Israeli Politics

On a recent trip to New York, I davened Maariv in a chasidishe shul in Brooklyn. On my way out, I heard, “Shmuel, one second!” It was an old friend of mine; I was happy to see him. We schmoozed for a bit and then he told me something. Ever since October 7, the Rebbe of this shul had started davening – by name – for each of the hostages. He says T’hilim and prays for their release. My friend took my hand and said, “Let me introduce you to the Rebbe.” Naturally, I was happy to meet him and gave him a “yasher koach” for his t’filos. But then I added something he wasn’t expecting. I asked the following question: “With Hashem’s help, these hostages will be released. When that happens, will you continue to daven? Will you then pray for the IDF soldiers who risk their lives fighting the enemy on a daily basis?” His answer said it all: “It was a pleasure meeting you. Have a nice evening.” And then he walked away.

It is becoming clearer by the day that we had two great rabbinic leaders who told us what to do – but we didn’t listen. These two giants were crystal clear in what the State of Israel needed to do to defeat the enemy, but their words fell on deaf ears. I am referring to the Lubavitcher Rebbe and Rabbi Meir Kahane.

People are walking around these days depressed, disappointed, and frustrated. Things in the Jewish community – both in Israel and throughout the world – have become quite challenging… and it’s taking its toll. Many of us are asking questions that don’t have good answers: What will happen with the hostages? When will rockets stop falling in Sderot and Kiryat Shmona? When will the world stop blaming Israel for everything? How bad will anti-Semitism get in the United States, Canada, and Europe? Lots of questions, and very few answers.

I recently visited a kindergarten in northern Israel. The reason I traveled there was to see the “ganenet” (kindergarten teacher) in action, who happens to be my daughter Tova. For the past eight years, Tova has been a shining example for 32 kids each year (minimum), and my wife and I went to see her “home-away-from-home.” Knowing that I have lots of experience speaking before crowds, Tova asked me to teach them a few things about Yitzchak and Rivkah – the topic she had been focusing on for several weeks – and I happily agreed.

I have been living in Israel for 34 years and have always taken Yom HaZikaron very seriously. Unlike the fun, shopping, vacation, and barbecue day in America called “Memorial Day,” Yom HaZikaron is a very meaningful, somber, and emotional day. This year, however, there really is no more Yom HaZikaron (Remembrance Day) – because it has been replaced with Sh’nas HaZikaron (Remembrance Year).

The term “Jewish leadership” is tossed around quite frequently. We long for strong and proud leaders, but we can’t seem to find them. We question ourselves why this is so difficult and invent answers that aren’t true. Let me ask this question directly: Why is it so challenging to find people capable of leading the Jewish Nation? We build billion-dollar companies, have incredible scientific minds, and are geniuses in Torah wisdom, but we can’t find solid leaders?? Why is that so?? Here’s the answer: It’s because we’re looking in the wrong place!