
The scheduled visit to New York of the Iranian President – a man who has described the Holocaust as "a myth" and called for Israel to be "wiped off the map," a man who pursues destructive nuclear capacity in defiance of the entire world community, a man who sponsors terror and mayhem in the Middle East and beyond – should fill every civilized heart with revulsion.
And it should fill every Jewish heart with something more.
The arrival of this would-be heir to Hitler should remind all Jews how little has truly changed since millions of Jews were last targeted for destruction, r"l. And it should remind us, no less, of the uniquely vulnerable position of Yisroel bein ho'amim, Jewry among the nations, and of the fact that ein lonu al mi lehishoein ela al Avinu She'baShomayim – We can depend on no one but Our Father in Heaven.
Therefore, at this critical time, and during this season of introspection and repentance, we call upon all Jews to return to our sacred heritage, with tefillah and renewed allegiance to Torah, our eternal wellspring of life, the source of our strength to withstand all our enemies.
Along with our supplications, we feel it is our duty as well to express to the world our deep anguish over the presence in our midst of a vicious ruler who threatens genocide against Jews.
A number of Jewish groups are planning to gather outside the United Nations headquarters, at
Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza (2nd Avenue and 47th Street in Manhattan)
on Wednesday 27 Elul / September 20 at 12:00 noon
to present a collective Jewish expression of outrage at the General Assembly's hosting of the Iranian leader, of support for Israel's security and soldiers, and of solidarity in the fight against the global scourge of terrorism.
Whatever differences may separate us from some of those groups, we stand united here with all Jews.
Therefore, after consultation with the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah and following the precedent of the previous generation's Gedolim in similar circumstances, we urge all who are able to do so to participate in the planned gathering. We have been assured that a special section will be made available for men and women to gather in separate areas, and we will lift our voices in tefillah to Hashem, secure in the knowledge that
Bechol dor vodor omdim aleinu lechaloseinu veHakodosh Boruch Hu matzileinu miyodom.
In every generation, there are those who stand against us to annihilate us, but Hashem saves us from their hand.
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Hakhel MIS
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The scheduled visit to New York of the Iranian President – a man who has described the Holocaust as "a myth" and called for Israel to be "wiped off the map," a man who pursues destructive nuclear capacity in defiance of the entire world community, a man who sponsors terror and mayhem in the Middle East and beyond – should fill every civilized heart with revulsion.
And it should fill every Jewish heart with something more.
The arrival of this would-be heir to Hitler should remind all Jews how little has truly changed since millions of Jews were last targeted for destruction, r"l. And it should remind us, no less, of the uniquely vulnerable position of Yisroel bein ho'amim, Jewry among the nations, and of the fact that ein lonu al mi lehishoein ela al Avinu She'baShomayim – We can depend on no one but Our Father in Heaven.
Therefore, at this critical time, and during this season of introspection and repentance, we call upon all Jews to return to our sacred heritage, with tefillah and renewed allegiance to Torah, our eternal wellspring of life, the source of our strength to withstand all our enemies.
Along with our supplications, we feel it is our duty as well to express to the world our deep anguish over the presence in our midst of a vicious ruler who threatens genocide against Jews.
A number of Jewish groups are planning to gather outside the United Nations headquarters, at
Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza (2nd Avenue and 47th Street in Manhattan)
on Wednesday 27 Elul / September 20 at 12:00 noon
to present a collective Jewish expression of outrage at the General Assembly's hosting of the Iranian leader, of support for Israel's security and soldiers, and of solidarity in the fight against the global scourge of terrorism.
Whatever differences may separate us from some of those groups, we stand united here with all Jews.
Therefore, after consultation with the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah and following the precedent of the previous generation's Gedolim in similar circumstances, we urge all who are able to do so to participate in the planned gathering. We have been assured that a special section will be made available for men and women to gather in separate areas, and we will lift our voices in tefillah to Hashem, secure in the knowledge that
Bechol dor vodor omdim aleinu lechaloseinu veHakodosh Boruch Hu matzileinu miyodom.
In every generation, there are those who stand against us to annihilate us, but Hashem saves us from their hand.
