Israel's Indomitable Spirit, Part II

My last post was about Israel's indomitable spirit.

I came across the following true story and video that demonstrates this point.

Last Tuesday, a vociferous and angry pro-Arab demonstration gathered outside of the Israeli Consulate in Los Angeles.  Daniel Pereg, a high school student, showed up on the scene, by himself, proudly waving an Israeli flag to show his solidarity with Israel and the IDF.  The pro-Arab demonstration became incensed, angrier, and close to violence.  Yet Daniel bravely persisted to march around with his flag, pretending to be oblivious of the demonstration's growing anger and excitement.

When asked why he was there, he responds: "I came out because I want to defend Israel." Again, here is a young teenager, defiant to the world with his faith and conviction in the Jewish people and the country of Israel.

Obama's Passover Seder at the White House

Yes, President Obama hosted a Passover seder at the White House on the second night of Passover.  You can read all about it, including what was served at the meal, on Politics Daily's website.    

In the picture above, President Obama is dipping his fingers to commemorate the 10 plagues that the Egyptains were afflicted with.

The are many potential captions for the above picture.  My caption is: "Obama learns from the Hagadah."  One of the lessons from the Hagada is that both history and G-d takes the side of the Jews and the land of Israel.  This is said clearly in Chapter 12 of Genesis:  "I will bless those who bless you."  Obama will hopefully take this lesson into consideration before making future policy decisions regarding Israel.

Just Remember: Obama Doesn't Rule The World

A Strained Relationship
The U.S. and Israel's current strained relationship is causing much concern globally, both in the Jewish world and within conservative circles.  The U.S. has publicly delivered rebuke to Israel multiple times this year, most recently earlier this month.  On March 12th, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for planning to build new Jewish housing in east Jerusalem, calling it "a deeply negative signal" for ties with the U.S..

Rav Druckman's Perspective

Rabbi Chaim Druckman, a former MK and currently the head of the Bnei Akiva movement, made an important statement earlier this week, which I believe is the proper Jewish perspective for reacting to current events such as U.S. rebuke if Israel.  

Rabbi Druckman, at a ceremony honoring personnel of Bnei Akiva’s yeshivot, said:

”Obama thinks he holds the wheel in his hands and that he leads the world, but the People of Israel deal with the Almighty, Who leads the world. He holds the true steering wheel in His hands, while Obama holds a fake wheel." (Source: Arutz Sheva)

Our Work for Pesach
It is important for everyone to keep Rav Druckman's message in mind - the Ribbono Shel Olam controls the world and decides the future of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel.  Therefore, we must pray to Him and do mitzvot to gain favor in His eyes in order to secure a peaceful and stable future for Israel.  This is especially pertinent to remember as we approach Passover.  Passover is a time of great inspiration.  We recall the past geula from Egypt and the fact that there will be a future geula.  With this great inspiration, it's possible to reach great heights in the service of the Creator and it's an ideal time to look for ways to improve one's divine service