Francisco Gil-White: Geopolitical and Historic Insights on Jews, Israel, and the Battle Against Antisemitism

The following interview with Francisco Gil-White provides deep insights into the historical, political, and social dynamics surrounding Jews and Israel today, alongside the broader issues of prejudice and propaganda targeting Jews over the last century.

Contributions of Jews to Western Civilization

Francisco Gil-White, a Mexican Catholic scholar, political anthropologist, historian, and author, highlights the profound influence of Jewish thought on Western civilization. He explains how Jews transformed the violent Roman totalitarian system into a more just and equitable society based on the Mishna and texts by Hillel the Elder. These ancient texts introduced fundamental concepts such as the equality of all men under one G-d, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of caring for the stranger, widow, and orphan.

Shaping Our Models of Reality

Gil-White emphasizes that the average citizen’s worldview, or “model of reality,” is significantly shaped by the media. He discusses how the nineteenth-century bogus racial theory, the “science of eugenics,” gained acceptance among Western elites and influenced Nazi racial dogma about Jews. He questions whether Western countries were merely appeasing Hitler or secretly supporting him, given their alignment with these theories.

 

The Impact of Russian Propaganda

He delves into how Russian propaganda at the turn of the century, particularly the publication of “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion” by the Russian Secret Police, fueled global antisemitism. This fabricated document falsely accused Jews of controlling banks and governments, spreading fear and prejudice worldwide.

 

Historical Ties and Propaganda

Gil-White explores the historical ties between the Nazis and the Arab world, focusing on figures like Haj Amin Al Husseini. He discusses the role of propaganda in shaping societal perceptions, refuting antisemitic stereotypes with historical evidence, and addressing persistent myths about Jewish control of the media and big business. He argues that the ease with which Europe rounded up and murdered six million Jews should dispel any notion of secret Jewish powers.

 

Challenging Authoritarianism and Divisive Ideologies

Gil-White stresses the importance of challenging authoritarian regimes that use antisemitic rhetoric to suppress democratic ideals and promote totalitarian agendas. He critiques the current trend of supporting Hamas and the Palestinian cause, attributing it to divisive ideologies propagated in academia and the influence of radical Muslim immigration. He encourages critical thinking to promote social harmony rather than division.

The Repercussions of Antisemitism

Gil-White passionately argues that combating antisemitism is crucial for safeguarding the Western social fabric and is in humanity’s best interests. He points out that Jews have played significant roles in shaping Western civilization and laments the erosion of critical thinking among the younger generation. He critiques Western power elites for fostering radical Islamist elements and covertly supporting the Arab genocidal cause.

Confronting Authoritarianism, Radicalism, and Divisive Ideologies

In his analysis, Gil-White highlights how authoritarian regimes have historically utilized anti-Semitic rhetoric as a means of suppressing democratic ideals and promoting their own totalitarian agendas. He emphasizes the importance of challenging these harmful stereotypes whenever they surface.

Gil-White points out the importance of critiquing the current trend of supporting Hamas and the Palestinian cause, which he believes runs counter to the values upheld by the United States and Israel. He attributes this trend to divisive ideologies that have been propagated in academic settings over the past several decades, as well as to the influence of radical Muslim immigration. Ultimately, Gil-White’s perspective encourages listeners to approach these complex issues critically in order to promote social harmony rather than division.

Dismantling Stereotypes

Gil-White asserts that Jews have continually contributed positively to humanity. He debunks negative stereotypes and advocates for the protection and inclusion of Jewish minorities and support for Israel against antisemitic enemies like Hamas, Iran, and Hezbollah. His multidisciplinary background lends weight to his insights on these complex societal issues.

Francisco Gil-White’s expertise and deep understanding are evident in his advocacy against various forms of antisemitism, from subtle prejudices to overt acts of violence. His efforts aim to foster greater understanding and empathy across all communities.


