The country and media are still in upheaval over the murder of eight students at the Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva. The attack had a powerful impact on the Israeli public, more so than rockets from Gaza or other recent attacks. Why?


The terrorist could have perpetrated a greater massacre had he boarded a crowded bus and sprayed his 500 bullets at the passengers. Tens, G-d forbid, or more Jews from all walks of Israeli life could have been victims.

Alumni of the Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva discovered a large picture of the yeshiva's dean, Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda HaCohen Kook, in a magazine published by a terrorist group.



But, the terrorist's handlers had a different objective. It wasn't another deadly mission to instill fear in the Israeli public and wear down its staying power. The target was specific.


Already during the 1982 Peace for Galilee Operation in Lebanon, soldiers who were alumni of the Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva discovered a large picture of the yeshiva's dean, Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda HaCohen Kook, in a magazine published by a terrorist group. The caption under the picture read: "This is the spearhead of the enemy."


What the terrorists perceived back then, the Israeli public and media have gradually come to recognize in subsequent years: the religious-Zionist movement, and its Torah cradle, Mercaz HaRav, are the leading force behind the fulfillment of the Zionist dream today.


The terrorists aimed for the heart, as though plotting to assassinate the IDF Chief of Staff. They aimed for the central organ of the State of Israel that pumps national vitality and morale to the entire nation.


  • In stark contrast to the prime minister, who told an American audience on June 9, 2005: "We are tired of fighting, we are tired of being courageous, we are tired of winning, we are tired of defeating our enemies... We want them to be our friends, our partners, our good neighbors."
  • In stark contrast to our government ministers who rely on neighboring Arab nations to stop the smuggling of weapons to Gaza, and who arm Arab terrorists and rely on them to defend Israel's interests.
  • In stark contrast to government spokesmen who base their public relations campaigns on "security needs" and never utter the phrase "the Jewish People's inalienable rights to their historic homeland."
  • In stark contrast to Israel's security establishment, which abandons cities to rocket attacks for fear of bad ratings if they dare engage the enemy and soldiers get killed.
In contrast to all of the above, Mercaz HaRav and institutions established by its graduates stand as the nerve center of a vibrant movement that raises the flag for Jewish renewal in its ancient homeland. Despite wars and terrorist attacks, and despite the betrayal of the religious-Zionist pioneers of Gush Katif by their own brothers, Mercaz HaRav, Beit El, and the religious Zionist nerve centers continue to produce Torah scholars, educators, high-tech industry leaders, agricultural innovators, and IDF officers, imbuing them with a burning love for the Land, People and Torah of Israel.


No terrorist attack or retreat can extinguish this flame.


It hasn't gone unnoticed that for some ten years, 50% and upwards of graduating IDF officers have been religious-Zionists. In addition, the public heard, during the 2005 Disengagement, the Gush Katif expellees speaking with great faith and unwavering resolve, and warning of the results of retreat from Gaza. Israelis placed faith and hope in the promises of the Oslo and Disengagement architects, yet watched how their unfolding only strengthened the enemy and brought rockets upon Haifa and Ashkelon.


Two weeks ago, the terrorists wanted to strike a blow at what the media, the left and the entire country have come to recognize as Israel's ideological and spiritual heart. Therefore, Israelis are glued to Mercaz HaRav and monitor the aftermath of the attack. Amidst the fog of battle, they seek clarity of direction. In the eulogies and speeches, they hear leaders with strong stature, and they are encouraged.


Eight of the finest students who went to the Mercaz HaRav library for extra study time were murdered in cold blood. As the former Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu said: Who knows what terrible decree was annulled in the heavens through this human sacrifice? According to friends, one of the boys finished the entire Mishnah 70 times, studying 18 chapters a day since his Bar Mitzvah. Another would weep in weekday prayer during the morning, afternoon and evening silent devotion.


We stand in silence and awe at this decision of the Heavenly Court.


But a thundering response must follow the blow. There must be revenge. "The G-d of vengeance" will exact a price in due time. The leaders of the State of Israel must dismantle the terrorist state in our midst.

A thundering response must follow the blow. There must be revenge.



And we, the citizens and lovers of Israel, must also contribute to a forceful retaliation. The Torah students amongst us must deepen their understanding. Those who are building the land, and especially Judea and Samaria, must intensify their efforts and pace. Soldiers, businessmen, philanthropists, artists and each person in his field of achievement must invest more sacrifice, determination and resources, and strengthen Israel on every level.


The terrorists stopped eight students from studying, having children, building towns, joining the IDF, and from singing and rejoicing on Shabbat. To make up for the loss, the Jewish people must in every field exhibit ten times greater initiative, prowess and joy.


As in the time of the Biblical Esther and Mordechai, may the month of Adar usher in victory over our enemies, and great joy and celebration for the Jewish People.