The Gauntlet

The holiday season in Israel is readily noticed also by the increase of tourists arriving here.  Indeed many even make their way out to Judea and Samaria, not only the biblical heartland, but where we actually started here in Israel, from Abraham onward.

Always noticeably missing are the secular Jewish tourists, Jews who hail from Conservative and Reform congregations.  They are in Israel, in fact there are always “missions” here, but their leadership makes sure to keep them away from the Jewish Heartland.  Often claiming “too politically charged”, “dangerous” and many other pitiful excuses.

Funny how we can always find mainstream US Jewish “leadership” in Ramallah, but a visit to Shilo, Beit El and more, simply out of the question.  Gd forbid they visit sites directly connected to their own history.  Sites that would strengthen their own identity and connection, their congregations identity and connection, stated challenges they face in keeping their respective flocks at home.  Why would they wish to keep their people disconnected and ignorant to their history?  Why would they deny them the chance to walk in the steps of their forefathers?  What are they afraid of?

I am not talking politics, simply the chance to visit these places that are so important to us as a people.  They all claim to be so “pro-Israel”, so why should these places be so different. 

Federations and so on, will always visit Jewish sites in other countries on “Heritage” tours, but to see their own heritage in Israel, to be denied them by their own leadership??? Seems suspicious.

In almost all Jewish Congregations of worship, the “stories” are read, the Torah and Haftorahs are recited…how many of you and your congregants can point out the locations mentioned on a map, how many have people have visited them, how many maybe would like to?

I would like to issue the challenge to any “Rabbi who avoids places like Shilo, Beit El, Hevron…to throw down the gauntlet, if you will.  If you are not trying to manipulate your congregation’s political leanings, if you are not trying to deny them the chance of a lifetime to really see where they are from, then take them out to Judea and Samaria, no politics, just history, our history.

Of course if you are attempting to mold and manipulate others opinions to match your own rather than develop their own informed opinions and ideas, or allow others to be misinformed, and deny them their history and heritage, you will ignore this letter.

For those of you who are not ignoring this letter, ask your Rabbi about it.  Succot is a time of all Jews coming together…we are here, waiting for you with open arms.

Need help in getting here?  Be in touch, marcpro@oneisraelfund.org

Chag Sameach!

Cirque des Freaks

Cirque des Freaks

The Frenzy grows as the arena sport known as "American Election Day" approaches. One of the latest events connected to this which involves the Jewish world has to do with a group of so-called Jewish religious leaders who are out to prove, among other things, just how blind and ignorant many in the Jewish world can be. I consider their abuse and misuse of the term "rabbi" to border on the "spiritually criminal, but maybe that's just me. In any case, I do not find it surprising.

The initiative of these "rabbis" is called "Rabbis for Obama", and what makes it interesting is that you have some very anti-Israel figures in and around this group. Groups such as “Jewish Voice for Peace”, “14 Friends of Palestine”, and "the Council of American Islam Relations" are only a few of the anti-Israel organizations affiliated with this new "umbrella group". Many of these “rabbis” use these labels and names to hide their anti-Israel activity, and I would have to say, connecting a label like “Rabbis for Obama” to President Obama's campaign continues to add to the myth and illusion that the Obama administration actually cares for the security of Israel. The importance of this to Obama and his campaign is not the topic here, rather it is the fact that a group of supposed rabbis is attempting to dupe the naïve and misinformed Jewish world, once again, as to the intentions of this administration towards the state of Israel.

Appalling, you may say. Or you may not see it as appalling. Not yet. Please read on.

I say to you that the diaspora Jewish leadership, especially in the U.S. is deliberately misrepresenting the situation re: Israel's relations with it's Arab/Muslim neighbors, partially as a result of their own narrow political/personal interests and partially because of genuine, but misguided concern for the Jewish state.

Don’t believe me, ask you neighborhood JCC, Conservative or Reform synagogue to host a speaker who has "right wing" opinions regarding Israel- or heaven forbid a Republican!

