The Lubavitcher Rebbe to PM Benjamin Netanyahu:

                       The Lubavitcher Rebbe to PM Benjamin Netanyahu:

 "We see from the history of the wars that the land of Israel has fought, that                 only by standing strong can you be successful and win."

General Ariel Sharon – Interview with the Rebbe

 The Lubavitcher Rebbe showed extraordinary knowledge regarding military matters ongoing in Israel, in areas of security, politics and those pertaining to international affairs, particularly those connected to instructions emanating from Washington. Moreover, the Rebbe showed knowledge down to the minutest details of the military confrontations that took place during the Six Day War.

 The Rebbe said to General Sharon: “It will be our greatest insanity if we were to retreat from the new borders. It will expose the lack of trust in the government of Israel; lack of faith in our own strength and will only invite external pressure upon us. It is imperative to stop trying to find favor in the eyes of the gentile nations. This has never helped in the past, nor will it help in the future. The indecisiveness of Israel must stop. It is obligatory to uproot the mentality of exile [slavery to the gentile nations] from the Land of Israel. The government of Israel needs to decide to inhabit the liberated territories and come out with a call to world Jewry to come and settle these lands, I am certain that half a million young Jewish People would respond to this challenge”.

 With regard to the various solutions which have been forwarded, which call for a full or partial retreat by Israel, the Rebbe said: “These plans will bring about a sharpening of tension in the future.  

These are solutions which run contrary to the natural path”. In the view of the Rebbe, Israel today lies within its natural borders. With pain did the Rebbe continue: “Every matter which is decided by the government of Israel is known immediately by the Gentiles.

The Rebbe turned to General Sharon with the question: “Why does the military not present its view more forcefully regarding the [security of the present] borders?”

Sharon replied: “This is a political decision”.

 The Rebbe interrupted him with a dismissive wave of his hand: “This is not a matter of politics, this is one of security. I believe with perfect faith that we are able, and we must inhabit these territories”.

PM Benjamin Netanyahu with the Rebbe.

 “Let me tell you something,” said Netanyahu “In 1984, after I came to the UN as Israel’s Ambassador, I met with the Rebbe of Lubavitch. He began speaking to me – he spoke to me for 40 minutes.

 “You know what he told me, back in 1984?” Netanyahu asked.

“He told me, ‘you are going to a place of deep darkness and lies, and if you will light one candle of truth, you will dispel the darkness. That is what I tried to do here – to present the truth clearly and with confidence.”

“You will go into a house of lies,” the Rebbe told him in that memorable meeting on Simchat Torah at Lubavitch Headquarters. “That’s how he called a particular institution ...”

The Rebbe said to him: “Remember that in a hall of perfect darkness, totally dark, if you light one small candle, its light will be seen from afar; its precious light will be seen by everyone.” 

The Prime Minister said that the Rebbe gave him the “mission to light a candle for truth and for the Jewish people.” 

In what appears to have been a profound moment in his life, the Prime Minister, speaking with emotion and admiration for the Rebbe, described in detail his impressions of that Simchat Torah in 770, when the Rebbe danced with the Torah, “bathed in light.” Netanyahu ended his speech reiterating the Rebbe’s message, and appealing to his audience to do likewise, and “light a candle for truth and justice for the Jewish people,” this Yom Kippur.
                                                                                                                 April 19, 1988
________________

Benjamin Netanyahu: “Rebbe, I came to see you.”

The Rebbe:  “Just to see, not to talk?”“You are going to the house of lies, and when you are there remember that even when you are in the darkest place, it is your job to ignite the flame of truth. This flame spreads into a light that can be seen from afar and dispels the darkness. You have to ignite this flame because you defend in the world [the United Nations] the truth of the Jewish people.

You have to stand strong and proud for the Jewish people in the United Nations. We see from the history of the wars that the land of Israel has fought, that only by standing strong can you be successful and win. Look at the crowd here, most of them are still youngsters, these are our future generations...

”The Rebbe asked: “Why is Peres not requesting to enlarge the budget [that the United States was granting to Israel], what is this wastefulness? Now is the time to request.”

                                                                             Simchat Torah 5745, October 18, 1984
___________________

The Rebbe:  “I have read a lot of your work here. A good and sweet year. Success in all your endeavors and great success in all your matters.”

Benjamin Netanyahu: “Honored Rabbi, you constantly follow what is occurring in the State of Israel...”

The Rebbe: “I always follow, however to my disappointment we do not hear...” [that in Israel they heed the warnings spoken from here]

Benjamin Netanyahu: “They hear more than the Rebbe assumes.”

The Rebbe: “Maybe they hear, however there is no good news [of following through what is spoken]. The deed is the essential, however perhaps you could influence them from here [in the United Nations].”

Benjamin Netanyahu: “I am planning in the near future to return to Israel and to battle over the issues there and have influence [from there].”

The Rebbe:  “There is plenty more to influence here in the United Nations.”

Benjamin Netanyahu: “It is possible to struggle [for these issues]from the land of Israel. There is an important need for a good replacement.”

The Rebbe:  “There is no one to be confident in.”

Benjamin Netanyahu: “There are several good candidates.”

The Rebbe: “That is doubtful, and a doubt does not overrule certainty [of your influence in the UN].  You know that in the UN there is a need to speak of the Seven Noahide Laws.”

Benjamin Netanyahu:  “Yes, yes...”

The Rebbe: “It is the duty of a Jew to encourage non-Jews. And this is your duty to be actively encouraging non-Jews regarding the Seven Noahide Laws in the UN.”

Benjamin Netanyahu: “I have not forgotten our first meeting, and I have been active in that which the honored Rabbi told me, to stand proud and strong [as a Jew], it has been engraved in me and I have acted accordingly.”

Rebbe:  “You surely know that Benjamin was the only one of the tribes who was born in the Land of Israel, and was afterwards active with non-Jews and leader of non-Jews with appropriate strength and “pride of Jacob.”

Benjamin Netanyahu:  “I am serving here for five years...”

Rebbe:  “You should continue to serve here until Moshiach comes!”

                                                                            Hoshana Raba 5748, October 14, 1987
______________________

Benjamin Netanyahu: “I just finished my term as Ambassador of Israel in the United Nations, and I have started my position as a Knesset member.”

The Rebbe: “Much success. I had a lot of pleasure from your speech. May it be G-d’s will that you should continue in this direction, and G-d helps all those who want “to purify others,” and especially when it begins with ‘self improvement’. Do not take offence that I speak of these issues publicly.”

Benjamin Netanyahu: “I plan to continue in this precise direction, and have understood the Rebbe’s message well.”