I encourage you to follow Francisco Gil-White and form your own conclusions. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Mimouna: A Glimpse of Brotherhood Amidst Turmoil

In the month of Nissan, we were redeemed from Egypt, according to an ancient rabbinic quote: “B’Nissan higalnu, v’b’Nissan atidim l’higael.” This quote is also the source for the Mimouna feast, celebrated annually among Sephardi Jews and Hassidim at the end of the Passover Festival. This year, we celebrate Mimouna amid a global upheaval centred in Israel.

The Essence of Mimouna

Since October 7, 2023, Israel and the Jewish community have been the focus of worldwide attention due to the Hamas invasion and massacre of Israelis. This has led to a noticeable rise in anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiments, commonly referred to as “antisemitism.” Pro-Palestinian protests have been witnessed on city streets and at elite universities worldwide, including McGill University in Canada, the Sorbonne in France, and Columbia, Penn, and Stanford in the US. The world has been witnessing acts of terrorism that have endangered innocent men, women, and children for many years, threatening the stability of all nations.

Despite repeated proposals for a ceasefire, our adversaries continue to hold innocent lives hostage and pose additional threats. However, the resilience of the Israeli people is truly inspiring. They can persevere in the face of adversity, and their unwavering commitment to peace and justice is the essence of Mimouna. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the striving for worldwide peace and harmony.

Amidst the turmoil of constant war, Mimouna shines as a bright beacon of hope. More than just a celebration, Mimouna holds the promise of world redemption; it represents the day our prophets speak of when ‘the lion will lie down with the lamb,’ and all nations will transform their weapons into plowshares to feed the hungry and the poor. It is a reaffirmation of the eternal faith of Jews in a coming world of peace and cooperation among all peoples.

From Miracles to Human Responsibility

However, Jewish tradition consistently emphasizes that Jews “do not rely on miracles.” This principle is underscored throughout our Torah:

“The Bible’s ultimate process is a movement away from visible miracles and public (heavenly) revelation toward a process of education and persuasion to get people to act properly. Increasingly, the historical outcomes are dependent on human behaviour and the equilibrium of forces rather than on divine intervention. By the time we reach the Talmud, the Rabbis tell us that the age of prophecy (direct messages from Heaven) and of visible miracles is over. Such miracles are too ‘coercive.’ God wants humans to use their reason and emotions and choose to do the right thing out of free will and choice.” (Rabbi Yitz Greenberg essay: Do Not Rely on a Miracle: Parshat Beshallach 5781)

Embracing Mimouna

As I sit here amongst tonight’s festivities, surrounded by my loved ones, I am reminded of Rabbi Akiva’s wise words: “Do not do to your neighbour what you would not have done to yourself.” These words are significant in today’s society, where the world remains divided and filled with discord. Let us all embrace the joyous atmosphere of Mimouna and reflect on its powerful message of hope and redemption.

May this celebration inspire us to work tirelessly towards a future where freedom and justice prevail and humanity can thrive in peace and harmony. We must remember that only our actions can bring about this future. It is up to you and me now!

May 10, 2024

Anti-Semitism and Millenarianism

After I published the above on my website, I discovered this lengthy essay in Mosaic Magazine that explains Dostoevsky’s antisemitism based on his embrace of the Russian Orthodox Church’s messianic ideology in the late 1800s. Here are some quotes from the essay which illustrate how ideology can lead one astray:

