As Israel prepares to observe Holocaust Remembrance Day this week, the unfolding scandal involving UK Labour Party officials is increasingly poignant. This in addition to the discernible anti-Israel sentiment that is today’s reality in the international diplomatic community and the growing pressure on Israel amid Muslim claims that the State of Israel is working to compromise the status of al-Aqsa Mosque on Har Habayis.

Yated Neeman Editor Rav Yisrael Friedman on Monday, 24 Nissan released a scathing editorial in which he blames growing global anti-Semitism on the State of Israel. He explains that not only hasn’t Israel solved the problem of anti-Semitism, but it is a contributing factor.

Regarding Holocaust Remembrance Day, he refers to it as “miserable timing for mourning” as he explains halacha prohibits mourning and hespedim during the month of Nissan. He explains that of all the months of the year the State of Israel selected Nissan, which is indeed “indicative of the typical Israeli ignorance”.

He cites the rising trend of anti-Semitism around the world which is manifest as a growing disdain and hostility towards the State of Israel. He explains that for as long as we adhere to the Torah we will have an upper hand but when the Torah is thrust aside, we see how “Esav’s characteristics” of Islam continue to grow around the world.

He cites the growing attempts to uproot Torah, the infusion of a foreign lifestyle into day-to-day life, attempts to diminish halachic impact on life and all attacks against Yiddishkheit are contributory factors to growing anti-Semitism.

“So what is the proper prescription” he writes, continuing “While this is a difficult statement, it must be repeated over and over”. Friedman explains that while the secularists are seeking independence from Torah, our natural place today is in galus and one seeking to bypass this reality will collide. “The State of Israel was established to solve anti-Semitism but has since become a cause of anti-Semitism. Jews around the world are not suffering because of their religion but because of the State of Israel and its policies. Every Jews has become guilty and responsible for government decisions and the latter’s battle against Palestinian terrorism. Regarding these matters, there is no escape route”.

He explains simply that this is because HKBH wants us all to realize it’s not about ‘my strength and my hand’ (כוחי ועוצם ידי) but about Heavenly intervention and HKBH watching over His nation. He adds that there is no natural cure for anti-Semitism, which is inexplicable, with a growing wave seen throughout Europe. This is not a matter which Foreign Ministry officials can explain away, and without HKBH looking over His flock, there will be no solution.

“For as long as the State of Israel wishes to become a nation like all other nations, the hate and disdain against us will increase. We must know it has never vanished but it resurfaces from time-to-time like today. The hypocritical protests from heads of nations will be of no value. Maintaining a stronger hand will also have no value and things will not change for at present galus is the natural state”.

Friedman insists that for as long as the state continue to compromise the kedusha of Har Habayis and harm lomdei torah it will result in the harsh anti-Israel statements heard of late.

The lomdei torah he insists, those occupying the benches of Yeshivas Bein Hazmanim and about to return to the new zman are the ones who will are the true protection of the nation both in Israel and the Diaspora.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)