I have been seeing a slow rise of independent thought among the Jewish communities stateside, but it remains much too slow to keep pace with events on the ground in Israel and the Arab/Muslim world. The truth regarding Israel and our neighbor’s intentions manages to slowly seep through the clenched fists of ignorance of the American mainstream Jewish leaders.  It is indeed uplifting when you see and meet someone who has broken free and opens his eyes to what is going on and not just what he is told. But it is still too rare.

Sure, we need to look at the globe, focusing on Israel with a close-up lens- but then we must pull back, allowing ourselves to take in a more complete and more accurate picture of quickly unfolding events in the mid-east and their possible repercussions for Israel and the "western" world..

Unfortunately, many members of this "bloc'" of "Rabbis" are not only funded but also very much active in anti-israel movements and activities, BDS for example, accusing Israel of Apartheid and so on. One of them even had a nice chit-chat with good ol’ Achmedinejad.  Their continued mission, as a whole, seems to be to keep the Jewish people disconnected from their land.

Also frustrating to me is the lack of interest in the funding of initiatives that would bring disconnected Jews, and especially young people out here, to our heartland, to meet people who can confront the lies of their self-proclaimed leaders, to meet the diverse and wonderful populace of the varied Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria personally. This would undeniably affect our people for the good, and would no doubt strengthen us in the face of our challenges, both now and in the future.

You see, if more of our “mainstream” brethren were able to visit our historic heartland, they would see a different, deeper, more nuanced picture and perhaps gain a better understanding regarding not only the history and current situation of our people and land, but also regarding those who are holding them prisoner, almost literally (their "leaders"), through the chains of deceit and ignorance.

We have to question those that keep our brothers and sisters in the diaspora in the dark from visiting: from seeing for themselves the other Jewish side of the story…what are they afraid of? Why wont their leaders and Rabbis visit and come experience their own history, and why aren’t we doing more to make that possible?

Why are most Conservative and Reform Rabbis afraid of bringing their “flocks” to see and experience what the unfolding history of their own people? Watch as the various Jewish diaspora “leaders” and others visit Ramallah, but will not tour Jewish Judea and Samaria! Forget the politics, just... To see!

Many who are familiar with my work know that I believe in being pro-active rather than reactive.  Because of my extensive experience in the area of security here in our historical heartland and points beyond, I prefer to work to stop terror rather than just respond to it.  The same applies to this challenge also, which is no less a threat to our people than the nefarious actions of our enemies.  In fact, keeping our people disconnected from our land is simply another means used to bring us down and destroy Israel and, as I have pointed out, many of our so-called "leaders" are, wittingly or unwittingly collaborating in this.

In confronting our enemies, we must utilize many strategies, abilities and resources.  We can’t afford to stand idly by as our people have their own past distorted and their future stolen, in many cases, such as that of the "613 "rabbis", by members of our own worldwide Jewish leadership.  We cannot afford to wait to react; we have to act first…and to coin a phrase: better late than never.

If you are concerned about the future of the 613 rabbis, don’t be, I am sure they will find 613 mullahs to commiserate with about the growing strength of Israel.

If this message touches your heart and you want to help the Jewish people overcome it's many challenges, including, and especially, ignorance among ourselves and the terrorism and misinformation of our many enemies, hi. My name is Marc, be in touch.

ReMarcs

ReMarcs

Yes, it has been a while…sitting back and observing the Cirque des Freaks of the never dull Middle East and how the world cannot seem to take their eyes off of us here in the Holy land.

Nothing new under the sun, a wise king said once, and indeed, nothing-new really, just different versions, and of course some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

We continue down this path where according to many in the world media, world “leadership”, the misdirected and misinformed rabble, and the oh so many open minded, caring individuals of the Human Rights movement who claim that Israel bars the path to World Peace and Shangri-La.

I agree with them, and I am sure that if we, who live in Israel, and we, who support Israel, act differently, we can get closer to a better reality.  I know… a loaded statement.  Before I go on, no I was not making any reference to the variety of religious observance, customs and opinions that are never 

lacking regarding Israel and our existence.  Not my place to comment on that.

