A Rupture in the Soul of Israel

This week, the soul of Israel was deeply wounded upon hearing of the cold-blooded execution of six hostages—a horror that President Isaac Herzog poignantly described at the funeral of Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Herzog spoke of the “senseless hatred and unthinkable brutality” of Hamas terror, calling it “pure barbaric evil.”

“Jon and Rachel, against the senseless hatred and unthinkable brutality of Hamas terror, pure barbaric evil, you have taught the world about human dignity. As a human being, as a father, and as the President of the State of Israel, I want to say how sorry I am, how sorry I am that we didn’t protect Hersh on that dark day.”

For those of us in the Israeli Anglo and Jerusalem communities, this was a particularly fierce blow, a shock that replayed the trauma of October 7th. We all believed that after the earth-shattering efforts of Rachel Polin Goldberg to save Hersh, he would return home alive. We cannot fathom how God allowed otherwise, nor can we comprehend the depths of human cruelty.

I took this photo at the prayer event for Hersh in Baka on Sunday evening before his funeral.

Indeed, the ancient words of the prophet Jeremiah haunt our souls today:

A cry is heard in Ramah—Wailing, bitter weeping—Rachel weeping for her children. She refuses to be comforted for her children, who are gone.

In this war, we have lost many precious souls, including our brave sons who have sacrificed their lives for Israel’s Freedom and Mission. Just look at this photo of Hersh’s smile and the wrenching call to bring them home.

This act of psychological terror by Hamas led to mass protests in the streets of Tel Aviv demanding a hostage deal, with smaller counter-protests in Jerusalem. Hamas has perpetrated a cruel act aimed at dividing the people of Israel. The proposed “deal” (if one could trust Hamas to honour any agreement) includes concessions that many fear would only embolden Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and other forces of evil, plunging the world into an even darker place. As Netanyahu questioned: ‘Should we withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor after Hamas murdered 6 hostages?’ Such a move would hand a victory to these malevolent forces.

Initially, I intended to write about this week’s Torah reading, which focuses on leadership, democracy, and justice. Today’s world is plagued by evil and poor leadership, leading to a moral decay in our civilization. Yesterday’s reading of Psalm 140 as part of the monthly cycle of Psalms shook me to my core, as it includes the word Hamas, translated as “evil.”

חַלְּצֵנִי יְהוָה, מֵאָדָם רָע; מֵאִישׁ חֲמָסִים תִּנְצְרֵנִי. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man; preserve me from the violent man;

The world desperately needs authentic leadership. Throughout history, only a few of the ancient kings of Israel exhibited genuine leadership. But what is authentic leadership?

The Moral Courage to Recognize the Truth
In a surprising move, Canada has demanded Hamas surrender rather than simply calling for a ceasefire. Canadian Prime Minister and opposition leaders condemned the murder of the hostages and called for the removal of Hamas from Gaza. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/en/news/395535
The Strength to Admit Wrongdoing and Repent
This was powerfully expressed by President Herzog at Hersh’s funeral:
“I apologize on behalf of the State of Israel, that we failed to protect you in the terrible disaster of October 7, that we failed to bring you home safely. I apologize that the country you immigrated to at the age of 7, wrapped in the Israeli flag, could not keep you safe.” As we enter the month of Elul, a time of Teshuva (repentance) and reflection, we are in dire need of national repentance—for those responsible for October 7th, for the events leading up to it, and for the divisions in our society that remain unhealed.
Acknowledgement of a Higher Power—God
This humility and reverence for truth made King David a revered leader. He recognized his errors and our subservience to one God.
The Courage to Know When to Wage War or Strive for Peace
This courage is essential today to face global threats—from Iran, Yemen, Gaza, Lebanon, Russia, and other regions where evil leaders continue to reign.

This war is a battle for civilization itself—Good vs. Evil—and for God’s true words.

Turning back to Parsha Shoftim, with all the democracy, anti-Bibi, bring-them-home protests, and pro-Palestinian marches around the world and the questions of judicial reform in the US and Israel, this week’s Torah portion offers fundamental truths about leadership, democracy, and justice.

Shoftim: A Guide for Leadership and Justice

Understanding the roles of leaders, judges, and law enforcement is crucial, especially amidst increasing criticism and politicization. This awareness empowers us to actively participate in shaping our society.

The opening of this week’s parsha emphasizes:

שֹׁפְטִ֣ים וְשֹֽׁטְרִ֗ים תִּֽתֶּן־לְךָ֙ בְּכׇל־שְׁעָרֶ֔יךָ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לְךָ֖ לִשְׁבָטֶ֑יךָ וְשָׁפְט֥וּ אֶת־הָעָ֖ם מִשְׁפַּט־צֶֽדֶק׃
You shall appoint magistrates and officials for your tribes in all the settlements that your God יהוה is giving you, and they shall govern the people with due (fair) justice.

Here, democracy is at work—not only in electing politicians but in ensuring that judges and law enforcement officials are accountable to the people and that they judge fairly.

