Hineni:(emphasis JRT)
The Rebbetzin’s Viewpoint
By Esther Jungreis“How Can You Sleep?”
“Ma Lecha Nirdom?” How can you sleep? – Get up and call out unto your G-d?” was the challenge with which the captain of the ship confronted Jonah as the vessel tossed on the angry sea on the brink of capsizing.
That challenge - that question, rings loud and clear and must be asked of every Jew. Indeed, “How can we be sleeping?” - Don’t we comprehend the threat that is looming over our heads? Don’t we understand the dangerous implications of the NIE Report assuring the world that that Iran cancelled its atomic weapons program in 2003 and therefore no longer presents a threat, while in reality, she is moving full speed ahead. Don’t we understand that this NIE report eliminates the possibility of a pre-emptive strike, leaving Israel exposed and vulnerable — and don’t we comprehend the imminent danger that the Annapolis conference presents to the survival of Israel? Yes, the question echoes in the air. How can we sleep? Why don’t we call out unto our G-d, and why don’t we take preventive measures against the evil that is threatening our lives?
Now, it’s one thing if American Jews are sleeping, but how can they sleep in Israel? And yet incredibly, they are! They are simply not aware, (or more precisely), do not wish to be aware, otherwise they would surely have toppled the bankrupt Olmert government that is choreographing this disaster.
The reactions that I experienced on my recent visit to Israel can be summed up in two words:- “Yeheyeh b’seder” – “It will be okay” – to which I replied, “K’moovan sh’ yeheyeh b’seder, “ – Of course it will be alright. Our history testifies to that. We, the Jewish people, have survived the centuries. We’ve encountered every form of evil. We were oppressed, subjugated, and tormented by a multitude of nations, but in the end, we buried them all, and we are here –so I know that ultimately, it will be b’seder – it will be okay.
Our destiny is to bear witness to G-d. “Atem eidai” – ye are My witnesses,” is the proclamation of the prophets. Therefore, as long as the world exists, we, the Jewish people will be b’seder.. But, dear friends, at what cost?
I am the widow of a rabbi, the daughter of a rabbi, and a granddaughter of Rabbis, Roshei Yeshiva and eminent sages spanning the centuries. I was nurtured on the milk of emunah - faith, so even in Bergen Belsen, as young as I was, I knew that, in the end, it would be b’seder, it would be alright.... I did not know if I would personally survive, but because of the faith inspired by my father, I had no doubt that we, the Jewish people, would triumph over that satanic monster, Hitler, and ultimately, bury him. Nevertheless,, dear friends, again I ask -- at what cost? - At what sacrifice? Six million! The number is beyond comprehension. The human mind cannot even grasp it. We cannot, G-d forbid, allow another catastrophe to befall our people. So once again I ask – how can we be sleeping? How can we not call out unto our G-d? How can we be deaf to the wake-up calls that are all around us?But, you might ask, why am I so upset? What really happened at Annapolis?
Most people will assure you that nothing eventful occurred, but if you follow the news carefully, then you will realize that a lot has happened, and unfortunately, none of it is good.
The official communiques were very benign (no specific resolutions were made other than that discussions would continue). Such communiques are calculated to lull people into inertia until it becomes too late to take action. We saw this same scenario played out only yesterday in Gush Katif, but amazingly, we never learn! This time however, the stakes are much higher. This time it is not just a few settlements in the vicinity of Gaza that are in play....this time, it’s Yehuda and Shomron...this time it’s Yerushalayim, the heart of the Jewish people. This time it is our very lives!Ostensibly, at Annapolis, a formula was to be found for a two state solution. Two states, living side by side in peace, recognizing and respecting each other’s autonomy. But everyone knows that the Palestinians are only interested in a one state solution. However, before I get into the nitty-gritty of the negotiations and discussions that took place, allow me to set the scene at Annapolis. From the very outset, Israel was humiliated.. Incredibly, the United States government participated in this despicable insult, and what is even more shameful is that Israel, led by its Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert accepted this degradation in silence! At Annapolis, the Israelis were not permitted to use the same door through which the Arab leaders entered and were forced to use the service entrance. The Israeli media accompanying the delegation was further humiliated when they were not given entree to a major Arab League press conference held at the Saudi embassy in Washington and were left standing outside in the rain. One member of the press asked the Saudi Foreign Minister when he anticipated that diplomatic relations would prevail between Israel and his nation and, the answer was “Nothing” - a response that the media accepted without protest.
