Iron and Copper shall be your locks.

  The verse ‘Iron and copper shall be your locks’ is followed by ‘As in the days of your youth, so shall be your days of your old age’. Rashi, the major Torah commentator, offers two interpretations: [1] As the days of your youth are good and illuminated, so too will be the days of your old age, which would normally be weakening and stumbling, will also be illuminated days. [2] As long as you will conduct yourselves as is the Will of G-d, all nations will pour their gold and silver into the Land of Israel. Their wealth resources will be emptied and bequeathed to Israel. In this interpretation Rashi brings the word in Old French– ‘Ashkelon’e, meaning, that they will pour out.

Walls of Jerusalem

When Jewish People follow the Will of G-d, gold will not be transferred in small increments, but will be poured out! The implications of this insight are absolutely clear: If you will follow the Will of G-d, the Code of Jewish Law, that when a nation will make its approach even for no more than for fodder for their animals, take an armed stand and do not allow them to enter. Then you will be assured [since you have fulfilled the verse ‘iron and copper [your strong ones] are your locks’ on the borders], that the days of your old age will have the fortitude and strength of your youth [first insight], and gold and silver will pour into Israel from all lands [second insight]. 

These blessings are dependent on guarding Israel! As Rashi comments: ‘Now the verse speaks of all Israel: that their strong ones should inhabit the border cities so that the enemy not enter her. A small child may ask: ’Even if we inhabit the borders, how will the open areas between the border cities be protected?’ When he will grow up he will understand that when they will stand guard with weapons [as Jewish Law commands] those areas will be protected. And if they [the weak minded] will say we have no choice, if we need to stand guard with weapons, we need money to make these purchases, and this money come from the Nations. 

This issue is also clarified by Torah. If we observe the Will of the Almighty, we will receive the funding. If there are some that will find a better interpretation in Rashi, I have no interest in taking up this argument with them. But now that we have reached a situation of a serious threat to Jewish life, we must shout until they get the message! The choice is not ‘of receiving peace by giving away land’, but ‘of getting a bit of paper for giving away land!’ 

No investigations or discoveries of what is going on behind closed doors are necessary to realize that this last year since their signing [which they call the ‘Peace Agreement’] there were many attacks [and Jewish people killed]. Since the Six Day War there has never been a year so full of attacks as this year!

Egypt has again and again negated the peace agreement; Israel is full of regrets. Admit your mistake in signing! You Israel have eaten enough stinking fish and taken sufficient whippings. The time to follow the word of G-d has arrived! As of now, stop giving! Take back what has been given! Clearly this path will bring no harm, only help, because thereby you will be walking with the power of G-d who has promised that your days will be like those of your youth. And speedily, we will arrive at the end– the true and full redemption through Moshiach our righteous one, immediately!  

Public talk 13 Tishrei, 1980

The Rebbe speaks to Mr. Moshe Katzav, Yud Shvat 1992

 When Mr. Moshe Katzav was introduced, the Rebbe shook his hand (and continued to hold on to his hand throughout the their talk) and blessed him: that he should merit in his role to gather in The People of Israel, the Torah of Israel and the Holy One may He be blessed, that these three never be broken apart.

The Rebbe continued: “Of late I have heard a strange and shocking rumor regarding the negotiations and decisions of the government in Eretz Israel about conceding portions of land in Eretz Israel. Actually they are at present negotiating a five year program which they refer to as autonomy. However, it does not matter in which language this is couched and how they explain it away because the reality is that these words and discussion of these matters fall within the explicit prohibition of “Lo Tichoneim”– that it is forbidden to relinquish any portion of Eretz Israel to the nations of the world! These words will ultimately lead to actually giving away of portions of Eretz Israel. Merely talking on this issue constitutes a denial of G-d, of His Torah, of Eretz Israel and of the Holiness of Eretz Israel. These talks regarding a program of autonomy constitute the first step to giving away portions of Eretz Israel and not just of small areas but of major areas such as Judea, Samaria, Gaza, Hebron, and Jerusalem, etc. This is a severe threat to Jewish Life! As we have stated, it is irrelevant what the Jewish People think, say or how they explain it. What matters is how the Nations interpret this. Their interpretation is that this is a framework of negotiations to ultimately relinquish areas of Eretz Israel and the establishment of a Palestinian State.

You understand Arabic; so ask the Arabs who live there and you will see for yourself that their intention in their negotiations of autonomy in five years in fact means that they are being given portions of Eretz Israel to set up a Palestinian State. It is irrelevant how the Jewish People explain this, because the main point is how the nations regard this.

The mere speaking of a program of autonomy is a desecration of G-d, and a desecration of Holiness. If there are in Eretz Israel Jews who are non-observant of Torah and Mitzvot, this is relevant to them on a personal level. But in this instance we are talking of the government of Israel declaring open warfare against G-d and His Torah!”