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Hakhel MIS
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bs"d
ADDENDUM
Dear Agudath Yisroel of America and Malcolm Hoenlein, amv"sh
We are right to be concerned about Iran's nuclear capabilities and his rhetoric that Ahmadenojad will try to actualize if given the chance. That is why it is correct to try to stop him.
Only the Jew will be able to neutralize the threat.
But Agudath Yisroel of America and Malcolm Hoenlein, when we act on the interests of America only and forget what it means to be a Jew we are not effective.
The war is between Democracy vs. radical Islamic Fundamentalism. The Torah can mitigate the evils of both powers.
That is why these curses are happening. Our inactions, have shown that Democracy comes first and Torah second.
Bush's Roadmap and Torah are mutually exclusive. By SILENCE or by actual support, to choose Bush's Roadmap with Chaloimos (dreams) of 2 Democratic States living side by side in peace is a choice of Democracy over the Torah. That is where we Err big time. If we don't support Bush's Roadmap and the Convergence Plan then why don't we SPEAK UP at this rally! Now we have an audience!
There are many fine secular Jews like Buddy Macy that recognize that the Roadmap is suicidal. Yet, those of us that claim to be Orthodox Jews, and religious go to shul every Shabbos and listen to the Torah Readings still remain SILENT to the Roadmap Plan and Convergence Plan which blatantly disregards and reverses the Torah. That is a Chilul Hashem.
Only the Torah is an eternal agreement between G-d and the Nation of Israel - not Oslo and not the Roadmap Plan and not Convergence Plan.
Yesha, Hebron, Shchem, Aza is an integral part of Eretz Yisroel that is within the delineated borders specified in Parshas Masei.
It is no wonder that we have not spoken out against OLMERT, PERES, PERETZ, LIVNI AND HALUTZ the "leaders" of the State who have no regard for the Torah as well.
It is just a pity that we are misguiding people so wrongly.
A person will be judged by the influence he/she had. One's judgment be it good or bad will be magnified by those that he/she have influence over. We can choose between LIFE and DEATH. We can choose the Torah or we can Choose Democracy.
We can speak out for the Torah or choose to disregard the Torah and simply speak against Ahmadenojad. What we may fail to realize is that G-d is sending Ahmadenojad as his messenger because of us for disregarding the Torah.
The policies of the present Israel government and policies that we have tolerated, in exchange for payment of subsidies, has been the factor that has made us as a Jewish Nation deserving chas vechalila of the likes of Ahmadenojad. But not only have these policies that we have allowed to happen WITHOUT protest brought tragedy to Am Yisroel, starting with the Disengagement from Gaza and communities in the Shomron and Hebron, it spread then to the War in Lebanon and the inept way it was conducted. Now the cancer is spreading to affect the entire world. Am Yisroel is the vessel through which the entire world receives blessings and curses. The Christians know it and proclaim it.
This rally will be ineffective even if hundreds of thousands of people show. But even worse, if we continue to choose to disregard the Torah, we personally Chas Vechalila will be held responsible for the tragedies that will fall not only our people but also the entire world as a direct consequence of us, the Nation of Israel, disregarding the Torah.
Saying Tehillim is not enough. Renewing our Allegiance to Torah is a good start.
Publicly state that Torah and Eretz Yisroel are inseparable.
If we believe what the Torah says is true, then by doing Mitzvoth properly shouldn't we be experiencing blessings? Time for Cheshbon Hanefesh. Let us focus on the Mitzvoth in Parshath Devorim, that are specific to Eretz Yisroel and a physical piece of property, the actual LAND. As a starter let's desire to keep these Mitzvoth. And if we choose to focus on Lashon Hara rather than focusing on the Mitzvoth read at Hakhel in Sefer Devorim, then let's focus on the root cause of Lashon Hara which were the Spies.
If we wake up with nightmares and can not sleep, if we see another Holocaust in the horizon, now is the time to reverse the evil decrees.
The Iranian President is not the root of our problems. He is simply a manifestation of the symptoms of the disease. . The time is for us Am Yisroel, specifically the Leaders of Am Yisroel, like Agudath Yisroel of America, for once and for all time SPEAK LOUD AND CLEAR for the Torah and for the Mitzvoth that can only be done in Eretz Yisroel (whose boundaries are delineated in Parshas Masei) by Am Yisroel. VeShavu Banim Legvulum.