The Rebbe: “This is the best direction [to stand with strength] in order not to come to warfare and the like. It should be ‘In return [to G-d] and with [G-d’s] Kindness and Mercy you will be saved’.”

Benjamin Netanyahu: “I thank the Rebbe for the possibility he has given me these last few years to come and receive the guidance the Rebbe has given me, not just for me, but for the entire Jewish nation.”

The Rebbe: “I am just in the beginning of my work, and you are also in the beginning of your work [in the Knesset].”

Benjamin Netanyahu: “I have come to you at the beginning of my work. And I plan to return to you, honored Rebbe.”

The Rebbe: “You will need to struggle with 119 people. You will surely not be influenced by them, since G-d offers favor for this side. Blessing and success.”
                                                                                                   April 19, 1988
                                                   

                                                                                                    

One who approaches to kill you, pre-empt and eliminate him!

 There is a Torah obligation quoted in the Talmud [Sanhedrin 102.1] “One who approaches to kill you– pre-empt– and eliminate him!” One can understand two points can from this law: 

[1] The legal decision refers to a situation when one indeed knows that he is approaching with the intent to kill you. 

[2] Upon realizing that his intent is to kill you, one must not wait until he approaches you in combat, rather, pre-empt and eliminate him. These two points give us clear direction in our times. There are those who are in pursuit of peace that are convinced that since the time of Hitler and his professors– may their names be blotted out– no longer are there those who wish to annihilate us, there can no longer be a situation whereby a gentile would plot harm to the Jewish people. In any event, so they say, this is a situation of mere uncertainty. 

How can one be certain what is in the heart of this gentile? Surely no-one can know what is stirring in the heart of another?! Regarding this situation the Torah says – by recognizing the overall circumstances one can indeed know with certainty that his intent is to kill you.

When one knows the education he has been subjected to; by knowing his activities of yesterday and of today– one can be certain without any shadow of doubt that his intent is “to kill you”.Now that one knows that he is approaching “to kill you”; do not wait until he approaches you in combat, for then, G-d forbid, it may be too late, rather it is imperative that you must pre-empt the situation and eliminate him. Those that act it this way – they must not be labeled as spillers of blood; but this is the legal imperative of Torah – “One who approaches to kill you – pre-empt – eliminate him!” In such situations one should go forth with absolute fortitude, fearless of nobody; not from “the rider” [terrorist] neither from “the horse” [his weapons], because “we go forth in the name of our G-d”, “your camp must be Holy”, then “will our G-d be present in our camp”; and when the enemy perceives this “the dread of the Jews will fall upon them”. 

Public talk Shabbos Parshas Bereishis 1969

Why are you placing terrorists into prison? Annihilate them!!!“

You are mistaken in your policy of capturing terrorists and putting them into prison. 

These terrorists are coming to murder. We have a ruling; “One who comes to kill you, take pre-emptive action – annihilate him!” 

Then the Rebbe added his vision: 

You will pay dearly for putting them into prison, because in the future you will be beset with assorted demands to strike a ‘deal’ to free them as part of an exchange agreement.

The Rebbe to Mr Zvi Caspi

                                                                                   

There are terrorists in the Old City of Jerusalem!

 By the grace of G-d amid open miracles, the Old City of Jerusalem was conquered and everyone gave thanks that through the Hand of G-d this was achieved. Yet, the very same man who registered gentiles as Jews prides himself that the Old City of Jerusalem is a symbol of Arabs and Jews dwelling together – the perfect Jerusalem.

Miracle of Six Day War

 When I heard this, I was in shock. Had this been said in the name of the Marxist doctrine– okay. But that in the Holy City of Jerusalem the city where King David dwelt, Arabs should live alongside Jewish people? To say this in the name of the Torah of Moses, representative of thousands of religious Jews and no one raises any voice of protest? 

 Within the Old City there dwell some 70,000 Arabs and barely 100 Jewish families. A Jew wishing to purchase one cubit of land in the Old City has many difficulties and has to undergo innumerable inspection committees. Unless he has special connections, his request is denied. In contrast, in the new city Arabs are able to purchase to their heart’s desire, with all the government excuses; business is increased etc. The severity of the situation is that a Jew wishing to purchase in the Old City– the real Jerusalem, between the walls, the City where King David dwelt, is not permitted to do so. 

 Since the world in which we live is a world of lies, we know that his word is worthless, not even worthy of entering the category of lies. A few months ago I protested. He responded with one word: ‘Not-true’, and instructed that his response be printed in the newspapers. But such a crude lie even newspapers refused to print. After he imposed strong pressure, his response was printed. It was because of this that the occurrence took place in the Old City 17 days ago. 

 In the Old City there are some 70,000 Arabs who have their connections with neighboring nations. The danger reached such proportions that it was not permitted to go to the Western Wall, neither by night or even by day. Great military forces were needed for protection. Only in the merit of a miracle did tribulation befall the Arab population. This danger comes because after the freeing of Jerusalem, terrorists were allowed to remain. There is intense danger to the capital that there are great numbers of terrorists – who needs this?

 The Arabs themselves never thought that they would be permitted to remain and were sure that they would be evicted. Their reasoning was simple: that which they would have done to the Jews, may G-d protect us, had they captured the city, the Jews would do to them. You want to give them money – give them, but the main point is to encourage them to leave. The Arab uncertainty was only [if they would be permitted to take their movable possessions with them, and] will the move be in one sweep or step by step. Had they been instructed they would have left long ago. Instead they were informed unofficially that Jerusalem is theirs. Ambassadors were even sent to Washington to inform that they have no intention of taking Jerusalem. Washington was interested in evicting the Arabs. Only in this way would they be rid of the problem of Jerusalem. Either Jews remain and Arabs leave, or only Arabs remain, in which case the Jews leave. 

It is the same now. The government is conducting negotiations to return territories. Once they were called ‘doves’, today they are called diplomats; tomorrow they will be called pursuers of peace. A small group of them sit together deciding whether to give away this or that piece of land. They need only to find the appropriate wording to explain why this is a ‘security achievement’. Their only concern is not to create a storm of protest. The Arab wants the land– we had better give to him! But there are the youth that object. That is why they have to devise the appropriate wording to appease them!

Public talk Parshas Noach 1974

Israel’s Reliance on the Nations brings Severe Misfortune

 The Talmud (tractate Shabbos 33.2) relates that Rabbi Yehuda, Rabbi Yossi and Rabbi Shimon were once seated together, and with them was Yehuda ben Geirim. Rabbi Yehuda opened the debate and stated: ‘How beautiful are the works of this nation (the Romans). They have built market places, bridges, and bathhouses’. Rabbi Yossi remained silent. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai responded saying: “All that they have built has been for their own benefit. They built markets for women of ill repute; bathhouses to pamper themselves; bridges in order to exact taxes”. 

