Twenty two years ago, I first studied the Mishna (Sotah 49B) which discusses the status of the world in the time leading up to the coming of Moshiach. Back then, when I read that “truth will be hidden,” I didn’t understand. Will there be no truth at all? The entire world will be full of lies? How could that be?
Likewise, when I read, “There will be tremendous chutspah in the world,” I had trouble comprehending. Maybe a little, I can understand. But a lot? And in the whole world? How is it possible?
But now, 22 years later, I’m starting to understand.
Last night, I was shocked by the terrible terrorist attack in Tel Aviv. Two Palestinian terrorists murdered four Israelis in cold blood, wounding six others.
When terrorists attack in any other first-world country, what happens? The entire world condemns it. Just look at Paris and Brussels! But when it happens in Israel, where is the condemnation? The outrage? Israel must fight to even have their terrorism acknowledged!
How was last night’s terrorist attack reported by the mainstream media?
“2 Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Gunmen Kill 3 in Central Tel Aviv” (RT News)
“Tel Aviv Shooting: Three Killed in Shopping Center Attack” (BBC).
“Two ‘Terrorists’ Arrested” (CNN).
“Three Killed In Mass Shooting in Tel Aviv” (Sky News)
“Palestinian Gunmen Open Fire in Tel Aviv” (NY Times).
No mention of terrorism at all, except for CNN who mockingly put it in quotes. Baffling.
It’s fascinating that the Mishna, written by Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi over 2000 years ago, predicts so accurately the state of the world in 2016. Our world is, indeed, filled with falsehood and lies. If you need proof, look no further than these headlines describing the murder of innocent Jews at the hands of bloodthirsty Palestinian terrorists.
Today, the Washington Post’s headlines included, “Israel sends more troops to West Bank, freezes Palestinian entry permits after attack.”
Really? Is that the headline? Shouldn’t the headline be about the monstrous act of terror which necessitated Israel taking those steps to protect its citizens? Think what America would do if an act of terror, like this, happened. Surely, they would not be satisfied to call it a shooting and allow life to go on as usual.
Here are six truths the world needs to hear loudly and clearly:
1. There is not, nor has there ever been, a Palestinian nation.
2. Israel belongs to the Jewish people. G-d gave the land of Israel to the Jews over 4000 years ago, and we have had a continuous presence there for the past 3300 years.
3. There are no “Israeli settlements.” There are Jewish people living in Jewish homes and Jewish towns.
4. Israel is the victim, not the aggressor.
5. These terrorist attacks are not the work of a few Palestinian extremists. Polls show that well over half of them support the cold-blooded butchering of innocent Jews.
6. The Arab objective is not to establish the 22nd Arab state, but to destroy the only Jewish state.
The Mishna which addresses the state we currently find ourselves in—a world of lies—prophetically ends, “On whom can we rely? On our Father in Heaven.” We see this now, more than ever. He is our only hope. Let’s get together this week, for the holiday of Shavuot, and re-declare our love for Him, and commitment to His Torah.
BEtty Silberman wrote...