May 01, 2024 / 22 Nisan 5784
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Office of the Prime Minister
3 Kaplan St.
PO Box 187
Jerusalem 91919
Israel
Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu,
As we stand at a critical crossroads, both historically and spiritually, I address this letter to you with an utmost sense of urgency and responsibility. Our shared heritage and the divine imperatives bestowed upon us compel us to act with moral balance, decisiveness, and clarity, guided by the enduring principles of the Torah.
In the prophetic traditions, as recounted by Ezekiel, we are reminded of HaShem’s command to confront and rectify the injustices within our midst: “Son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Then declare to her all her abominations” (Ezekiel 22:2). These scriptures are not merely historical or symbolic, but rather a direct call to action, resonating with profound relevance today. We are at a moment where the collective fate of humanity teeters on the precipice of great turmoil and potential devastation. Global unrest, national conflicts, and the shadows of war loom over us, demanding immediate and resolute action.
As the leader of the State of Israel, your role transcends the administrative and enters the realm of the prophetic. Today, HaShem is actively sifting through the injustices of the world, and you are endowed with the capability to steer our nation towards a path of righteousness and truth. This is your moment to decisively choose life, to stand with HaShem in truth, which is the very essence of life itself, as opposed to descending into the metaphorical knowledge of inevitable destruction, where, as Torah warns, eating from the forbidden fruit leads to death, chas v’Shalom: “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17).
The urgency of our current global situation cannot be overstated. We are called upon to embody the values of Torah in every facet of our conduct; to balance justice and mercy, demonstration of humility, integrity and truth. “Justice, justice you shall pursue, that you may live and inherit the land which the Lord your God gives you” (Deuteronomy 16:20). These are not abstract virtues but practical imperatives that must permeate our policies, our dialogues, and our interactions both within Israel and on the international stage.
Furthermore, we must actively engage in open dialogues with nations worldwide, acknowledging and reconciling the atrocities committed in our past, while not excusing those perpetrated against our people. This is not a time for defensiveness but for humble acknowledgment and bold leadership in rectifying historical wrongs. Our responsibility extends beyond our borders; it encompasses educating the global community about who we, the Torah-observant Jews of Israel, truly are. We must distinguish ourselves from those who have misused the name of Israel and committed atrocities under its guise, the secularists, known as the Erev Rav: “And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle” (Exodus 12:38); “And the Lord spoke to Moses: ‘Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves’” (Exodus 32:7; Rashi on Exodus 32:7). It is essential that the world understands that we, adhering to the true essence of Torah, stand for truth, moral integrity, righteousness, and we are a people in pursuit of peace: “and many peoples shall come, and say: ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:3-4).
As we take this stand, it is imperative to foster a sense of global Jewish solidarity, built on the foundational principles of the Torah and extending to embrace all humanity. Our efforts should be geared towards creating a ‘United Nations of Israel’ where the sovereignty of HaShem is recognized, and His divine presence fills every corner of the earth: “And the Lord shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall the Lord be One, and His name One” (Zechariah 14:9). In this vision, there is no room for doubt; every heart is turned towards peace, guided by the divine hand of HaShem: “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.’” (Micah 4:1-3).
The actions we take today will paint the canvas of our future. Each policy enacted, each word spoken, and each alliance forged should reflect the divine light we aspire to manifest. Our deeds must be colors of hope, not shadows of despair. Let our collective efforts resonate with the harmony of divine providence, ushering in an era where justice prevails and peace reigns supreme: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6-9).
This is a call to action, Mr. Prime Minister. A call to embody the highest values of our faith, to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). It is a call to lead with courage and integrity, to show the world that Israel stands for more than survival—we stand for the sanctification of HaShem’s name in every aspect of our national life: “And you shall not profane My holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the Lord who hallows you” (Leviticus 22:32).
May HaShem grant you the wisdom to see the urgency of this moment and the courage to act accordingly. May your decisions reflect the depth of your commitment to Torah and your dedication to the welfare of all people. May you lead us in a way that brings honor to HaShem and brings us closer to the ultimate redemption, where peace and justice are not merely aspirations but realities: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24).
With the stakes higher than ever, it is imperative that every step we take is measured against the teachings and commandments of HaShem. Our national policies must align with the moral imperatives of the Torah, ensuring that justice, peace, and compassion dictate our actions towards all individuals and communities, irrespective of their background or beliefs: “Justice, justice you shall pursue, that you may live and inherit the land which the Lord your God gives you” (Deuteronomy 16:20). This alignment must not only be internal but also evident in our international dealings, embodying the virtue of righteousness that is commanded of us: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
It is also crucial that we, as a nation, take responsibility for the actions of our former secularist leaders who, driven by misguided objectives, may have steered us away from these divine principles. True leadership in the eyes of HaShem and His Torah is not about asserting dominance or pursuing narrow national interests at the expense of others’ rights and dignities. Instead, it involves serving as a light unto the nations, a beacon of ethical conduct and godly values: “I the Lord have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and give you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the nations” (Isaiah 42:6).
To foster true reconciliation and understanding, we must embrace open dialogue, not only within our own community but with the world at large. This includes candidly addressing and educating about the role of the secularist “Erev Rav” in our history: “And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting; and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, ‘Who shall give us flesh to eat?’” (Numbers 11:4). Their actions, driven by self-interest and a disregard for divine will, have cast long shadows over our true mission as bearers of Torah and justice. By making these distinctions clear, we reinforce our commitment to truth and set ourselves apart from those who have exploited our identity for nefarious ends.
Your leadership, Prime Minister, has the potential to be transformative at this critical moment. It can signal a return to the values that have historically guided us and can ensure our future as a nation that not only survives but thrives in its divine mission: “Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people’” (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). Let this be the time when we recommit to the paths of righteousness, guided by the deep and unshakeable truths of our faith: “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven” (Psalms 85:10-11).
Let us embrace this moment of divine providence with the seriousness it warrants. As HaShem shakes the injustices of the world, let us be the ones to uphold balanced justice while discerning when to demonstrate mercy: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another’” (Zechariah 7:9). This is not merely a policy shift; it is a moral imperative, a divine command that we are obligated to fulfill: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? To fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
May your decisions be courageous and your path be true. May the Almighty bless Klal Yisrael with peace and prosperity. May we see the day when unity prevails among all the children of Israel, and peace reigns in our land and throughout the world: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls and security within your towers’” (Psalms 122:6-9). Together, let us hasten the coming of that day, fulfilling our role in HaShem’s grand design, where His glory is revealed to all, undeniable and supreme: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn” (Isaiah 60:1-3).
In the spirit of urgent action and divine guidance, I urge you, Mr. Prime Minister, to consider these words not as mere suggestions but as a call to transform our collective destiny through adherence to the highest standards set forth by Torah and prophetic vision. This is your opportunity to lead Israel in a manner that honors HaShem, embraces truth, and exemplifies righteousness.
May HaShem guide us all in the paths of peace and righteousness, enlighten our hearts with wisdom, and fill our homes with happiness and health: “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace” (Proverbs 3:17). May He protect us from adversity and strengthen us to uphold the Torah and its commandments with love and devotion: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105). May we all witness the dawning of a new era, marked by divine favor and the ultimate redemption: “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9).