Remains of Roman Bridge

 Yehuda ben Geirim left and repeated their discussion, which came to the attention of the Roman Empire. The authorities announced: ‘Yehuda who promoted, shall be promoted, Yossi who was silent shall be exiled to Tzipori, Shimon who disparaged shall be killed. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai was forced to be a fugitive and remain concealed in a cavern. 

Why does the Talmud relate this introduction to Rabbi Shimon’s words which resulted in his having to remain concealed? We have here a teaching how the Rashbi (Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai) related to the acts of the nations, and the kind of tribulations which result from relying on the ‘kindness of the nations (which is) a sin’. 

 As in those days, so it is in our time. All the anguish that exists today is because for many years there has been ongoing dismissals that there is nothing to fear from the Arabs who want to exterminate us. Amongst the gentiles, they believe, are our ‘good friends’ in Washington who will not permit even one Arab to harm Israel, as our Sages have stated: ‘we have a sister in the Palace’. This makes no sense. There are eighty million Arabs, haters of the Jewish Nation who rise up to annihilate us. Regardless, there are those (in the government of Israel) who argue there is nothing to fear. Not because we are reliant on G-d, but because we rely on a gentile in Washington who will do all within his power not to permit harm to Israel. They do not pray to G-d to guard us. The only act which they do perform is to flatter the gentile so that he will agree to help. Moreover, they are sure that the gentile will sacrifice his life to save Jews. Israel relies on the USA who, they believe, will intervene at all costs and therefore Israel does everything to find favor in her eyes. The reason for this is, as the Talmud states, ‘one who faults [miscalculates] others [will himself miscalculate] has the same fault’. 

 Jews fall before and flatter the gentile to such an extent, that when they see a gentile, they beg him to go to the Holy Land and assure him that they will register him as a Jew. He anticipates that the gentile will conduct himself with him to the point of self-sacrifice. Their reliance is with closed eyes. An entire calamity is unfolding. They have forgotten that the gentile is no more than an axe in the hands of the quarryman (Zohar, Bereishis 36.1) which can do no more than the wood chopper commands, forgetting that there is a wood chopper analogous to G-d Himself, forgetting the laws [Jewish lifestyle] which He has commanded us to keep. 

 Rather, they search to find favor in the eyes of the axe itself, which is total nonsense! This is the cause for all the troubles. The gentile does what he pleases with no consideration of the good for the Jews. The Israel government calls this ‘independence’– having the freedom to do as they please. Yet never has there been such a situation of such reliance on the nations as now. This is where it has brought them – all those that argue that they are independent – to a conduct of running after (and begging) the nations!  

Public discourse Parshas Emor 1974 

They want to give away the Old City of Jerusalem

 But after years of entreaties he [President Nasser] began to understand that Israel really does want them to take back the territories.

On the verse ‘And the Children of Israel travelled from the wells of the sons of Yaakov to Moser’, Rashi comments that after the great victory of the Jewish People over the King of Arad, they were beset suddenly with fear of another war, they retreated eight journeys. This is difficult to comprehend. Why were they in shock and why did they flee? They were convinced by their evil inclination – a master craftsman concealing his intent in supposedly G-d-fearing words: ‘Certainly you conquered the King of Arad, but there is reason to fear further warfare. You may well be conquered because ‘you must not rely on miracles’. 

Precisely this was repeated after the Sinai War (1956). Israel, in trepidation of Egypt, they felt that they must submit to Egypt’s demands. Israeli forces retreated, in return for assurances of peace and rights to access freely through the Suez Canal. President Nasser of Egypt violated this promise. (For reasons of peace– Israel offered this retreat; however) Egypt prepared for war! Once again, shortly before the outbreak of the Six Day War, Egypt closed the Straits of Tiran preparing their military for war. Many argued Israel should not initiate war but find a peaceful solution. 

The Old City of Jerusalem

With G-d’s mercy, Israel opened the attack disregarding world opinion. The entire world saw the miraculous victory. After the Six Day War the view not to retreat from the territories took precedence. 

Fact: Whenever Israel took the initiative when faced with war, the number of dead was minimal. On the other hand, in Jerusalem where it was decided NOT to attack, the number killed was much greater. 

Yet, regardless of having seen the victory of the Six Day War without fear or subservience to the Arabs, now for three years Israel has been begging the Arabs to take back the conquered territories! President Nasser was convinced that Israel was setting a trap, never believing that Israel would return conquered natural security borders. But after years of entreaties he began to understand that Israel really does want them to take back the territories.

Full Jewish legal entitlement to the Land of Israel and her borders

  

 There are two ways of negotiating [to determine the borders of the Land of Israel]. The first is to state: I am a Jew. I represent the Jewish People and the Jewish faith. Therefore I ask of you to grant me all that I request. Since we live in exile, G-d desires that we work through natural means by approaching the minister of that country (who is connected to the heavenly ministering angel of that country) and speak to him diplomatically in his language. Yet, together with that, the Jew must speak with clarity and determination, stating his demand. 

This method of negotiating was determined by Abraham our Patriarch who stated: “I am both a non resident and a citizen amongst you”, meaning, if you will concede and grant the Jew what he is owed, I will accept the status of a non-resident in exile, and to pay 400 silver shekels for the merchandise. Even given this diminished status, G-d has commanded Jewish entitlement. [As is known the maxim of the Rebbes of Lubavitch, that only the physical bodies of the Jewish People have been put in exile; not the souls. Therefore a gentile is not empowered to argue that since a Jew is in exile he cannot receive his demand.] 

However, if the gentile is not in agreement, then the Jew will state his demand as an entitlement, a citizen, and take it without offering payment. 

The second form of negotiation with a gentile– in order to determine the borders of Israel– is that the Jew says that our entitlement stems stems from a certain gentile from London [Balfour] who said that the Jewish People need a homeland.

 When the gentile hears this, he comes to the conclusion that this Jew has no basis of entitlement from Jewish sources. That is why he reverts to claiming his rights from a gentile. His response is: True, a gentile did state the need of a Jewish homeland, however now, one hundred and forty gentiles disagree. Who is to say that one solitary gentile [Balfour] holds the determining view? [Actually, this argument of the gentile is correct.]

He is no master to decide that the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish People. Rather, this is the Will of G-d who initially granted this land to them [the Canaanites], and consequently took it from them and granted the land to us].