“When I began working on the diary (the published diary of Dostoevsky) 50 years ago, I had been reading Norman Cohn’s classic study, The Pursuit of the Millennium: Revolutionary Millenarians and Mystical Anarchists of the Middle Ages (1957), which suggested another explanation of the Dostoevsky problem. Cohn described medieval movements anticipating an apocalyptic time when it would be possible neatly to separate Christ’s saints from sinners following the Antichrist and to cleanse the world of evil forever. I was struck that Russian revolutionaries, whose ethos was defined by priests’ sons (like the revolutionary novelist Nikolai Chernyshevsky) and former seminarians (like Stalin), thought in just this apocalyptic way, as Cohn seemed to recognize. In one passage, he identified medieval millenarian ‘free spirits,’ who affirmed a ‘freedom so reckless and unqualified that it amounted to a total denial of every kind of restraint and limitation,’ as precursors of the Russian revolutionary anarchist Michael Bakunin. For 19th-century Europeans, medieval mystical anarchism lay in the remote past, but for Russians, it was palpably present, only superficially updated so that materialist laws rather than divine intervention would realize the millennium.

Cohn stressed that medieval millenarianism was almost invariably accompanied by anti-Semitic violence, partly because of the tradition, dating to the 2nd and 3rd centuries, that the Antichrist would be a Jew of the tribe of Dan and would exalt Jews over all other peoples. Jewish control over world events would be a sure sign that the end was near.”

Here is Dostoevsky, in his own words, describing his millenarianism as reported in the same source:

“Tracing Russian history since Peter the Great, Dostoevsky maintains that Russians absorbed flawlessly each European nation’s way of thinking in all its particularity, a feat attributable to the uniquely Russian ability Dostoevsky called otzyvchivost’ (receptivity)—’ the capacity to discover the truth contained in each of the civilizations of Europe or, more correctly, in each of the personalities of Europe.’ Only in this way could Russia satisfy its ‘need to be just and above all to seek only the truth.’ Now, though, the time has arrived for Russia to stop absorbing others’ words and to speak its own ‘words’ to achieve ‘universal reconciliation’ once and for all.

To fulfill its mission, Dostoevsky supposes, Russia must liberate first the Slavs and then all other Orthodox Christian peoples. Then Russia must seize Constantinople, the traditional center of Orthodoxy, at which point the millennium will be at hand.

The imminent conquest of Constantinople will ‘happen of its own accord, precisely because the time has come . . . [or] is at hand, as all the signs indicate. This is a natural result decreed by Nature itself, as it were.’ It will not be a mere seizure of territory, as Westerners presume, but an entirely millenarian achievement:

There truly will be something special and unprecedented here: . . . it will be a true exaltation . . . of the cross of Christ and the ultimate word of Orthodoxy, at whose head Russia has long been standing. It will be a temptation for all the mighty of this world who have been triumphant until now and who . . . do not even comprehend that one can seriously believe in human brotherhood, in the universal reconciliation of nations, in a union founded on principles of universal service to humanity and regeneration of people through the true principles of Christ.

Whenever he expresses such views, Dostoevsky anticipates the scorn of the sophisticated. ‘Heavens, what a mocking smile would appear on the face of some Austrian or Englishman if he had the opportunity to read all these daydreams!’ But events will confirm Dostoevsky’s predictions. ‘And if believing in this ‘new world’. . . is a ‘utopia’ worthy only of ridicule, then you may number me among these utopians and leave the ridicule to me.'”

Here is another way that Dostoevsky theorized about the role of the Jews (quoted from the same source as above):

“There is another role usurped by the Jews. In addition to rivalry in messianism, Dostoevsky sees rivalry in suffering. Russia is the ‘man of sorrows’ mentioned in Isaiah 53:2, ‘despised and rejected’ by other nations and ‘acquainted with grief’ that those nations cannot even imagine. That is why he seems particularly irked by Kovner’s descriptions of unsurpassed Jewish misfortune. As the epigraph to Karamazov suggests, suffering offers the only path to transcending ordinary human egoism and achieving holiness: ‘Verily, verily I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it dies, it bringeth forth much fruit’ (John 12:24).

Not Jews but Russians exemplify such suffering! ‘Can one really claim that the Russian people have endured fewer misfortunes . . . than the Jews?’ he demands. ‘Our great people . . . have suffered torments . . . for all their thousand years of existence, torments such as no single nation of the world could have borne without disintegration and annihilation.’ Of course, as Dostoevsky well knew, the Jews have existed and suffered still longer.”