Living in the “Heartland” of Israel, the Birthright of the Birthright of the Jewish people has its advantages.  Besides the obvious of seeing our history in front of my face everyday, it is not only beautiful, but also educational and strengthening.  No enemy of Israel can come to my family, my peers and me and say, you don’t belong here, or dictate to us their perverted and contorted version of world history.  Our connection here is quite solid, not just religiously, but historically, both from way back and recently.  They know this, which is why they target the less educated, the less connected, you know, if you want to break the chain, go after the weaker links.

Nothing that hasn’t been mentioned before.

“Self-Haters” is one of the buzz words used to describe many of Israel’s adversaries who come from within the fold. I don’t want to say, “who can blame them”, (but I do), but lets think for a second.  What picture are they being presented with?  Are they meeting anyone they can relate to?  Are they being shown any of the incredible beauty, physical, spiritual and social that exists at the flashpoint? No, most never get to see this.  Not only that, the mainstream Jewish leadership makes efforts at keeping this from them.  Makes you think, what are they afraid of?

Even more frustrating for me, is the lack of interest in the funding of such ventures that would bring them out here to our heartland, to meet the diverse and wonderful populous of the varied Jewish communities, that would undeniably affect our people for the good, and with no doubt strengthen us in the face of our challenges, both now and in the future.

You see if more of our “mainstream” brethren would come out to visit they would see a different picture and perhaps gain a deeper understanding regarding not only of our own people and land, but also regarding those who are holding them prisoner by using chains of deceit and ignorance.

We have to question those that keep them in the dark, from visiting; from experiencing the Jewish side of the story…what are they afraid of? Why won’t their leaders and Rabbis visit and come experience their own history, and why aren’t we doing more to make that possible?

Why are most Conservative and Reform Rabbis afraid of bringing their “flocks” to see and experience what is their history.  Watch as the “Conference of Presidents” visits Ramallah, but will not tour Jewish Judea and Samaria. Forget the politics, just to see.

Not to forget the “Gap Year” kids.  This is the group that comes to Israel for a year of Yeshiva learning before college.  Many of these Yeshivot also do not venture “out” besides the customary visit to Gush Etzion and Hevron.  Guess what, there is more to Judea and Samaria, besides those areas.  If the point is to strengthen these kid’s connection to Judaism and Israel, it is a no-brainer, take them out and show them where it all started and what’s happening today, it is also their future that is at stake.  For the amount of money that is being spent on their year in Israel, I am sure you can pressure the institutions to give you your moneys worth. Besides, if they spend a day touring Judea and Samaria, maybe they will be too tired to frequent the “nightlife” in downtown Jerusalem.

Yes, this article is directed towards all of us.

Many who are familiar with my work know that I am an avid fan of being pro-active rather than reactive.  In the security world, I prefer to work to stop terror rather than just respond to it.  The same applies to this challenge also, which is no less a threat to our people than the nefarious motives of our enemies.  In fact, keeping our people disconnected from our land is simply another means and strategy used to bring us down, weaken us and destroy Israel.

Soon many synagogues will read the Haftora on Rosh HaShannah, they will read how Hannah prayed for a son at Shilo, Imagine if they would show their congregations just where it actually happened, and where Shilo actually is.

In confronting our enemies, we must utilize many strategies, abilities and resources.  We can’t afford to stand idly by as they have their own past distorted and their future stolen.  We cannot afford to wait to react; we have to act first…and to coin a phrase, better late than never.

Like I said before, living out here has its advantages, we get to see the continuing growth of a nation, we get to see, taste and experience the greatest Israel most Jews from the outside of Israel have never seen. 

I admit, there will be a side effect, a visit to Judea and Samaria may leave a pleasant after taste in your mouth, you may leave stronger, prouder and wiser than before, you may no longer believe the constant anti-Israel rhetoric that floods world media, campuses and various Left wing movements, and last, but not least, you may find yourself standing up and defending Israel better than ever.