We are in exile [using natural means – praying for the peace of the city.... because through this we will have peace]. Yet our words must be completely truthful with no hint of falsity [which would be contrary to Torah] because falsity will also lead to results contrary to those we anticipated. 

All the tribulations, which we are living through now, are because Jewish people built their case on that declaration written by a gentile in London! Jewish people regard that gentile as the master who is deciding who should receive “the Land ... upon which the eyes of G-d gaze from the beginning of the year to the end of the year”. The matter does not end there. They attempt to find favor in his eyes and subjugate themselves to him, asking another gentile “where are the borders [of Israel]? Where does the Land belonging to Jewish People end? What were the loyalties, both apparent and undisclosed, of the those who signed a piece of paper in London? 

This is precisely what the Talmud states: “Our Torah should not be compared to their irrelevant words”. We have an iron wall, the iron words of Rashi [the Torah commentator, Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki] at the very beginning of the Torah, when a child begins to learn Chumash with the commentary of Rashi at the age of five. We tell him immediately: “[The Almighty] told His nation of the strength of His Hand when He gave [the Jewish People] an inheritance of nations.” Rashi does not leave room to teach the child any conjectural interpretations. Rather, he states with clarity, that there is a country which once belonged to seven nations, [not that they conquered it with the might of their own hands, but rather it was given to them by G-d]; subsequently He took it from them and gave it to us”. There is absolutely no need to seek advice, come to any compromises, conspiracies, or deals as to where our borders ought to be and which territories belongs to them [the Arabs]! G-d Himself delineated and set the borders of the Land of Israel! “This is the Land ....her borders” [Numbers 34.2].

To the Promised Land

They [the government of Israel] have tried all formulas both openly and by secret agreements. Yet, this is the only formula they have not yet attempted with which to go public. This is the only wording which gentiles understand since they study the Tenach [Bible] with the very same verses and same interpretations! 

Gentiles already know the interpretation. Moreover, they know that the Jews also know this correct interpretation. Yet, the Jew chooses to cut himself off, to ignore his spiritual wealth and power and true demand. In fact, this is not a demand or request, but a pre-existing natural oneness of the Nation of Israel and the Land of Israel, as the Midrash [Tanchuma] explains: When G-d chose the Nation of Israel from amongst the nations, and chose the Land of Israel from amongst all the lands, it is only logical that the Land which the Creator chose should be given to the People whom the Creator chose! 

By the use of this simple logic there fall away all questions of borders [of Israel]. Then, not only does the issue no longer cause panic and fear, but even the gentiles will know that the Jews [by demonstrating their rightful demand] are “the most powerful amongst the nations” [Talmud Beitza], and that the basis upon which they [the Jewish People] take possession [of their rightful lands] is because they [the gentiles] know that “The word of G-d will stand for ever” [Isaiah 40.8].  

One is fully entitled to approach the gentile and say to him in straightforward terms [quoting Ethics of the Fathers 5.10]: ‘Possessions belonging to me are mine; possessions belonging to you, are yours’. You have the entire world; we have a tiny portion of land which cannot accommodate the nations [Talmud Tractate Gittin 57.1]. The Torah commentator Rashi elaborates in his commentary on the Torah portion [B’chukosai 26.32]: ‘That which the verse forewarns ‘The Land of Israel will lie desolate’ [which appears to be a part of the Curses] is actually a blessing. When the Land is made Judenrein, then gentiles also are unable to take possession of that land!’ [Translator’s note: This ancient prediction mentioned in the Torah, has taken place before our very eyes in Gush Katif which remains utterly desolate of Arab inhabitants and production]. They 

are only able to move around there temporarily, but can never reside there permanently. This is the very nature of the earth of the Land of Israel. 

Since all of this [from the Bible] has already been translated into all languages, the nations of the world are well acquainted with this fact. The government of Israel sent an emissary, a Jew, to negotiate with a gentile. What does he do? He begins to research non-Jewish sources; perhaps there he will find proof for Jewish rights to the Land. When he finally meets with the gentile and begins to prove that the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish Nation because Balfour said so, it’s pitiful because the gentile realizes that this is not a legitimate claim. 

The claim must have strong legal justification [recognized also by the gentiles] that the Land of Israel and her borders belong to the Jewish Nation [aside from the greater borders predicted in the Torah portion [Re-ei 12.20], ‘When G-d will broaden your borders’ after the arrival of our righteous Moshiach]. Even if there is need to pay 400 silver shekels, still, the lands are Jewish. The gentile will recognize the truth of this claim, which was not invented in 1948 [with the establishment of the State], but going far back in time to the Revelation at Mount Sinai, and even before that, to the Covenant with Abraham. Only then will the gentile not be suspicious that if he will grant the Jewish nation one portion, they will not further their demand for another portion, because the Jewish Nation are only asking for that which is rightfully theirs!  

The government makes no effort to release itself from slavery to the international community.They know that their slavery will only end when Jews return to their faith. Then ‘immediately will they be released from their exile’ [see Maimonides]. At this time we are still in a state of Exile, not as is the view of those who are mistaken and mislead others [that 1948 was the time when the exile came to an end, and now we have entered the beginning of the Redemption]. Maimonides states clearly that the exile will be prolonged up until the moment when ‘there will arise a King from the Royal House of King David who will bring all Israel to walk in the footsteps of the Torah, and its breaches will be repaired. Thereafter Moshiach will fight the wars of G-d and be victorious, [all of this he will achieve whilst the Jewish People are still in exile]’.

 Only thereafter will he build the [third] Temple in its rightful place and ‘he will bring about the ingathering of the dispersed ones of Israel.’ This is the great test for us to overcome in our times. 

Public address 11 Nissan 1976

I have demanded that this be put right for a long time yet the Israeli Government continues its policy of surrender

 “One of the questions I am asked, since I have demanded that this be put right for a long time yet the Israeli Government continues its policy of surrender which means giving away territories, have I been wasting my time as nothing has changed?! To this there are two responses: 

1. Should there be absolutely no protest then the situation would be much worse. 

2. The Torah states: “You should continue to reprove your friend” which the Talmud elaborates to mean “even one hundred times”. Commentators explain this to mean quite literally 100 times, that even if one has already fulfilled one’s obligation 99 times, the Torah demands a 100th time with the same forcefulness as the first time, since this 100th time is part of that very same command!

This seems inexplicable; he has already reproved 99 times, what will the 100th time achieve? The response is based on the halachically binding words of Maimonides. If the world would not be in a state of equal balance, then certainly one single act could have no effect to alter the balance. However, since the world is in a state of equal balance, then with one single outcry of protest he is able to alter this state of fine balance for himself and indeed the entire world-scales towards the good and brings himself and the entire world to be saved!

