The reason for the existence of the Jewish people is the fulfillment of Hashem’s plan. The miracle of the creation and survival of the state of Israel (in the Holy Land, not Uganda), the ingathering of exiles, and the growing strength of the faithful (both frum from birth and ba’alei teshuvah) are indicators that we are living, to quote the Yalkut Shimoni, in a time of “the birthpangs of Mashiach.”
Isn’t it possible that instead of the guilt and fear Dr. Gelbart believes animates Israel’s Jewish detractors, their motivation (along with that of Israel’s non-Jewish enemies) is the same as Amalek’s?
Ben Feigenbaum
East Brunswick, NJ
Exposing Pro-Deal Democrats
In quoting the misgivings and doubts of those Democrats who voted for the Iran deal, Mitchell Bard effectively and brilliantly exposed their hypocrisy (“In Their Own Words: What Democrats Voting for the Iran Deal Really Believe,” op-ed, Sept. 18).
As cited by Mr. Bard, some of the pro-deal Democrats offered suggestions “to address the shortfalls, unwanted impacts and consequences,” all of which have zero prospect of being effectuated.
Tellingly, the words of many of the deal’s proponents closely mirrored the views of those opposed to the deal who fought valiantly to prevent its ratification.
Perhaps it is not too much to expect that voters will remember what transpired with regard to this calamitous agreement and that these less than honorable politicians will be repudiated when they seek reelection.
Fay Dicker
Lakewood, NJ
Measure For Measure
Rabbi Steven Pruzansky asks (“God’s Hand In History,” front page essay, Sept. 11)): “Is there a divine message we can discern amid the murkiness and gloom of today’s global scene – in which country after country, seemingly without any end in sight, is battered by terror and war, refugees and displacement, evil and its bitterest enemy, apathy?”
Yes, there certainly is a divine message here: it’s called middah k’neged middah, measure for measure.
There was a time not so long ago when the only country being ravaged by unrelenting terrorism was Israel. To say the world was apathetic is an understatement. The international community kept condemning Israel (as it still does) for having the gall to defend itself.
Now, however, many of the same countries that had and still have the temerity to condemn Israel are fearful of their own citizens being murdered by terrorists.
And yet, even though the world now understands what it’s like to be targeted by terrorists, is there a single nation that has acknowledged its wrongful, egregious criticism of Israel, let alone apologized for it?
How true is the axiom of our sages that the wicked do not repent even at the very gate of Gehennom.
David Balsam
(Via E-Mail)