Hashem has called upon Heaven and Earth to be witnesses. The curses can come in many forms. The Iranian President is only one kind of a curse. Even if we succeed to knock him down, we would still have to contend with Mother Nature.
Sincerely,
Robin Ticker
4 comments:
Ahmadinnerjacket does't believe in democracy either.
Perhaps there is a basis for an agreement. LOL.
Tribalism
So who should be the King of Israel? How will dynastic struggles be handled? The old ways are best. Murder, intrigue, poison, and battles between armies can settle those questions.
Elections are for the effete. Real men prefer the knife in the back in a dark alley. The struggle for power should return to the death match status of the time of David.
bs"d
Simon,
It's not that I think democracy is a bad form of government. It has been a wonderful form of government for the USA and for other countries. I am personally deeply indebted to the USA and recognize that there is much goodness and justice in the system as well. Democracy has it's roots in the Bible. For the the Land of Israel, democracy alone is not the ideal form of government.
There are 12 Tribes in Israel (10 lost). Each tribe has it's individuality. Each tribe has it's specific inheritance. Each tribe recognizes the unique individuality of the other. The Tribe of Levi is singled out to be of specific service to G-d. They do not have an inheritance (a piece of land that is designated to them as do the other tribes) because G-d is their inheritance. The rest of the tribes must give a tithe which replaces the income they would have received from the Land. In return the tribe of Levi is instructed to take care of the Temple and be teachers, spiritual mentors and musicians for the service or G-d. Within the tribe of Levi there is a special family that have been honored to be the priests. They wear special clothing and are given special honors. They are the Kohanim descended for Aharon the brother of Moses and Pinchus. They have obligations that serve the community at large. They serve in the Temple in the holiest service. Their livelihood comes from the various sacrifices of the rest of the Nation. The sacrifices in part are brought to atone the sins of the people. These priests pray for the welfare, physical and spiritual welfare of the people. That is their special function. The people recognize that the service of these Kohanim (priests) serve
their own personal benefit. They see it as a priviledge to support the Kohanim and honor them. These Kohanim need to separate themselves in order to maintain the higher degree of holiness that is necessary to maintain the sanctity of the Temple and service of G-d. It is not for all the Israelites just like all the 613 commandments are not for the Nations of the World. Only 7 are as you pointed out. There is no similarity between the Tribalism you described and the Tribes of Israel. In fact Israel serves the function of being the Kingdom of Priests for the rest of the world for the good of mankind. We pray for the spiritual and physical prosperity of mankind and peace under G-d.
Israel by nature is a peace loving people. They by nature do not like to go to war. But in order to serve G-d one must adhere to the commandments even if it goes against ones nature. War is not one does for personal honor. War for the Land of Israel was a commandment in the time of Joshua. Actually, when the camp of Israel maintains it's holiness, then G-d fights for them and win without casualties. The enemy is afraid and disipate. The Land of Israel has been set aside for the Nation of Israel from the beginning of time. They need not share it with other nations. Is this democracy? Is this fair to the other Nations. To explain why it is fair and just, I will use an analogy.
There is a precious violin. Many want it. Most of all the virtuoso violinist. There are some that despise music. They will do anything in their power to see to it that the violinist not get his hands on the violin. So they claim it's not fair that he has the violin. They too want the violin. Actually their intent is to destroy the voilin so that the voilinist will have no opportunity to play music for the entire world to enjoy. They are the Hizbollah and Hamas of our generation.
Did people show?
Chag sameach!
bs"d
I personally did not attend but I understand there were tens of thousands of people. There was barely any news coverage. That night I did not see the demonstration mentioned on network TV which surprised me for a demonstration this size yet the UN visit of Ahmeddenojad was mentioned on TV. I just checked the Jewish Press and found an article about the demonstration on Page 64! by Shimon Golding. There were pictures of many politicians but I did not see any pictures of Agudath Yisroel or their Leadership. This is shocking because it is the first time that I can remember that Agudath Yisroel promoted a demonstration that they did not organize. They do not like to attend rallies sponsored by other organizations. I guess this Hitler like dictator Ahmaddenojad must have finally hit a nerve among their Holocaust survivor population. Chag Sameach
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