I eagerly await your comments.

 

Footnotes:

  1. It has been pointed out by Francisco Gil-White and others that these anti-Israel perspectives are associated with Muslim/Jihadi ideology and the Progressive/Communist ideology, both of which pose challenges to democracy, freedom, and global cooperation and stability. For further exploration of this, I refer you to the work of Francisco Gil-White.
  2. Greenberg, Yitz. “Do Not Rely on a Miracle: Parshat Beshallach 5781.” Hadar.org, https://www.hadar.org/torah-tefillah/resources/do-not-rely-miracle.
  3. “Why Dostoevsky Loved Humanity and Hated the Jews.” Mosaic Magazine, Dec. 2023, https://mosaicmagazine.com/essay/arts-culture/2023/12/why-dostoevsky-loved-humanity-and-hated-the-jews/. The case of the literary master helps explain why people who devote themselves to compassion for all, so often, make an exception for Jews by analyzing his ideas as a part of his historical period and his ideas re Russian Orthodox Christianity and Russian messianism which he passionately espoused.

Passover in Israel: Reflecting on Tradition, Resilience, Gloom, and Hope in 2024

Deep-Rooted Traditions

Within the solemn moments of the seder, we pause to ponder a poignant line from the Haggadah: “In every generation, they rise against us, to annihilate us, but the Holy One, Blessed Be, saves us from their hand.” Yet, my nephew, Rabbi Yair Silverman, directs our attention to an equally crucial line: “In every generation, one is obligated to see himself as though he personally had come out of Egypt.” For my parents, survivors of the Nazi Holocaust in Hungary, this injunction resonated deeply. For newer generations, navigating today’s turbulent times may serve as their personal passage through “narrow straits,” as Mitzrayim, the Hebrew word for Egypt, suggests.

Rabbi Yair Silverman, leading a modest congregation in Zichron Yaakov, Israel, embodies this resilience alongside Israel’s communities amidst recent adversities. Despite the surge in hostilities since October 7th, coinciding with Simhat Torah, he and the entire nation of Israel have steadfastly continued with regular services and daily routines, showcasing unwavering dedication and fortitude.

Passover, deeply ingrained in Israel’s cultural fabric, extends beyond religious rites. With 95% of Jewish Israelis, whether observant or not, partaking in the removal of hametz (leavened products) from their homes and engaging in familial or communal seders, the tradition transcends mere religious observance. Similarly, 97% of Jewish Israelis uphold the tradition of circumcision for newborn boys on the eighth day, irrespective of religious adherence, underscoring our collective commitment to faith and heritage.

Observance and Celebration

Central to the seder is retelling our story and the consumption of matza and maror, symbolizing affliction and liberation alongside bitter herbs like horseradish. During the Passover Festival’s seven days (eight outside Israel), the first and last days mirror Sabbath observance, with most work halted and businesses closed. The intervening five days adopt a semi-festive tone, with shops and eateries operating. Yet, schools and workplaces essentially shuttered, fostering a tradition of leisure activities such as countryside excursions and museum visits, many offering complimentary access.

For the intermediate festival days this year, my family opted for a beachside retreat in Tel Aviv. However, the ongoing conflict has reshaped Israel’s safety landscape, prompting evacuations from southern communities bordering Gaza and those adjacent to Lebanon and Syria. Over 100,000 families find themselves displaced, with many seeking refuge in hotels for extended periods. During our stay in Tel Aviv, we encountered some of these long-term residents whose presence is seldom acknowledged in Canadian media narratives. While I’m a loyal listener of CBC, in Israel, updates on the conflict stream through public channels, the internet, WhatsApp groups, and NGOs, including firsthand reports from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), offering nuanced perspectives often overlooked internationally.