“Regarding their explanation, that what is under discussion is merely (Arab) self-determination– their education, farming, etc., but not foreign affairs or security; this is no more than a test case– this is diplomatic terminology. In our instance, we are not discussing diplomacy but talks, may G-d save us, of relinquishing parts of Eretz Israel. These negotiations constitute a desecration of G-d’s Name, opposing G-d and His Torah, and therefore there is no difference whichever sweet diplomatic terminology Jews use. They say that there is at present an Aliyah from Russia; they need US government guarantees etc. and that is why they take note of US government statements; in reality this constitutes the first step in relinquishing portions of Eretz Israel. The proof being that they themselves say that the reason for them doing so is because they are intimidated by the Nations and they are under pressure. So when there will be further pressure, they will be further intimidated by the world community with no end in sight, as we actually saw in the past that when they surrendered and gave in to pressure. This brought on even more pressure.

Mr. Katzav said this past year there was a letter from President George Bush stating that he is opposed to a Palestinian State and this year he wrote merely that he is not in favor of a Palestinian State, so we see here a change. 

The Rebbe: “We hereby see in which direction this change is moving. It is inconceivable that a Jew who believes in G-d and His Torah can be G-d forbid, a partner to such matters and offer his signature to this. It would be advisable that the government be dissolved– there be no Jewish government because such programs are only discussed because of international pressure (as they themselves have said). This being the case, it would be preferable to set up, may G-d save us, an International Government in Eretz Israel and that this body decide what to do with Eretz Israel. Thereby there would at least be no Jewish signatures!

You surely know Mr. Menachem Begin initially was not in agreement with the Camp David, and stood strongly against it. But finally he began to compromise, and according to what one hears, still today regrets his compromise on a part of Eretz Israel. Were it Jews who have no faith in G-d, who had done this it could have been be understood. But men who do believe in G-d who put their signature to relinquishing portions of Eretz Israel, this is a desecration of the Name of G-d.

Shamir does believe in G-d and the Sanctity of Eretz Israel, therefore it is incomprehensible that he specifically is in agreement to a program of relinquishing portions of Eretz Israel. The security of Eretz Israel is from the One G-d. If they will conduct themselves appropriately with all the expected strength then there would be nothing to fear regarding the security of Eretz Israel. Now they are speaking only of five years because they are afraid to tell the truth that they want to relinquish portions of Eretz Israel, but in my estimation Shamir himself knows of their intentions better than I do. Shamir has much merit regarding Eretz Israel, beginning from the time of the Irgun when nations ruled over Eretz Israel. Shamir battled against them. Now he is the one who is negotiating giving away portions of Eretz Israel! In my opinion it is imperative that Shamir immediately nullifies the decision and negotiations regarding autonomy. 

I consistently battled that there be a government headed by Shamir. Just as I did all that was within my power to establish a government with Shamir as Prime Minister; if they will continue talks in this direction then I, Menachem Mendel will be the first to battle with all power and with all my strength against Shamir that the government should be brought down! 

Until today it was only Mr. Shimon Peres against Shamir’s government. If Shamir will continue in this direction on talks of autonomy I also will be against Shamir’s government. If Shamir cannot withstand world pressure, let him announce this publicly that he cannot stand up to world pressure and he can no longer remain Prime Minister! About the “Shamir”, as I have spoken many times before, it is written – that it (the Shamir) can split a rock. Shamir should place a Shamir with all his strength against decisions to discuss relinquishing portions of Eretz Israel and then all decisions and thoughts on this matter will be split and totally nullified.”

Mr. Moshe Katzav: “It was the Rebbe Shlita who set up the present government and we wish for the bracha of the Rebbe to continue to bring holiness into the government.” 

The Rebbe Shlita: “When Shamir will draw holiness into Eretz Israel, then this will give him the strength to withstand pressures.” 

M. Moshe Katzav: “Shamir will surely remain strong.”  

The Rebbe Shlita: “Up till now he was strong. Now it is imperative that he immediately severs all talks on autonomy. Certainly you will carry this message to Mr. Shamir and not be annoyed that I have given you an uncomfortable mission. Convey this with all the power with which I spoke. Forgive me that I have spoken so strongly, but if the truth were to be told, much more should have been spoken on the subject, but now is not the time for extensive talks. Please G-d you should have good news to tell and we will only speak of the holiness of Eretz Israel and of the Jewish People. Good news.”

