At first, they told us that there would be no Palestinian Authority elections held in eastern Jerusalem. Then they told us that Hamas would not be on the ballot. Then they told us that Hamas would not be allowed to run. Now, they tell us that they will not talk to or back a Hamas government; and they also tell us that Jerusalem will not be divided and that there will not be any more unilateral withdrawals from Judea and Samaria. Believe them?



Only one thing is sure: whatever they tell us, expect the opposite.



How does a Jewish government get to this low level, throwing Jews out of their homes in Hebron and Amona, as a foreign government did to us here in Israel some 60 years ago? Surely, one of the signs of Redemption that was revealed to us by our rabbis is being fulfilled before our eyes.



In this week's parsha, we find the exact opposite approach by Jewish leaders Moshe and Aharon. Before the plague of locusts, Pharaoh called in Moshe and asked him who will be going to serve HaShem, and Moshe replied: 'With our youngsters and with our elders we shall go, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flock and with our cattle we shall go, because it is a festival of HaShem for us. Pharaoh, still wanting to show us that he was the man in charge, replied: 'To serve HaShem, only the men are needed, for don't you know that your rabbis teach that when the Temple will be built, children are exempt from the work?'



Later, as the devastation overtook Egypt in the plague of darkness, Pharaoh once again summoned Moshe and told him: 'Okay, let the kids go, just leave behind your flock and your cattle.' Still, Moshe told an astounded Pharaoh: 'Not only will we go with our flocks and cattle, but also you shall give us livestock to sacrifice to HaShem. Pharaoh at this point lost it and told Moshe to get out.



This, then, is the cardinal rule brought down to us though our authentic Jewish leaders, Moshe and Aharon: When it comes to Kiddush HaShem, there is no 50, 70 or even 99 percent; it must all be laid out on the table that a foreign ruler has no power over HaShem or His people. For why, in essence, did Moshe not take Pharaoh up on his offer of leaving with just the cattle left behind? Who cares about materialistic possessions? Surely, HaShem can re-stock the Jewish people with cattle, but it would show that Pharaoh was still the decision-maker - and that could not be.



How far removed are our leaders today, who not only do not do as they say, but are linked to Pharaoh of old in that their decisions and words have no meaning. Still, it won't be long when a real leader will arise in Zion, as Moshe of old, to implement Kiddush HaShem not 50 or 60 percent - but 100 percent. And the world will definitely know at that time who rules it.