Jewish self hate

There is a long-running discussion among Torah scholars as to a most significant topic. Is it a positive commandment to settle Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel? On the face of it, two of the greatest Torah scholars ever to walk the earth, seem to disagree. The Rambam, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, in his seminal work, the “Yad HaChazakah,” where he discusses the 613 Biblical Torah commandments, does not include settling the land as a positive precept. The Ramban, Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, who lived shortly after the Rambam, writes, seemingly disagreeing with his illustrious predecessor, that settling the Land of Israel is definitely a Mitzvah, a positive, Divine commandment.

However, there are many distinguished Torah scholars who rule that, in reality, there isn’t any disagreement between the two giants. The Rambam, when enumerating the Mitzvot, does not include in his list, the most basic fundamentals, upon which Judaism is based. For example, he does not write that Tshuva – repentance, is a commandment. Rather, he instructs, ‘when you do tshuva – when you repent… this is what you must do.’

Tshuva is pillar upon which Torah, and Torah observance is founded. There is no Judaism, as we know it, without Tshuva. Yet it does not appear in the Rambam’s list, not in spite of its importance, rather as a result of its major significance.

So too, with the Mitzvah of living and settling Eretz Yisrael. The Jewish people were created in order to live in this land. Without Israel, Judaism as we know it, does not exist.

This example can illustrate my feelings today, upon hearing Minister Dan Meridor’s statement on the early morning news. Meridor was asked his opinion about reports that the government was going to approve the Levy Commission Report. This report, written by three highly respected judges and attorneys, headed by former Supreme Court Edmund Levy, rejects international claims that the Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria is ‘occupation of a foreign land.’ Its adoption and implementation by the Israeli government will remove many of the politically bureaucratic hardships placed upon Jews living in Judea and Samaria, particularly in the areas of building construction and land purchase.

Meridor said, “Ramallah and Hebron are not part of the State of Israel and I don’t think that Prime Minister Netanyahu has any intentions to change this.”

I find it very difficult to stomach a Likud minister, serving in a right-wing government, state that Hebron is not part of Israel.

True, the state of Israel has yet to annex Judea and Samaria. Legally, all this land, including Hebron, is officiated via the Defense ministry. Actually, the Levy report, its findings and conclusions should be the first step changing this, leading to eventual annexation.

That, however, has no bearing on whether Hebron is part of the State of Israel. Because, without Hebron, there wouldn’t be a State of Israel. Hebron, the first Jewish city in this holy land, was the first home of Abraham, as we read in Genesis 13:18 - And Abram moved his tent, and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the L-rd.”

Here, in the first Jewish city in Eretz Yisrael, Abraham lived for decades. As did his son, grandson, and many many others after them. Here they lived and here they were buried. Ma’arat HaMachpela, their tombs, the Caves of Machpela, is the 2nd holiest site in the world, second only to Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Here began the Davidic monarchy, prior to Jerusalem becoming our eternal capital. Here fought Bar Cochva and the Maccabees. Here Jews came following the Spanish expulsion in 1492. Here Jews lived almost continuously over the centuries, until the 1929 riots, massacre and expulsion.

In June, 1967, coming into Hebron, Israel did not conquer and occupy a foreign city. We came home.

Just as living in Israel isn’t mentioned in the Rambam’s list of Mitzvot, because of its supreme magnitude, so too, Hebron’s importance cannot be minimized because of political fears and accountings. Hebron is the roots of Judaism, it is the source of monotheism, and is an integral element in our people’s essence.

Israeli ministers, representing the State of Israel, must not humiliate Hebron, declaring in an affirmative manner that ‘Hebron is not a part of the State of Israel, and that’s the way it should stay.’ Rather they should decry this disgrace, asserting that Hebron is the Jewish people’s lifeblood, the source of our culture and tradition, and of course, Jews must have the same rights and privileges in Israel’s first Jewish city, as do Jews living in Tel Aviv or Haifa.

Meridor’s left-wing tendencies are known. Truthfully, as sad as it is, it’s no great surprise that he should make such a statement. But his presence as a Likud minister, in a Likud government, with such opinions, is scandalous.