The Rebbe on cease-fires with the enemy

I asked the Rebbe about his strong opposition to the ceasefire agreed by the government of Israel with Egypt. I made use of the well known argument of the Rebbe, that on the subject of conversion, the decision should be exclusively in the hands of Rabbis; I said to the Rebbe that the non-religious also have a contention - that in matters of cease-fire, whether to agree to such or not, the decision should be in the hands of military personnel or politicians who are occupied with matters of state, not by Rabbis…

The Rebbe answered me, that as far as he knows, the opinion of the military is being withheld from most of the political echelons, because if they would truly know the views of the military, never would they be in agreement given the situation that the Egyptians are advancing their missiles and the Israel government is not giving the Israel Defence Force the order to respond.   

The Rebbe disclosed to me a certain military detail requesting of me to guard this a close secret…... this was in connection to a recommendation of a response to [the Egyptian] missile systems being moved forward into the Sinai. I kept my promise to the Rebbe and indeed kept the matter spoken of a deep secret. Years went by and I did not disclose the matter spoken of to anyone. During the course of passing years the pivotal points flew from my memory. However, what I do remember was, that this discussion took place shortly after an Israel minister disclosed to the Rebbe of a sharp difference of opinion how to respond [to this Egyptian activities]. The Rebbe revealed to me a specific line of response, yet was exceptionally careful with his words to me. Thereafter it became clear that all of the visions of the Rebbe - to our pain - became 100% the reality. More than this I cannot, neither am I permitted to tell……

I asked the Rebbe if he is aware that a major investigation is taking place against the Rebbe in Israel because of his words against the cease-fire. The Rebbe told me that he is unperturbed by these investigation taking place, because one who knows of great danger [to life] is forbidden to remain silent. The danger which has been created by the Israel government’s agreement to a cease-fire with Egypt is extreme, which will G-d forbid, lead to war.

In this connection, the Rebbe spoke to me regarding returning territories; that not only do military experts in Israel see the danger, but the Rebbe has first hand information that American military experts are of the opinion that it is forbidden for Israel to return territories conquered in the Six Day War.

The Rebbe told me that he is trying to find some sort of advocacy for those who agreed to the cease-fire but could find just one merit: that these are ministers who regard the Six Day as if forced upon them as opposed to entering the war out of military necessity, only wishing to find favor in the eyes of foreign nations; that in their eyes there is only one way forward for Israel, - to surrender to the world community……

I asked if the Rebbe is absolutely opposed to peace talks. The Rebbe replied that an agreement to hold talks with the Arabs either directly or via an intermediary need not necessarily be tied to a cease-fire. There were wars between other nations that negotiations were not held under conditions of cease-fire agreements; to the contrary, such talks are an invitation for renewed war. When the Egyptians every day are increasing their weaponry and missiles, Israel must not only act in defense but must attack for purposes of defense…..

The Rebbe repeated himself with emotion, that this cease-fire agreement is a disaster, because all signs he has in hand show that Egypt is preparing for war.         

“Why do leaders [in Israel] not learn a lesson” - asked the Rebbe - “from the results of the retreats of 1948 and 1956?! Why don’t they understand that it is forbidden to agree to any retreat from the territories?!”

When I mentioned to the Rebbe the subject of international guarantees, the Rebbe replied that no intelligent person would agree to rely on promises made by the nations, certainly not of those of Egypt or the Russians, because they are only concerned with their own interests. Only after bitter let-downs of two previous occasions were these followed the Six Day War. Then the Rebbe said, that some years ago, when Israel realized the futility of reliance on foreign nation and went to war, did G-d come to their aid. At that time everyone recognized the Hand of G-d and His wonders. Even groups aligned to the left spoke openly of this. It was only the religious who held back of speaking openly of this.       

Private interview with the newspaper reporter Mr. Yona Cohen, Sunday after Shabbat Parshat Eikev, 1970.

Why G-d initially give the Land of Israel to the Canaanite nations

On the very first verse of the Torah the commentator Rashi writes as follows: ‘Rabbi Yitzchak said: In truth, the Torah should have opened with the first commandment given to the Jewish people of the month of Nissan - the first month of the year with the festival of Passover’; why then does the Torah open with the account of Creation? 

Rabbi Yitzchak responds: ‘G-d wished to inform His people that it was His power which brought about Creation, and therefore His prerogative to pass on to the Jewish people the inheritance of nations. That should there come a time when the nations will accuse the Jewish people ‘you are thieves, you conquered the land of the Seven [Canaanite] nations’, they will respond: ‘the entire world belongs to the Holy One blessed be He; it was He would created it and He who initially gave the Land to whom He saw fit; by His Will did He give it to them and by His Will did He take it from them and gave it to us’.  

Canaanite archeological remains

Here there arises a powerful question both for a five year old and an adult. Torah is written with absolute precision; regardless, the entire order of Torah was altered to give the Jewish people a response to a demand made by the nations. Why was there a need to alter the order of Torah? Would it not have been much simpler had G-d in the first instance given the Land of Israel to the People of Israel; then there would be no arguments posed by the nations, and no need to alter the order of Torah. 

