- Might the Turkish Military Intervene in Syria?
Dr. Can Kasapoglu
- Two States With a River Between Them: Mudar Zahran
David Haivri
- The Poor Palestinians
Ted Belman
- Jewish Liberals Denigrate Christians, Enable Islamists
Matthew M. Hausman, Att'y
|
Free Daily Israel Report
Arutz 7 Most Read Stories
- Chabad Tells Men: Marry at 20
Jewish World 1:19 PM 2/14/2012
- Panetta: Israel Hasn't Decided Yet on Iran Strike
Middle East 5:44 AM 2/15/2012
- PA 'Double Talk': Song Wishes for a World Without Israel
Middle East 6:16 AM 2/15/2012
Op-Eds
Judaism
- Rabbi MelamedMan is Like a Tree
- HaRav KookBlessings for Miracles
- Rav A. MillerThe Torah Was a New Beginning
- Rabbi ShafierThe Astonishing Potential of Man
- Rabbi J. SacksThe Custom that Would Not Die: 10 Commandment Reading
- Rabbi Dr. Yakov NagenYitro: Family First
- Rabbi Ilan GoldmanJust a Just Society
- Rabbi RichmanAmazing Lecture on Yitro
Radio
- The future of the economy, and how to perform well
Goldstein on Gelt
- How Attacks are Being Portrayed via the Social Media Network
Reality Bytes
Fundamentally Freund
by Michael Freund
Michael Freund is Founder and Chairman of Shavei Israel (www.shavei.org), which reaches out and assists "lost Jews" seeking to return to the Jewish people. He writes a syndicated column and feature stories for the Jerusalem Post. Previously, he served as Deputy Director of Communications & Policy Planning in the Israeli Prime Minister´s Office under former premier Benjamin Netanyahu. A native of New York, he holds an MBA in Finance from Columbia University and a BA from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. He has lived in Israel for the past decade.
|
Tevet 25, 5766, 1/25/2006
What Olmert Didn't Say
But the really interesting part of his remarks was not so much what he said – but what he didn’t say.
Toward the end of his speech, Olmert declared: “I believe in the people of Israel and in the State of Israel. I believe in the genuine will of the citizens of Israel to live in peace, security and tranquillity, and I believe in our ability to achieve this goal when we are united.”
When I heard this, I thought to myself: nice rhetoric. Uplifting, hopeful and even somewhat inspiring.
But then it immediately occurred to me - the leader of the Jewish state failed to mention the most important thing of all: what about the G-d of Israel? What about the Land of Israel? What about the Torah of Israel and the faith of Israel?
Does Olmert not believe in any of those too?
And that, my friends, is precisely the problem in Israel today. Most of our leaders are not men anchored in faith or guided by eternal principles of right and wrong. Instead, they put their trust in man and turn their backs on all that is sacred and revered by our people and our tradition.
As long as that is the case, I’m afraid, this country will only continue to stumble along. After all, we are here by Divine right, and we must not shy away from acknowledging this fact openly and proudly. We need to return to ourselves and to G-d, for unlike our politicians, He will surely not disappoint. --------------------------- Special Note to Readers: This blog, Fundamentally Freund, has advanced to the final round in the annual Jewish & Israel Blog Awards. Please be so kind as to go to the following two links and cast your ballot for "Fundamentally Freund". Thanks. CATEGORY: BEST ISRAEL ADVOCACY BLOG CATEGORY: BEST POLITICS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS BLOG According to the rules, you may vote once every three days between now and February 2nd. Thanks for your support. |