Media

Media coverage of the Israel-Gaza War is available for free worldwide. Various news outlets provide comprehensive coverage of the conflict, incorporating Israeli perspectives. Here are some accessible sources in Canada:

  • Israel Realtime — “Connecting the World to Israel in Realtime”: Available on WhatsApp and Telegram.
  • IDSF: Provides “Israel at War” half-hour daily briefings at 10 a.m. EST, Monday through Thursday.
  • TOI (Times of Israel): A prominent Israeli newspaper offering free access via email subscription.
  • i24News: An Israeli television network covering news and current events available online.
  • CBN NewsWatch: Christian Broadcast Television features conflict coverage accessible online and via WhatsApp.
  • Ayn Rand Center UK: Offers credible perspectives on Israel, available online.
  • National Post Canada: Now featuring an Israel newsletter, keeping readers informed about events in Israel and the impact of antisemitism in Canada.

Life Amidst Conflict

Despite the turmoil, life persists in Israel. On April 24th and 25th, I captured moments of normalcy along the extensive Tel Aviv beachfront: people strolling, jogging, cycling, sailing, and swimming from dawn till dusk.

Yet, the spectre of conflict looms. Over 130 citizens remain captive in subterranean passages in Gaza. Nevertheless, Israel unites in prayer and advocacy for their release and the nation’s security. The eradication of terrorist threats remains paramount for our collective safety. Even amidst these challenges, our faith in Israel’s destiny remains unshaken.

Ancient Prophecies and Contemporary Realities

As a testament to our faith, I share a poignant video circulating on social media, citing a passage from the Talmud dating back centuries. It predicts a time “when world leaders, including those from Persia (modern-day Iran) and Arabia (likely Saudi Arabia), will engage in conflict. Amidst the chaos, Israel will cry out in distress, but divine reassurance promises a unique redemption devoid of suffering and subjugation.”

 

The prescience of this ancient text amid today’s global upheavals is remarkable, reaffirming divine providence and the enduring destiny of the Jewish people. As the world’s gaze intensifies on Israel, we are entrusted with a metaphorical microphone to share our timeless message of peace and unity. May we witness the realization of prophetic visions, where peace prevails, and nations transform weapons of war into instruments of sustenance and brotherhood.

The current reality necessitates acknowledgment. I invite you to read the Times of Israel article “Rockets Red Glare Bombs Bursting in Air Passover 2024.”

Rabbi Poupko’s Oscar-Nominated Film Reviews

During his flights, despite his busy travels between Israel and other places, Rabbi Poupko found time to watch three Oscar-nominated films: OppenheimerMaestro, and The Zone of Interest. He shared his reviews during a Sabbath afternoon gathering at the synagogue.

Speaking about Oppenheimer, isn’t it interesting that a group of Jews managed to create the atom bomb, which won the war for the Western powers? Isn’t it interesting that Jews created Hollywood in the middle of nowhere in California? Isn’t it interesting that Jews created Broadway? Isn’t it remarkable that since the Nobel Prize has been awarded, Jews have comprised 40% of all recipients in all fields? Jews have made significant contributions to the US, Canada, and Germany.

‘By the way,’ he asked the crowd, ‘Does anybody know how many Nobel Prizes Muslims have won?’ After a hushed silence, someone mentioned Yasser Arafat. This drew a laugh!

Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres, and Yitzhak Rabin were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 for their efforts to foster peace in the Middle East. However, subsequent events underscore that the envisioned peace did not materialize. Arafat’s refusal to sign a cooperation agreement with Israel at the White House marked a pivotal moment. Following this, he instigated the Second Intifada, characterized by terrorist attacks on buses and cafes, resulting in the loss of over 1,000 innocent Israeli lives. In response, Israel implemented border walls and checkpoints along its borders with the West Bank and Gaza. Among Nobel laureates, Muslims have received sixteen: nine for peace, four for science, and three for literature. (*2)

Rabbi Poupko continued, ‘Has anyone read The Pity of It All? (*3) It’s a great read, a detailed description of Jewish involvement and integration in every facet of German life—the arts, government, and universities—prior to 1933. Germany was admired worldwide as a center of culture and science, and Jews were thriving there too.