The truth is that one cannot ask of G-d questions. However, just as matters recorded in Torah are open to be understood, this question also can be understood without having to resort to a blanket response that this is ‘a Decree from above’. 

The earth should not turn into a wasteland overrun by beasts of the field.

By way of explanation:  G-d says in the Torah: ‘I will not banish [the resident nations] in the course of just one single year lest the earth become a wasteland and beasts of the field overrun you; rather, I will banish them step by step. 

Had G-d given the Land of Israel to Abraham our forefather there would be just one Jew living in the entire Land. The Land would turn into a wasteland of wild animals. Similarly had G-d waited and given the Land to Jacob when there were just 70 souls. Even when the Jewish nation of six hundred thousand souls [in addition to women and children] entered the Land, there was still the need to banish the nations there step by step because even with this great number the beasts of the field would overrun them. 

G-d did not want the land to be infested with snakes, poisonous reptiles and scorpions, over a period of thousands of years up until the nation of Israel would enter the land]. Therefore did He give the Land initially to the nations; by His divine Will did He give it to them and take it from them and give it to us.   

Upon entry the Jewish people would have readymade homes and properties.

Furthermore, in the book of Deuteronomy G-d says that when they will enter the Land of Israel they will find ‘great beautiful cities not built by you, houses filled with all good not filled by you, excavated water-wells not excavate by you, vineyards and olive groves not planted by you’.  Not only would it be ‘a good and broad land’ in potential, but immediately upon entry there would be houses filled with all good, excavated water-wells and more - left by the nations! Therefore was it necessary to give the Land previously to the seven nations that the land be replete with all good for the Jewish people. 

The accusation that the Jewish people are armed robbers falls away given that the land was given to them by G-d; however, the houses full of good and excavated water wells were given to those nations; so, how could we have taken these from the nations? Every intelligent person knows that when one lives in a house belonging to another, one pays rent. Since it was G-d who created the world and the Land of Israel, He being the world owner, he gave permission to nations to dwell therein. When one calculates the rental accumulated amount due by the seven nations dwelling in G-d’s home for hundreds of years, it is understood that the value of houses filled with all good and water-wells is no more than a fraction of payment due. It would not be worth their while claiming that Jewish people took their homes, because a huge outstanding debt would remain. 

We have an example of this recounted by the Talmud, that Egyptians at a later date came and argued that [at the time of the Exodus] the Jewish people left Egypt with vast amounts of silver and gold; the representative of the Jewish people Gvihah ben Pesisah responded that the Jewish people had worked - been enslaved - for 430 years without pay. A simple calculation exposes that the value of those silver and golden vessels would not cover those outstanding wages. The Talmud continues to relate that when the Egyptians heard his response, they left behind silver and gold and ran away! 

If only the Jewish people at this time would have the strength to respond to the world nations with this legal decision of Torah [in which they also believe]. Then, not only would there be no pressure, but to the contrary, they [the Arabs] would run away from the territories as did their ancestors! Until this time they [the government] has not responded in this way for an assortment of illicit reasons.   

                                                                    Public talk Motzoi Shabbat Bereshis 1979

     

The Rebbe's letter to Ariel Sharon re miracle performed by G-d during Yom Kippur War

The Rebbe's Letter:

By the Grace of G-d,

16 Cheshvan, 5734 [November 11,1973]

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and blessing:...

Here I wish to refer to one point in your latest letter, where you wrote about the difference between the Six Day War and the so-called Yom Kippur War, in that G-d’s miracles were more obvious in the Six Day War, etc.

As a matter of fact, there were ample miracles, and quite obvious ones, in the last war. The overall miracle, which has now been revealed although not overly publicized, is the survival after the first few days of the war, when even Washington was seriously concerned whether the Israeli army could halt the tremendous onslaught of the first attack. Slowly details are now being revealed also in the Israeli press as to how serious was the danger in those early days of the war.

The greatest miracle was that the Egyptians stopped their invasion for no good reason only a few miles east of the Canal. The obvious military strategy would have been to leave a few fortified positions in the rear, and with the huge army of 100,000 men armed to the teeth, to march forward into Sinai, where at that point in time there was no organized defense of any military consequence. This is something that cannot be explained in the natural order of things, except as it is written: 'The dread of the Jews fell upon them,' in the face of their intelligence reports about the complete unpreparedness of the Jews in Eretz Yisrael at that time.

There are also scores of reported miracles in various sectors of both fronts. The essential point of this whole tragic war is that it could have been prevented and, as in the case of medicine, prevention is more desirable than cure.

With blessing,