May it be Hashem’s Will that they should not pursue their chosen path which until now has brought us to this present harmful situation– far worse than it was a year ago. Then it was much easier and simpler to set up residence throughout the lands of Yehuda and Shomron, Hebron and the Old City of Jerusalem. Today when one wishes to establish even one single home the nations immediately rise in protest: “For ten consecutive years you yourselves did not permit this and now when we are signing for peace you are jumping in to do this?!” 

In any event, may it be the Will of Hashem that going forward all the territories should be immediately inhabited since with every passing day it becomes more difficult. And since ultimately there will be no fleeing from the territories it is better that this be done now!” 

Shabbos Bereishis 1979

Hebron: You murdered them and thereby inherit them?! Is this called a status quo?!”

 I [the Lubavitcher Rebbe] sent a representative to the Government of Israel to ask them:

“How is it possible that you are actually giving Hebron to the Arabs?”

Ancient Jewish Hebron

They replied to me: that “This is not the case, that there are 240 families that were permitted to live there”. 

I asked again: “But even to these 240 families were given a permit only to live outside of the borders of Hebron not in Hebron”. They answered me: “What do you mean? The location they were permitted to settle is only 10 minutes from the Cave of Machpela.”

I asked them: “What do you mean only 10 minutes? A distance of just one minute can be across of the borders of Eretz Israel! Even such a short journey is outside of Hebron!” I do not know how they can enact a law that forbids Jewish People from living in Hebron. How can a Jewish government ratify giving Hebron to the Arabs?! 

Moreover: The Mayor of Hebron (Sheikh Jabari) is an Arab who took part in the pogrom in 1929 against the Jews. We know clearly that either he or his brother or father took part in the pogrom against the Jewish People! There are photographs from that period which prove that he, the Mayor of Hebron was involved with the murders. And the Mayor, not only does he not hide this fact but even prides himself that it was he who evicted the Jews from Hebron. These very same Arabs! Not Arabs from Egypt, but these very Arabs who murdered Jews in 1929 – they are giving Hebron to them!? 

What do the government representatives answer me? “We have here a situation of “status quo”– Hebron has been in the hands of the Arabs already for 30 years.”

What kind of status quo do we have here?! This situation is one of “You murdered them and thereby inherit them?! Is this called a status quo?!” 

Public talk Shabat Parshat Noach, 1971

The Lubavitcher Rebbe demands of the Government of Israel: All terrorists must be Removed in One Single Procedure

 I once spoke with a physician of an operational procedure. Our discussion moved on to the situation in Eretz Israel. 

I said to him: “When you operate on a Jew, your intention is to improve his health. Now since an operation is a serious matter costing much health and blood loss, may G-d protect us; being that you are a merciful and intelligent man, perhaps you break up the operation into ten stages.” First operate; only some blood will be lost, wait for this area to heal, operate the second stage, until the tenth, when you finally reach the problem, and then remove the undesirable elements.

The physician replied: “Do not take offense, but you are not qualified in medicine. (To my question “Why?” he replied:”) The purpose of an operation is to remove the ailment. If a small incision is made, and we wait for this to heal, after a week make a second incision, until the tenth, the element remains embedded in the body and much blood is spilled. No benefit will be gained because the source has not been removed. There is no choice but to operate in one single procedure. He will be temporarily weakened and more blood spilled but ultimately less blood lost. The patient will be healed because the ailment has been dealt with.” 

I responded; I am pleased to hear your view. This should be the precise procedure applied to Eretz Israel. 

There are two options: One, to tell the opposing side that we will not relinquish into your hands the Land of Israel. Since he will be offended we will take no action against terrorists. We wait a week or so, perhaps his mood will improve, and then suggest he gives in on something. But we do nothing. Armed terrorists remain in the Old City of Jerusalem, Hebron, Shechem, Ramallah, and everywhere, may G-d protect us!

Alternatively there is the second option: In one single operation take out all the terrorists and be rid of them!

Not all hundreds of thousands of Arabs there are terrorists; they are relatively few. The rest of the inhabitants are not preoccupied with terror. They just want to live in peace. In Lebanon those that create the turmoil are a small minority who murder tens of thousands, may G-d protect us. The same is true of terrorists in Israel: There are a small number in the Old City of Jerusalem, Hebron, Shechem, and Lod who create terror.

The government knows who they are and are able to deal with them but are afraid to do so in order not to offend even a small nation – certainly not a major power. They take no action, they forbid Jewish people to live there; even security personnel are not permitted there because of the government’s fear of the gentile. It is now ten years that only one hundred people have been permitted to take residence in the old City of Jerusalem! One hundred people in ten years! In this time the Arabs have multiplied [by natural growth] many times over! 

May it be the Will of G-d that the command be fulfilled “Appoint for yourselves judges and patrol officers” whose decisions will be based on Torah Law, which states– “by compromising with terror the land becomes easily conquerable by them”. Whether in Israel, Boro Park, Kew Gardens, Williamsburg, Crown Heights or Bnei Brak: the law is the same everywhere! This decision must be taken with regard to Ramallah, the Golan Heights, and Hermon. Army Officers (presently serving the Army) have clearly stated: “Retreating from the territories and not taking security action places life threatening danger upon every Jew living in Israel!

”Talks of Motzo’ei Shabbos Re-ei and 1st day of Elul 1978

The Rebbe speaks of his upbringing

 Once, someone asked me: “How is it that you are not hurt by insults, one who abuses further, and a third outbidding all of those with his verbal abuse?” I replied: “It is my upbringing”. I am not saying that these do not bother me; but these do not affect me to change my ways. When events threaten human lives– it is forbidden to remain silent!”

The Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe with his son-in-law the Lubavitcher Rebbe
Painting by Raphiel Nouril

This is a clear legal declaration based on a clear and absolute Talmudic decision [Eruvin 45.1]. G-d helped me (not that this was my personal choice or desire) that I was the firstborn to my father who subsequently became the Chief Rabbi of Yekatrinislav. In those days in Russia it was necessary to arbitrate disputes and send responsa to questions and verbal abuse; replies had to be in the Russian language. 

 As I was the oldest son of the Chief Rabbi of the city, this responsibility fell upon me. [The fact that I was able speak Russian and was knowledgeable in further secular areas gave fuel to further abuse by those who were takers of bribery who were themselves knowledgeable in these fields but made a secret of this, whereas I did not]. I was trained in those days [some 60– 65 years ago] not to wait for honorable titles, to sit, wait and remain silent. It is forbidden to take such a position. This is not the way I was educated and brought up. My opinion in matters of education is that where lives are under threat it is forbidden to remain silent even if you are sure that immediately [or tomorrow or the day after] so-and-so will bad mouth you. I will not be affected thereby. What is however harmful is that some time later there arrives a Jew who speaks outright lies. 