As Jews in Germany listened to Hitler’s tirades against them, they decided to publish an eleven-hundred-page book detailing Jewish contributions to Germany, hoping it would bring Germans to their senses.’

Incidentally, the Jewish community in Hungary pursued a similar course of action. During my visit to Tokay, my friend Gabor Gluck, who represents the last surviving Jewish family in the town where my late mother grew up, shared a substantial volume compiled by Hungarian Jews in the 1930s. These individuals, who had served in the military during World War I, believed that if others were aware of their contributions, the Hungarians would “come to their senses.” The book reflects their hope that recognizing Jewish accomplishments would foster greater understanding and acceptance.

Rabbi Poupko continued, “Wasn’t it Churchill who reminded his compatriots that ‘those who oppress Jews are simply destroying themselves’?”

Indeed, Spain never recovered its glory after introducing the Inquisition and expelling the Jews in 1492. Germany has not regained its cultural ascendance since its unprovoked attack on Jews initiated in 1933 when Hitler came to power.

Sadly, antisemitism is not confined to Europe but exists in countries like the UK, Canada, and the USA, despite the significant contributions of the Jewish community to these nations.

In the past five months, starting from October 7, there has been a disturbing resurgence of this hateful ideology. We have witnessed widespread incidents of Jews and Israel being openly vilified in public spaces worldwide. There have even been articles like “Is Antisemitism Becoming Socially Acceptable Again?” There have been attacks targeting Jews in their businesses and institutions, including here in Montreal. Jewish students at McGill and Concordia have faced harassment as pro-Palestinian groups have gained dominance on campus with minimal resistance.

Rabbi Poupko shared that “as a result of campus antisemitism, Jewish enrollment at schools like Harvard, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania is now less than it was before the 1960s when there were quotas on Jewish enrollment. Jews are now choosing to attend less prestigious universities. In the 1990s, the University of Pennsylvania had a beit midrash because there were so many Orthodox Jews attending… Not anymore; Tulane University is now known as ‘Jewlane.’ Over the last five months, we have discovered an alarming resurgence of these evil ideas. These irrational notions, for whatever reason, continue to fester close to the surface, and people seem eager to find the State of Israel’ guilty as charged.’ Sadly, I have to reflect that of the Imams and Pastors we had friendly relations with over the years, not one has reached out to me since October 7. On the other hand, amidst these challenges, the resilience and valour displayed by Israeli forces over the past five months have been extraordinary. Witnessing their unwavering dedication to defending our people, whether on the battlefield or on the homefront, has fostered a sense of unity and solidarity like never before.

I only bring this up because, during these difficult times, all of us Jews need to know who we are, what we have accomplished, and what we have contributed to the world over millennia. Am Yisrael Chai…”

Rabbi Poupko’s reflections highlight Jewish communities’ resilience and invaluable contributions throughout history. Despite facing adversity, Jews have significantly shaped cultures and advanced human knowledge. His insights remind us to celebrate our collective heritage and unite against prejudice. Let us move forward with pride in our identity, fostering unity and understanding in a world often plagued by bigotry.

Additionally, I share my exploration of Oscar-nominated films through a Jewish lens: Oppenheimer: What is His Story? and Barbie: Who is She?.

I am also sharing two movie reviews that deserved Oscar recognition: Golda: A Reckoning and SHTTL.

And here is Barbra Streisand, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award and delivered a powerful address confronting antisemitism and bigotry.

 

Happy viewing!