Stolen Goods and Accomplices

One of the great thefts of the century regarding the Jewish people is how their heartland was and is being stolen from many of them.  In front of our eyes, in plain view, the seat of our history, the land of our forefathers, our heritage was and is being stolen away.  It is an interesting caper, as it has many accomplices, and not just one central villain.

The genius involved in this felony is how many of the accomplices actually are not the usual anti/post-Zionist suspects, but are actually coming from within, claiming to care about Judea and Samaria.  They may claim innocence, but they too are guilty of abetting this crime.

This particular crime is being committed against Jews living in the diaspora.  Its heinous nature remains hidden from plain view, as the results and effects are not immediate, rather they will harm future generations far more than the present one.  Their children and grandchildren who will suffer most, but it is the parents who are really to blame at this point, not even the criminals.

This travesty actually began back in 1967, when after receiving our heartland as a gift of courage and from G-d, many viewed it as collateral, as a carrot to be waived in our enemies’ faces, as a prize for their aggression against us.

It was waived by those who preferred to ignore our past, our heritage, our identity, without regard to our future as a people…it was waived by those who preferred to place their trust in an enemy, rather than in family.

Today we are seeing some of the sad results of this shortsighted strategy, and how those who inherited this strategy are blindly or intentionally leading ignorant innocents into the abyss.

But that remains only one side of the heist.

The unknowing accomplices are bystanders to these perpetrators, adding to the damage without even realizing it.  Rallying around the flag to end this crime, they fail to take the necessary steps to prove that they are sincere.

I continue to witness organizations that preach a Pro-Israel, Judea and Samaria stance, yet still fear to tread on our hallowed ground.  Sure, they will step over the “line”, but to jump in fully, to take a real look at reality, still eludes them, and this inaction screams louder than words.

How many efforts do you see happening to really strengthen the Jewish connection to the land of Israel, to our history here, to the simple FACTS and recent history here, on the ground…by organizations outside of Israel?  Birthright, you say?  Great program, but…they still fear to tread where our birthright starts.  Their trips avoid the heartland. Other advocacy programs… again, most are afraid.

I watch as pro-Arab organizations bring in many misinformed Jews, and take them to Arab villages to have their minds crippled and bent, yet it seems that the “Pro-Israel” groups hesitate to take our own people throughout our land, often claiming security threats as the reason.  How interesting that they are afraid, and the Pro Arab groups are not.  I watch as Jewish organizations outside of Israel still back down voluntarily to organizations that pray for Israel to cease to exist.  The classic case is that of the LA Jewish Federation disallowing Pamela Geller to speak on their premises.  A quote from an article in the Forward.

“An interfaith coalition had earlier in the week issued a statement condemning the Federation for allowing Geller to speak, branding her an Islamophobe.

The coalition included American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Council on American-Islamic Relations - Greater Los Angeles (CAIR-LA), Islamic Circle of North America - Southern California (ICNA), Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, Jewish Voice for Peace - Los Angeles (JVP-LA), LA Jews for Peace, Muslim American Society - Greater Los Angeles (MAS-LA), Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), and Progressive Christians Uniting (PCU).”

Notice any problems with that “coalition”? Every one of them has a long record of being actively anti-Israel, even the “Jewish” ones.

These incidents occur constantly, and the misinformation is outright theft, “identity theft” from our people.  Israel’s enemies are not the only guilty parties, their accomplices’ share the same guilt.  By accomplice, I mean all who do not make the trip out to our historical land, who do not make real attempts to seek the truth, all who rely upon the hostile media for their intimate knowledge of Israel.

The Arab Spring is turning into a Summer, extreme Islamist groups are taking and will continue to take the reigns of other countries in the Middle East, while the western mindset, through arrogance and ignorance, continues to fail to see a different reality through rose colored glasses.

While we know and understand that an enemy’s motive is to defeat us, many who support Israel continue to aid them, sometimes unknowingly, and will bear the responsibility and be charged with the crime of being an accomplice for the attempted theft of our national heritage and the damage to future generations’ identity.