 The issue is not one of the negative Torah command that it is forbidden to hand over territory to a gentile, but of lives under direct threat! In order that the public should not remain under any illusion, we spoke of this, repeated our words, put it in writing, had the issue put in print, published and requested that all interested parties publicize this: In the code of Jewish Law, section Orach Chayim Laws of Shabbos Ch. 329, the words are clear on the matter. And yet, regardless, it has no effect and bothers him naught. It is meaningless to him, because he has taken monetary bribes! I will not change my actions or forsake the path trodden out for me by my father and my teacher, my father-in-law: “Take no notice of insults, even of a decree by gentiles!

 Some argue: “You are annoying the gentiles!” My father-in-law had the choice not to be involved with the gentiles or with the Yevseksia [Jewish anti-Semites]. He could have sat in peace and study with the members of his household and pupils and all those who wished to study with him. Had he done so, no-one would have harmed him. Certainly he had the opportunity to escape from there as did others [until this very day they remain shamelessly silent knowing full well that they opened the road for others to give up their leadership, abandon their sheep and run for more secure pastures to study Torah in peace!]

My father-in-law did not abandon his flock. He remained up until the moment when he was forced to escape because they [the communists] prevented all possibilities for him to continue his work of spreading Torah and Judaism by arresting anyone who had any contact with him! To the contrary: when he crossed the border, he reconnected with those who remained in Russia.And now we can see the fruits of his endeavors: G-d-fearing Jews, alive, learning Torah and observing Mitzvos, with the self sacrifice to spread Judaism. 

Public Talk 20 Av 1979

The Terrifying Destruction of Jewish Communities

 We have all witnessed and seen the terrifying destruction of the Jewish Communities of Gush Katif and Amona by the Jewish hands of the Government of Israel. Rabbi Y. Y. Schneersohn the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, foresaw in his crystal clear vision that this would take place at the end of days [the exile]. He spoke actual words of prophecy. Here we present his words spoken sixty one years ago, 26th day of the Jewish month of Adar, 1945, on the occasion of the fifty year celebration since the establishment of the Lubavitcher Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim.

Neve Dekalim Synagogue destroyed

Men and Women, see, and listen! 

In the Land of Israel there is taking place the slow annihilation of Jewish children. Many anti-religious people amongst the group of leaders whose responsibility is to help the orphans, children of survivors of the holocaust, in the Land of Israel, have put together a corner of destruction for those children who were put into their hands. 

In the territories conquered by the Germans, Hitler set up destruction camps to harm and burn the bodies of Jewish people; in [the land of] Israel a certain group have set up houses of destruction to harm and to burn Jewish Souls.

‘The corner of destruction’ is busy with the destruction of children, orphans of the remnant of the Jewish people, educating the children by Hamans bent on the same path and education of the men of the Yevseksia [Jewish communists], sons of the G-d-less.

These Hamans are teaching the children to desecrate the Sabbath, to eat non-kosher food, to eat on Yom Kippur, to eat leaven bread on Passover, and do not even permit the children to recite the kaddish prayer to recall their parents who were murdered sanctifying G-d’s Name. They teach the children to scoff at G-d and Judaism.

These orphans who are receiving their education from the Hamans of whom we have spoken, will yet tear apart Torah scrolls, burn down Jewish synagogues, tear up Jewish cemeteries, organise pogroms, stab, burn, and shoot at Jewish bodies, violate and plunder the property of others.

Military security authorities: “It is forbidden to hand over territories!”

 It is brought in the code of Jewish Law that in a situation of uncertain threat to life, even if only to one Jewish life– and certainly if itis to thousands and tens of thousands; a fortiori where this is a definite threat to life, the law is clear. Even if the opposing side is approaching for no more than straw and fodder– it is forbidden to relinquish territory. How much more so, when their intent is more insidious than a mere request for straw and fodder.

 There are such people who justify the handing over of territories by distorting the true interpretation and by saying that in order to save lives it is imperative to hand over land or give the reason of the Talmudic ‘three vows’. By permitting the handing over of land whether for these or other interpretations, it is not just that they are ‘playing’ with the words of Maimonides, but a real threat to the lives of the Jewish People, may this never happen! They base their view on the decision given out by Rabbi...... who decided to permit relinquishing land since he claims that there are experts who say that for the sake of saving lives one must give up land. 

 I have never seen this halachic response. It is unbelievable that there can be such a responsa. This view must be negated. In fact, when the delegation arrived at Camp David they once again asked the opinion of high [U.S.] military experts (who serve in the army). Every one without exception responded in a united voice that if they will relinquish any of the territories it would create a life threatening situation for all of the Jewish people in Eretz Israel! 

 After the (Israel) delegation travelled to Washington (offering to relinquish all captured territories), knowing which territories the Arabs wanted, and after explaining the autonomy program in all its detail,the experts concluded: This threatens the lives of all Jewish People living in the Land of Israel. 

 However, the (U.S.) military expert could not openly state this, because the high level of his office forbade him to make such a statement. He was bound to follow orders. Yet when he was asked off the record, he responded that the relinquishing of territories is absolutely life threatening. As one army officer who is versed in Torah study expressed himself from a military viewpoint and of saving lives, the agreement (to relinquish) is one (of a servant going free with the loss of his teeth and eye) of great military disadvantage, and he brought many proofs. 

 Furthermore, another military man stated that from the point of view of threat to life this represents a clear and open threat with no doubt whatsoever. If regardless of all the above there is a Rabbi who is so convinced that in order to save lives one must give up land; since it is possible that he was misled, bearing in mind that this is an issue regarding endangering lives, he has the option to call into his room a security expert and ask his opinion regarding this. He will hear from him that which has already been heard from so many security experts: relinquishing land endangers the lives of every single Jewish person living in Eretz Israel! 

Public address Moitzo’ei Shabbos Ha-azinu 1979

Why are you placing terrorists into prison? Annihilate them!!!

 “You are mistaken in your policy of capturing terrorists and putting them into prison. These terrorists are coming to murder. We have a ruling; “One who comes to kill you, take pre-emptive action – annihilate him!” 

Then the Rebbe added his vision: You will pay dearly for putting them into prison, because in the future you will be beset with assorted demands to strike a ‘deal’ to free them as part of an exchange agreement. 

