“Operation Entebbe” needs to symbolize something other than the clichéd social media propaganda which celebrates the kinds of things that Israel did long ago (and needs to do today), but would never do in this politically charged climate of moderation and pragmatism. On Facebook, this week’s anniversary of the raid on Entebbe prompted the expected expressions and slogans of Jewish strength which very much typified the operation, but has nothing to do with how our politicians treat Jewish lives today.
A mentality of chutzpah, a disregard for world opinion, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to protect Jewish lives is the attitude which Israel needs to adopt, if it wants to heal itself from the malaise of a naked, weak, secular Zionism. In that sense, we need to revisit our true reason for being, and by extension our reason for even having a Jewish state; which has nothing to do with the oft mentioned nonsense of being indigenous (so were the Jebusites!), but has everything to do with our eternal Torah.
We are lacking the resolve and strength that can only be derived from Torah. Were this not the case today, Mahmoud Abbas would have his head rotting on a pike, and the charred remains of the most recent terror flotillas would be resting at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. We must rekindle the spirit of those who risked their lives and stormed Entebbe to save fellow Jews. The barzel of body, soul, and mind. Without any apologetics for killing wicked people. This is the lesson of Entebbe.