letter to Avi Shafran Re: UTJ - RE:MY PHONE CALL by Shmuel Koenig

In a message dated 1/30/2008 5:57:18 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, shmuelkoenig@verizon.net writes:

DEAREST RABBI SHAFRAN,

 

THE POOR PEOPLE IN THE YISHUV IN ERETZ YISRAEL NEED MONEY.

 

PART OF THIS MONEY LEGITIMATELY COMES FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

 

HOWEVER, THIS SHOULD NOT STOP UTJ AND THE GEDOLIM FROM SPEAKING OUT.

 

THANKS,

SHMUEL KOENIG

Rabbi Shafran, amv'sh

 

Rav Eliashiv is clearly against all concessions.  He has stated to more than one individual that Agudath Yisroel should do whatever they can to be activists against concessions.  Yet Agudath Yisroel of America is SILENT to President Bush's statement regarding a Palestinian State which translates to the expulsion of Jews in Yesha and concessions.  Why isn't Agudath Yisroel of America clearly following the dictates of the Gadol Hador?  I would have expected at Public Statement protesting President Bush's remarks. I would have expected that the Yeshivas would have instituted a letter writing campaign to President Bush to set the record straight regarding the Torah position of Bush's roadmap plan.  However, there is only Silence. It is my feeling that the Silence is because Agudath Yisroel of America has real concerns of incurring the wrath of its benefactor the United of States of America.  In the Agudah Convention, I believe Rabbi Bloom mentioned the great services of Agudath Yisroel of America to the frum community and this includes the acquisition of millions of dollars of government funding to push through legislation for many worthy projects that benefit the Jewish community.  These projects such as funding for special education, helping to pay for fertility treatments, low income housing, food subsidies, etc. etc. help pay for services that would be otherwise impossible and unaffordable and provides funding for jobs for many Jewish  professionals. 

 

These considerations are understandable.  However, it must not buy our Silence when it comes to Pikuach Nefesh and when it comes to abandoning our fundamental principles of the Torah.  The Land of Israel belongs to the Creator.  The Torah says "Ki Li Kol Haaretz".  It is not Olmert's or Bush's private real estate.  Shtika Kehodaya Damya!

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