All of this while our enemies laugh all the way to the White House.

Asymmetrics

The asymmetric battle for the Jewish heart and land continues with the ongoing efforts of separating the Jewish people from our land, physically, spiritually and intellectually.  On this “Jerusalem Day”, we celebrate 45 years of return not only to a unified Jerusalem, eternal capital of the Jewish people, but also to Judea and Samaria; the eternal heartland of the Jewish people.

The celebration of this day spans the spectrum in varied forms, strategies and incentives. For those of us that are connected to our history, both recent and past, it is a day of thanks, praise and pride.  From the miracle of the 6-Day War in 1967, to the continued (though sporadic) resettling of our capitol, and our biblical heartland. This day signifies our modern day reconnection to our heritage and identity, physically, spiritually and yes intellectually.

For all of the reasons stated above it, it also serves as a call to arms to all of those who with to see the Jewish presence in Israel as a blip in history, past, not present.

This day starts out with the ever present and constant habitual Arab lies of how the Jews are planning to attack Al Aqsa and massacres scores of Arabs, nothing new of course, and lets not forget the Mufti’s call to surge to Jerusalem to fight off the attacks. But this is common, as even many Arabs have gotten use to the habit of lies spread by their leaders.

The “call” also makes it way to the nefarious forces of J Street, Peace Now and their other friends in low places.  It is the call to increase their efforts, adopt new strategies, and continue the battle of De-Judaizing the Jewish Homeland.  I am sure that their leading knights, Sir Thom and Peter are occupied at sharpening their lances for any upcoming contest of wits or lack of.

On this wonderful day when we find most Israeli media informing us of events happening in the Holy City, HaAretz (Eng) and the Forward seem to have forgotten this significant day to the Jewish people. 

I know, nothing new, why should we expect different…their loss.

But this year, it is a little different.  I have just returned from a two-week speaking tour in the US where I met with many sides, beliefs and denominations of our own people, and others from outside the “fold”.  No, not the “choir” this time, but many who have woken up to the simple fact that they are being deceived by their own supposed pro-Israel leadership.  It seems that the “truth” regarding Israel and the Peace “solutions” are seeping out. 

As more and more Jews on the “outside” hear about the true intentions of our Arab neighbors, they have taken to asking their Rabbis, Federation leaders and others why these subjects are not spoken of.  They are asking what if the “Two State Solution” doesn’t bring peace, then what?  These are just some of the questions.  The blank stares that answer these inquiries seem not to fulfill their quest for answers and directions, and they are now seeking to know more and hear other sides.

As the news that more and more Israelis are changing their views regarding Israel, and leaning more to the reality of the “Right”, more and more American Jews are questioning the intentions of their own leadership and their adopting of a minority view in Israel, along with the continued disconnect from Israel.  So many more have started to wonder why these Jewish groups stand side by side with those who would celebrate a “Jew Free” Middle East, and how they would agree to Jews being ethnically cleansed from a region.

 I find this to be music to my ears.

When I spoke of Judea and Samaria to many during this trip, many were simply embarrassed that they didn’t know, and more embarrassed of the manipulation they were going through at the hands of their own. Even nicer, was getting asked to return to speak and bring others who would be able to shine further light and truth about the “situation”.  Who knows, maybe the times are a changing’?

With this soon noticeable change, we will also find that our adversaries will adjust their tactics and strategies, most probably to further detach American Jews from not only their heritage in Israel, but also their own varied religious views or affiliations in the US.

I am sure the bed in which these enemies lie will expand to include even more anti Israel/Jewish groups and activities.

Today we celebrate 45 years of the unity of Jerusalem, 45 years of the reunifying of Judea and Samaria with our people.  Lets take this miracle as a strategy and act in unity standing up to all of those that would have us exiled from our own heritage and history, let’s understand this and act to unify ourselves as a people as we were able to (Thank Gd) unify our land on this wonderful day.

45 years ago, we saw a clear and present danger to our land and people in Israel, we acted first and a miracle occurred, a similar danger exists today, lets act first, as one.