Before Israel goes to the polls, most parties will conduct primaries to determine their candidates for the Knesset. Meridor’s own words must be publicized loud and clear,insuring that Likud voters know exactly what he thinks of Israel’s presence in Judea and Samaria, his thoughts about the Levi Commission Report, and about Hebron. This way, perhaps he will join Ehud Barak, after the elections, following Knesset and government proceedings from the visitor’s gallery.

The new year is starting off on the right foot - and if you didn't notice, that's a double entendre. Over the past month and a half, over 150,000 Jews visited Hebron. About half of them arrived during the Succot holidays. That's a good way to begin a new year. But it's only the beginning.

A few weeks ago, an Israeli court ruled that Beit HaShalom, the huge 4,000 square meter building between Hebron and Kiryat Arba, was legally purchased by the Jewish community of Hebron and must be returned to us, the rightful owners of the building.

Beit HaShalom was purchased by Morris Abraham and his family, for over a million dollars. Hebron Jews moved into the building in 2007 and lived there for 22 months. Ehud Barak, then Defense Minister, ordered the families to be forcibly expelled in the winter of 2008.

The Arab who sold the building, Rajabi, then filed suit in a Jerusalem court, demanding that the structure be returned to him. In court he admitted that he had sold the building and received money for it – he had no choice, as the transaction was videoed. However, he claimed that he'd changed his mind and returned the money. His only problem was that he had no proof, receipts or documents showing that he'd actually returned the money.

A few weeks ago the court ruled against him, and ordered the government to return the building to the Jewish owners within 30 days.

One final problem remained. According to Israeli law, properties purchased by Jews from Arabs in Judea and Samaria must be approved by the Defense Minister. Ehud Barak, a left-wing politician who only a few days ago announced his idea for a unilateral expulsion/withdrawal from Judea and Samaria, is not known to view favorably the Jewish presence in Hebron. Expectations that he might sign such a permit weren't high.

But, miracles do happen. As happened early tonight. Hebron's Jewish community received written notification that Barak ordered the Defense ministry to grant the necessary permits allowing us to return home, to return to Beit HaShalom.

Shortly, the cement blocks surrounding the building will be removed. The big padlock sealing the doors will be removed. The keys will be returned to us. Beit HaShalom has been redeemed.

We are very very happy that the Israeli government has finally recognized the legitimacy of Jewish land purchase in Hebron. It's about time. After all, the first land purchase, some 4,000 years ago, didn't need any minister's signature. When Abraham bought the Caves of Machpela, he didn't need anyone's permission. He put money on the table and, in return, received the keys. That's the way is should be.

So too, we expect the Israeli government to continue to recognize legally owned Jewish properties in Hebron, such as Beit HaMachpela and Beit Ezra.

And just in case anyone thought otherwise, yes, we will continue to buy property and buildings in Hebron, and yes, we will continue to grow and expand, and no, we have no plans to leave our holy city, not now, not ever. Hebron is here to stay, an integral element of the land of Israel and of the State of Israel. As is the Jewish community of Hebron, keeping Hebron Jewish for the Jewish people, for eternity.

Actually, the timing is just right. This Shabbat we begin reading the Torah from the start – "In the Beginning…" The greatest commentator on the Torah, Rashi, asks, why doesn't the Torah begin with laws and commandments? Why start with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? His answer is quite fitting for today's events. He answers: "Because of the thought expressed in the verse(Psalms 111:6) 'He declared to His People the strength of His works, in order that He might give them the heritage of the nations.'

For should the peoples of the word say, You are robbers, because you took by force the lands of the seven nations of Canaan, Israel may reply to them, "All the earth belongs to the Holy One blessed be He; He created it and gave it to whom He pleases; When He willed He gave it to them, and when He willed, He took it from the and gave it to us."

It is imperative to note that Rashi stresses the verse, 'He declared to His People…' – In other words, the nations of the world might realize that our Land belongs to us – the problem isn't with them. Rather we have to ensure that all OUR PEOPLE know and understand that this land, Eretz Yisrael, belongs to Am Yisrael, the people of Israel. Rashi lived almost 1,000 years ago. He knew what he was talking about.

To all those who have helped, to all those whose faith and support, and hard work have brought us to this joyous day – thank you , thank you, thank you! May we be privileged to continue to witness such wonders as we have seen today!