 

Footnotes:

  1. Mandel, Seth. “Glazer’s Partners Refute Glazer.” Commentary, vol. 123, no. 5, 2017, pp. 45-52.
  2. “Second Intifada.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Feb. 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Intifada.
  3. Elon, Amos. The Pity of It All: A Portrait of the German-Jewish Epoch 1743-1933. Metropolitan Books, 2002. Rabbi Poupko explored the origins of anti-Semitism, proposing that a factor driving it may be a sense of bewilderment surrounding the perceived accomplishments of Jewish communities. Instead of appreciating Jewish contributions, Nazi ideology chose to blame the Jews for all economic and social problems. Germany’s failures were attributed to Jews, and the idea that eliminating them would bring freedom and success to Germans was promoted through state-sanctioned literature, cinema, and broadcasting, ultimately instilling fear of Jews within the general populace.
  4. “Antisemitism: The Jewish Question.” Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/topic/antisemitism/The-rise-of-modern-antisemitism. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
  5. “Myth and Reality – What Did Churchill Really Think About the Jews?” The Churchill Centre. Winston Churchill acknowledged the significant contributions of Jews to society and strongly advocated for their rights. He also warned that those who oppressed the Jewish community would ultimately be causing harm to themselves. Targeting specific groups for oppression is an abuse of human rights and results in everyone becoming poorer for it. This is a Jewish idea that has become generally accepted.
  6. “PBS American Experience: Henry Ford’s Antisemitism.” PBS, www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/henryford/#part01. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
  7. There’s a genuine source supporting Rabbi Poupko’s claim regarding the systematic exclusion of Jews from prominent positions in US elite universities, corporations, and government. Read “The Vanishing: The Erasure of Jews from American Life” by Jacob Savage, published by Tablet magazine. Does this presage the downfall of America’s elite universities?
  8. The Zone of Interest: You might be aware of Jonathan Glazer’s controversial statement upon receiving the Best Foreign Feature Award for The Zone of Interest. While the film itself is hailed as a masterpiece, his acceptance speech, equating the situation in Gaza with the atrocities of Auschwitz, has drawn widespread condemnation. His collaborators on the film have strenuously refuted his remarks. (*1)

Purim: Transforming Defeat into Triumph

As we approach the Jewish holiday of Purim this Sunday, it’s an excellent time to delve into its profound significance.

Purim’s Intricate Tale of Survival

Purim commemorates the extraordinary redemption of the Jewish people. At its heart lies the captivating narrative of Esther, chronicled in the eponymous scroll. This scroll weaves a tapestry of intrigue and twists of fate, portraying the Jewish community’s salvation from the perilous decree engineered by the infamous Haman.

For children, Purim is a joyous occasion with the opportunity to don costumes and revel in lively festivities. Even adults partake in the merriment, following the tradition “to drink till one cannot discern the difference between the wicked Haman and the righteous Mordechai.” Dubbed the “holiday of reversals,” Purim invites contemplation on the shifting paradigms of good and evil.

The story of Purim takes place in 369 BCE during the reign of King Ahashverosh over the Persian Empire. The narrative recounts the struggles of the Jewish people under his rule, who were oppressed by Haman, the Chief Courtier. Haman bore a grudge against Mordechai when he refused to bow down to him. Instead of punishing Mordechai alone, Haman planned to exterminate all Jews and seize their property across the 127 provinces. However, Queen Esther, Mordechai, and the Jewish community joined forces and approached the King, leading to Haman’s downfall and Mordechai’s rise to power. The deadly decree was reversed, giving Jews the right to defend themselves on the appointed day.

Each year, women play a central role in commemorating this miraculous tale by reading the Megillah in synagogues.

Esther’s Story in the Modern World

When examining Esther’s story from a contemporary perspective, not many resources provide the same depth and insight as Yoram Hazony’s “God and Politics in Esther.” Hazony’s analysis goes beyond the story’s surface, delving deep into its themes to reveal a powerful narrative of political maneuvering and power dynamics that remains relevant today.