The Rebbe to Mr. Zvi Caspi 

Secret negotiations to raise the Jordanian flag over the Temple Mount

 We are now in a situation of ‘Nations gather and regimes talk (against the Jewish People, but their efforts will end) in vain’ [Psalms 2.1]. Not that this gathering is G-d forbid to threaten Jewish lives. The gathering is nevertheless against G-d and His anointed Nation. 

The Arabs demand that they be given the sacred spot of the Holy of Holies, rights over the Temple Mount and the permission to raise the flag of Jordan there. The government (in their willingness to concede) wanted to keep this (agreement) secret. But in reality it is already days and weeks that this is known to Washington, the Arab Nations, and also to those who are pained by their lack of Jewish pride.

They attempt to justify it by saying that it will prevent danger to life, with all their excuses. Yet in the mean time their negotiations continue together with the shocking fact that Jews are prepared to relinquish into their hands their most sacred spot, to the extent of giving permission to raise the flag of Jordan! Continuously we have stormed to prevent them from internationalizing the Old City of Jerusalem, to make it a city with three ruling governments. But they have reached a far lower state. It may be asked: what difference does it make which flag flies there? It is irrelevant, doesn’t bother anyone, and has no legal problem. But the public is not grasping how frightful such a step is. Some years ago it was absolutely untenable that Jerusalem be ruled by several governments. It was further ruled out that Jerusalem be given the status of non-negotiable. Now a gentile has the audacity to state that he has total rights: not just over Hebron, Shechem, the Old City of Jerusalem, but more so: he demands the Holy of Holies be handed over to him, the Foundation Rock [of Creation], and be given the rights to raise the Jordanian flag there!

The government piously explains (that if we all agree to this), that this will save us from bloodshed, and one Jew is an entire world. The truth must be told – that there is no link between the two. The Talmud lays down the ruling that the Jewish people are the fiercest amongst the nations. 

“G-d gives strength to His People; G-d blesses His People with peace [Psalms 29.11]”. The Midrash states [Song of Songs 2]: ‘There is no strength other than Torah. When the Jewish People hold on to the Torah, they will survive. G-d will simply grant His People fortitude, and G-d will bless His People with peace.’ The Midrash [Yalkut Shimoni, Torah 267] relates that not only do Jewish people know of this fact, but the entire world community has heard that it is G-d who gives strength to His People and it is G-d who will grant His People peace. They have been reduced into submissiveness in their begging for peace.  

1st Day Rosh Chodesh Iyar 1976

Video: The Lubavitcher Rebbe: On going to war against G-D

On Waging war against G-d!

We have actually seen, wherever the path of falsehood was taken, contrary to the path of the true Torah which has taught us: that something given by Hashem, especially miraculously, given it to us in our generation with open miracles, there is no doubt whatsoever that we are forbidden to touch it, and no one has the right to touch it, because it belongs as an everlasting inheritance!

The Land of Israel belongs to every single Jew throughout the world, to every Jew of all previous generations, as well as to our children and grandchildren, given by G-d into Jewish hands. Now if we want that they have peace, one must know, that they are the owners of these lands which they - Heaven forbid, want to give away parts of the Land of Israel, which in a miraculous way is in the Jewish hands. That which [still today] belongs to Avraham, Yitzchok and the twelve tribes, to the seventy souls which went down into the Egyptian exile, to the 600,000 Jewish people, to the generation which entered the land conquered by Yehoshua bin Nun.

Not one single person is the owner to give away even one small piece of land, even half a piece, even one iota, because it is not his to give away! This a war against the G-d of the world, the G-d of hosts. Relinquishing the “Land to which the Eyes of G-d gaze” and they want to give it away to a gentile - heaven forbid!

He is waging war not only with G-d’s Torah; he is waging war against the true owner of the Land of Israel, against G-d Himself, the G-d of [His army] Hosts!!

The Rebbe said: “This is an Urgent Mission!”

 The Rebbe has repeatedly stated that it is a sacred obligation to broaden the Jewish settlement in the Old City of Jerusalem. Thereafter, the Rebbe spoke at great length and in fine detail that great efforts should be expended to settle not just the Jewish Quarter, but also houses in the Moslem Quarter and nearby buildings.

“In my view”, said the Rebbe, “this is not just a Mitzva of inhabiting the Land of Israel, but also an urgent mission which every single person is obligated to offer assistance. We must prove our rightful ownership of Eretz Israel.” The Rebbe said with great pain: “G-d has wrought for us miracles. It is inexplicable that the Government of Israel does not fulfill its obligation”. 

The Rebbe explained: “Upon the freeing of Jerusalem and Hebron I turned to high ranking officials and repeated my request several times regarding the houses outside of the Jewish Quarter within the walls of the Old City. I requested that they inhabit the many houses and areas in Hebron.” “They are telling me”, the Rebbe continued, “that this runs contrary to the policy of the government. They do not want to anger the Arabs. They offer the same response regarding Jerusalem!” The Government of Israel made a serious mistake in that immediately upon the liberation [of Jerusalem] they did not take possession of all these houses and inhabit them with Jewish People. 

This is inexplicable!” “I believe”, the Rebbe continued, “that it is not yet too late.” “However, it is not possible to do today what could have been done immediately after the Six Day War. If today it cannot be carried out with strength, it can be achieved with money. Action must be taken. Purchase the houses and populate them with Jewish People so that Jews will live not just in the New City but also within the walls, where I have heard that there live no more than 400 families. This is insufficient!” The Rebbe requested that I (Mr. Stern) meet with Minister Burg, and that he be given our view of the policy and actions of the government. When I replied that I am insufficiently versed in politics, the Rebbe responded: “I see that you are avoiding talking to me about politics”. 

The Rebbe continued talking about the political situation in Israel and how there are some Jews who are causing harm to the Jewish People, such as the group ‘Peace Now’ and also Knesset members who battle with Torah Jews. The Rebbe asked: “What is your opinion?” I responded that this is one of the shocking things that have befallen the Jewish People, and it is painful that there also are a number of religious Jews who follow them. 

The Rebbe said that this is not all; these are men with exile in their spirit and hearts. Freedom of the body is not sufficient. The main thing is to expel the exile from within the heart. These men have not succeeded in freeing themselves. It is still lodged in their hearts. He repeated the expression “exile within the heart” many times arguing that this is holding back the redemption, and expressed himself in this way: “One has to take action to extricate the exile from the hearts of Jews in the Land of Israel. They are not free men as long as the exile remains in their hearts.” The expression “to expel the exile from the heart” was known to us from the Rebbe previously when he spoke of his objection to the Camp David agreements. I told the Rebbe that this idea had made a great impression on the people when he first spoke of this, and that we had repeated this expression many times to the inhabitants of the Old City, also I personally in the course of my work. When I said this satisfaction was visible on the Rebbe’s face. 