Shocking, you might say. How can it be that such outrageous, bigoted, hateful conduct could be countenanced by Israel’s leaders? We know that they are bereft of Torah and faith, but where is their dignity, their sense of honor, their pride in their people, in their country? How could they have allowed themselves to be so debased? And what about the Americans? How could they have tolerated such conduct at a conference called by them and held on American soil? How could they have accepted behavior that is so antithetic to every democratic principle that America holds dear? It was not only tolerated however, but worse, Condoleeza Rice released a statement expressing sympathy for the Arabs, comparing their predicament to the plight of black people in the South during the 50's ans 60's. How, you might ask, could she equate the two? How could she compare the prejudice and hatred against African Americans based on the color of their skin, to Arab jihadists who regard the murder and torture of Jews a holy deed., and train their children from the cradle on to hate and kill “the subhuman Jews”? And more, how can she compare Israel’s security measures – establishing check points in order to apprehend Palestinian suicide bombers to Jim Crow laws prohibiting blacks from riding in the front of busses in the deep South or from drinking from “Whites Only” water fountains? But most significantly, why did Israel’s leaders allow Israel to be labeled an “apartheid state”, thus legitimizing an epithet that anti-Semites have cast on the Jewish State.
And more – why didn’t the Israeli delegation demand cessation of the constant rocket attacks on Israel’s towns and cities in the South? Why didn’t they demand that the incitement in the mosques and in the media to murder the “satanic Jews” once and for all cease before negotiations take place? The Arabs continue to spew forth their hatred, and even as they do so, they make more and more demands on Israel – and amazingly, Israel continues to give. The Arabs openly declare that they have no intention of recognizing Israel as a Jewish state...and note – this is not only Hamas’ position, but also that of Abbas and Fatah. While Hamas and Fatah have their internal differences and hold one another in contempt, when it comes to Jews, they are united in their hatred.At Annapolis, Israel agreed to hand over all future arbitration to the United States, How could Israel, who has always followed a course self-determination, take this position? Could it be that the Olmert government is playing the old game of “good guy – bad guy?” Fully aware that the Israeli public will not tolerate compromising Yerushalayim, or a repeat of Gush Katif in Yehuda and Shomrorn, it becomes easier to blame America and say, “It’s not us....we are also victims. What can we do? America is calling the shots!”
Olmert also took steps to silence American Jewry, stating that those who are not citizens of Israel have no right to express their opinions regarding Israel. He totally forgets that Israel is a Jewish State, and therefore every Jew, no matter where he resides, is a citizen of Israel! Moreover. We have been citizens of Israel from the beginning of time, from the moment that G-d spoke and bequeathed the land to us and all our progeny as an eternal inheritance. In thousands of years of history, no nation, no power, succeeded in nullifying that covenant, and therefore Olmert and company will not succeed in nullifying it either. So, Mr. Prime Minister, not only do we Jews residing in the United States have the right to speak out on behalf of Israel, but more....we, and every Jew throughout the world has a mandate, a sacred obligation to do so!“For the sake of Zion, for the sake of Jerusalem, I shall not rest. I shall not be silent!” (Isaiah, 62) [link]
posted by: jrtelegraph
My hat is off to the Rebbetzin Ester Jungreis . I agree with her wake up call. If I were there and they told me that I had to come in through the servants entrance I would have kept on going and not stopped But I would Have notified all the Newspapers and T V stations that I will not meet with anyone who thinks he is better than I am. Never mind that he came with the chip on his Shoulder that he would not shake my hand. I take that as he doesn't have the knowlege that I posses in my little finger to be touched by such a shallow person.
The fact that the President who called this meeting agreed to those kind of terms is beyond comprehension. The words of Miss Rice shows that she doesn't remember when her own people had to move to the back of the bus or not drink fron the same water fountain. It is sad that she wants to be in the same bed with these fellows that she would stoop so low.
Thank you Rebbetzin Jungreis for the wake up call. Now is the time for all Jews where ever they could be found to stand up and be counted. I for one would not meet with those who think that they are better than I.
I wonder if these people think they are so good that their own people live in poverty.What contributuions have they brought to the world,in Medicine, technology, agriculture,education.
How much of their knowledge is being copied by other nations. How many send their students to their colleges to study.
Are their women allowed to do what most other countries allow women to get educated run for government office.become Doctors Lawyers Scientists or busineess women.?
Those people that left Israel in 1948 when they were attacking Israel left their homes on the say so of these leaders ,for a few weeks to come back and take the Jewsh Homes.Why for 60 years they have lived in shacks without water or electricity no education and not to be allowed to become citizens of the country.
They have been wards of the UN for their food and clothing. If that is the traits of a person that thinks he is better than any one what a poor fate for the world.
People of the world wake up and smell the coffee the threat is now bigger and it will continue as they have either forced their opinions on those that are a sleep or are afraid to stand up and be counted as they will kill you.
Heads you loose tails you loose , it is either their way or you are gone. Better it Should be my way and they are gone. Now is the time to stand tall and be counted.
Posted by: Murray Gorelick | December 25, 2007 at 08:11 AM