At the heart of Hazony’s analysis lies the complex character of Haman, whose fixation on Mordecai’s perceived defiance sets in motion a chain of events that threaten the very existence of the Jewish people. Hazony meticulously dissects Haman’s psyche, illustrating how his obsession drives him to not only seek vengeance against Mordecai but also to orchestrate a genocidal decree aimed at eradicating an entire community.

While the decree casts a daunting shadow over the Jewish people, the story takes a dramatic turn with Haman’s downfall and Mordecai’s rise to power. Through strategic maneuvers, including issuing counter-decrees granting Jews the right to defend themselves, Esther and Mordecai navigate the treacherous political intrigue to secure their people’s survival.

As the appointed day of reckoning arrives, Jews throughout the empire stand firm in defence of their lives and livelihoods. The Megillah meticulously recounts the ensuing clashes, underscoring the resilience and determination of a people fighting for their existence.

  1. Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s command and edict were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.
  2. The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples…
  3. Now, the rest of the Jews who were in the king’s provinces also gathered to defend their lives and got relief from their enemies and killed seventy-five thousand of those who hated them, but they laid no hands on the plunder. (*1)

Hazony’s analysis also sheds light on the role of divine influence in the unfolding events despite the absence of explicit mention of G-d’s name in the Megillah. Through the deliberate choices of Mordecai and Esther, guided by a sense of duty and moral imperative, the narrative reflects a rabbinic belief in humanity’s role as stewards of creation, entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the world.

In Hazony’s interpretation, Esther’s story emerges not merely as a tale of ancient folklore but as a timeless allegory of courage, resilience, and the enduring struggle for justice in the face of tyranny. This narrative continues to resonate and inspire in the modern world.

Echoes of Esther: Unveiling the Distorted Narrative Against Israel

The timeless narrative of Esther serves as a poignant mirror reflecting our current reality. In this tale, Israel confronts existential threats, only to be unfairly maligned when it defends itself against aggressors. This distortion of truth resonates eerily with the pervasive propaganda that has fueled baseless accusations against Israel over time. It’s crucial to recognize that embracing such falsehoods only emboldens those seeking the destruction of Jewish communities, both within Israel and abroad.

The propagation of a biased narrative by entities like the UN, UNRWA, and certain media outlets perpetuates a cycle of devastation, shame, and anguish for all parties involved. Regrettably, some Western nations, including the US, Canada, and England, have yet to fully grasp the underlying motives driving this ongoing conflict — namely, the unwavering determination to obliterate Israel and its people.

Brigitte Gabriel, a Lebanese Christian immigrant to the US, has tirelessly raised awareness about the insidious ideology fueling the genocidal aspirations of Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and other Jihadi movements. Through her NGO, Act for America, she underscores the urgent imperative to combat hatred and to steadfastly stand with Israel in the face of adversity. (*2)

Navigating Crisis with Jewish Faith and Courage

Our Jewish faith stands as a pillar of strength during times of crisis. By entrusting ourselves to the wisdom of the Torah, we find comfort and direction amidst uncertainty. The story of Esther emphasizes our unwavering conviction in divine guidance, which remains constant for those who pursue righteousness.

As we joyously celebrate Purim, let us fervently pray for the swift defeat of our adversaries, and may peace gracefully descend upon Israel, the Middle East, and every corner of our world. May the jubilant spirit of this occasion infuse our hearts with unbridled joy and optimism.

For those eager to delve deeper into the profound lessons of Purim, I extend a warm invitation to explore my previous posts: What Can Purim Teach Us Today?, Jerusalem’s Unique Purim Celebration: A Blend of Festivity and Tradition, CIJR Colloquium: The Iranian Question & Purim’s Lessons.

 

Footnotes:

  1. Marcus, Yosef. “The Megillah in English.” Kehot Publication Society. https://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article_cdo/aid/109275/jewish/In-English.htm.
  2. “Act for America.” actforamerica.org.