I added that it seems that the sole unifying factor of the Prime Minister and Knesset members is to retain their seats as ministers. The Rebbe sighed deeply and asked: “Where are the voices of the religious Members?” I replied that their voice is ineffective, their representation has been cut by one third and that many regard the religious parties in the Knesset as blackmailers. 

                                          

Interview Mr. Moshe Stern 7th Iyar 1982

“My Position regarding the Transfer of Land”

I am absolutely opposed to the surrender of even the smallest portion of the liberated territories which are now under negotiation, as for example Judea, Samaria, the Golan, etc.

The reason is straight forward and it is for this reason alone, that the surrender of even the smallest land-portion is in disregard to Jewish Law (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 329. 6-7). 

I have emphasized again and again that this decision is in no way linked to the sanctity of the Land of Israel, or to “the days of Moshiach”, or to the Redemption or such considerations. But only to one single decisive point– the life-threatening danger thereby created. 

This is emphasized even more so by the fact that the source of this legal injunction is to be found in the Talmud (Eruvin 45,1) where the Talmud uses as its example “a border-city”– the city of Nehardoa (Iraq of today) which is certainly not part of Israel. I have emphasized again and again that this is a life-threatening situation, and the case must be judged exclusively on this basis, and not on any geographical basis (i.e. whether or not it is part of Israel).Jewish Law discusses a situation whereby Nations (not even enemies) take up positions against a Jewish border-city, ostensibly in return for no more than cattle fodder, and their stated intention is then to leave. 

But, because of the implicit danger not just to the Jewish People of this city, but for other cities also, Jewish Law determines that when information is received of no more than such preparations by a nation, the Jewish People are obligated to immediately mobilize and to take up weapons even on the Shabbos– in accord with the law that any life-threatening danger overrides the laws of Shabbos.If there exists a question whether or not this is in fact a life-threatening situation, then, just as in an instance of illness one takes the advice of a medical authority, here also, the decision must be made upon the advice of military experts. If military experts decide that there is a life-threatening danger, no other considerations take precedence, since the threat to human-life overrides all else. 

If military experts recommend that parallel to such danger there are other considerations to be taken into account, as for example political considerations (to satisfy the nations)– this is clearly contrary to Jewish Law which demands that no political considerations, only danger to life, must be the ultimate and sole deciding factor. 

Now, with regard to the liberated territories all military experts, both Jewish and non-Jewish, agree that the present situation of surrender of even a small portion thereof is liable to create severe security dangers. Not one of them suggests that surrender of even a small part can in any way increase border protection. There are some military experts who are prepared to undertake such a dangerous course in order not to upset Washington and / or to improve their “international image”. Moving in this direction is not just contrary to clear Jewish Law, but sets aside previous gains that were won at great human cost. A good and outstanding example of this is “The Yom Kippur War”. Days and hours before the attack there took place urgent meetings of the government to judge the situation with the army. Military information proved that the Egyptian attack was underway, and military experts recommended a pre-emptive attack which would save many lives and prevent the invasion. Regardless, politicians with the tacit agreement of some humbled military experts did not accept this action, arguing that such a step or even a general call-up before the Egyptians crossed the border, would be interpreted that we would be the aggressors and endanger our relationship with the USA. This decision ran contrary to Jewish law. The tragic consequences of this decision showed the truth and absolute relevance of Jewish Law (as if there is such a need at all); many lives were massacred for no reason. The situation would have reached ultimate danger had it not been for G-d’s kindness. Suffice it to mention that the Prime Minister of that time admitted that throughout her life she would remain deeply troubled because of that tragic decision.

                                                                                   Letter dated Chanukah 1981. 

How the Lubavitcher Rebbe responded to terrorist threats

On the 28th of Nissan, 5750 (April 23, 1990) the Rebbe was notified that P.L.O. terrorists were threatening to attack various targets throughout the world. The following is the Rebbe's response, freely translated:

"I was notified that the P.L.O. has given instructions to all its branches worldwide to strike at targets throughout the world, G-d forbid.

"It is therefore necessary to invoke and emphasize the blessings from G-d to all Jews in all places, in all their needs. Primarily the most needed blessing is the miracle of the complete and perfect Redemption through Moshiach (whom we await every day that his coming not be delayed even as much as the blink of an eye). These blessings should be emphasized with complete trust and confidence, as well as with joy and gladness of heart.

"We should especially fulfill the directive of the Chabad Rebbes, 'Think good and it will be good.'  "This means that thinking positively causes the course of events to actually turn out good.  "This information should be utilized not to scare anyone, G-d forbid, but rather in the positive sense, to enhance the service of the Jewish people in the study of Torah and the observance of mitzvot.

"On the verse (Gen. 27:22), 'The voice is the voice of Jacob,' our Sages tell us that the power of the Jewish people is with 'our mouth.' Through our heartfelt prayers and Torah learning we can eliminate the plans of 'the hands of Esau,' the terrible schemes of our enemies.

"Thus there should be additional activities in Torah study and prayer and in mitzvot in general.

"Special emphasis should be placed on studying Torah diligently. For our Sages explain the verse, 'If you will follow my statutes' to mean that if you will labor in Torah... 'I will grant peace in the land. You will sleep without fear.'

"Through Torah study we eliminate all negative things and they are even transformed to good.

"Also, additional prayers should be said. Keeping with the spirit of 'thinking positive' it would be advisable to recite daily an extra three chapters of Psalms. One of these three chapters should be the final chapter of Psalms (ch. 150) which concludes with the verse, 'Let every being that has a soul praise G-d.' This means that every man, woman and child praises and gives thanks to G-d for His benevolence, and for the blessings and good fortune that He bestows upon us and will continue to bestow upon us.

"It would also be appropriate to add in the giving of charity. "Although 'fasting' is out of place (especially in the context of 'thinking positive') this does not contradict the giving of charity to redeem a fast. "It would be appropriate to give charity in the amount of two meals, and even better in the amount of three meals. This charity should preferably go to support people who learn Torah or institutions involved in disseminating Torah.

"Certainly these directives will be publicized in all Jewish communities, to all Jews, men, women and children.

"Emphasis must be placed however, to be very cautious not to scare anyone, G-d forbid. Rather, the purpose is to inspire everyone to enhance his/her Torah study and mitzvah observance, with truebitachon, complete trust and confidence in G-d, with joy and a glad heart. "The main thing is that the resolutions regarding the above should hasten and quicken the concept of 'think good and it will be good' in actuality starting from the ultimate good -- the complete and perfect Redemption through Moshiach."

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