Moreover, we are all called to pursue justice:

צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף לְמַ֤עַן תִּֽחְיֶה֙ וְיָרַשְׁתָּ֣ אֶת־הָאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֥ן לָֽךְ׃
Justice, justice, shall you pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that your God יהוה is giving you.

Justice is central to living in the Land and central to Zionism. It is the pursuit of tzedek—justice. In modern Hebrew, tzedek (justice) is obligatory and compels all, while tzedakah (charity) is praiseworthy but voluntary. Both stem from the same root and reflect righteousness and justness.

Corrupt Justice vs. True Justice

Contrast this with the corrupt justice of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Recent statements from the ICC Prosecutor alleging war crimes against Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant demand careful scrutiny. Prominent NGOs have refuted these allegations, exposing them as based on flawed information. The ICC’s actions, if unchecked, risk undermining the very principles of international law, driven by a blatant disregard for truth and a persistent bias against Israel.

Exposing the Distorted Justice of the International Criminal Court (ICC)

These prominent NGOs, including UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), International Legal Forum (ILF), Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC), Bnai Brith UK (BBUK), and the Jerusalemites Initiative (JI), have filed “observations” with the Court, categorically refuting these allegations.

Allegations of Starvation and Famine: A Misrepresentation?

The Prosecutor claims that Israel, under the leadership of Netanyahu and Gallant, has used the starvation of Palestinian civilians as a method of warfare, citing a supposed “total siege over Gaza” that allegedly involved closing key crossing points. However, the NGOs have provided detailed evidence showing that these crossings were, in fact, opened multiple times, directly contradicting the Prosecutor’s assertions.

Furthermore, the Rafah crossing, which the Prosecutor mentions, lies between Gaza and Egypt—not Israel. Israel has no authority to open or close it without risking conflict with Egypt. The NGOs also dispute the claim of imminent famine in Gaza, pointing out that previous reports, which form the basis of the Prosecutor’s allegations, failed to account for significant portions of food and water supplies in Gaza. These reports have since been officially labelled “implausible.”

The Risk to Justice and Integrity

The NGOs warn that if the Court proceeds based on this flawed information, it risks unjustly jeopardizing the liberty of not only Netanyahu and Gallant but also other Israelis who could face secret arrest warrants. Such actions would severely restrict their ability to travel without fear of arrest in multiple countries.

They argue that ignoring the substantial evidence they have provided would not only be a “disgraceful dereliction of duty” but would also severely undermine the integrity of the Court, its processes, and its Prosecutor.

Arsen Ostrovsky, Chief Executive of the International Legal Forum, condemns the Prosecutor’s actions, stating, “The ICC Prosecutor’s decision to seek arrest warrants against the Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Israel is a modern-day antisemitic blood libel that violates every norm of international law. It lacks substance and highlights the Court’s blatant lack of jurisdiction.”

The Broader Context: A Disregard for International Law

This issue is part of a broader pattern of what can only be described as hypocrisy in the application of international law to Israel. As Natasha Hausdorff of UK Lawyers for Israel eloquently articulated in a recent lecture, there is a disturbing disregard for international precedent when it comes to Israel. This selective application of justice appears to be part of a persistent historical thread aimed at undermining Israel and the Jewish people.

The Bible’s Influence on Law and Justice

I originally wanted to share more profound insights into how the Bible has positively influenced law and justice today, drawing from my discussion with Judge Lou Kornreich, featured in my blog series The People You Meet in Jerusalem. Lou’s insights into the US Constitution and its comparison to Israeli law are compelling. He emphasizes that while the Bible’s influence on legal systems is significant, it is often indirect, shaping foundational principles without overt religious mandates. This subtle yet profound impact continues to resonate in modern legal frameworks.

Link to Lou’s compelling insights: https://thepeopleyoumeetinjerusalem.blog/lou-kornreich

Challenges and Hope for the Future

I leave you with Lou’s wise words:

“In conclusion, we often fail to get beyond our immediate concerns, and we neglect to consider what God expects from us. Moshe’s message to B’nai Israel, urging them to follow mitzvot and Torah, still resonates.
This applies to the world at large. Without God, there can be no sustainable society, democracy, or justice system.

Featured Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTG-25QYRaI

Israeli President Isaac Herzog at Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s funeral

“In his life and death, Hersh has changed all of humanity deeply. He has changed our world and woven his essence of light and love into the story of the Jewish people and into our human story forever.”

Further Readings:

Arsen Ostrovsky, Chief Executive of International Legal Forum said

“The ICC Prosecutor’s decision to seek arrest warrants against the Prime Minister and Défense Minister of Israel is a modern-day antisemitic blood libel that violates every norm of international law. It not only entirely lacks substance, but also underscores the court’s blatant lack of jurisdiction in the first instance. If the ICC wishes to maintain any shred of dignity, it will dismiss these legally baseless and mendacious proceedings.”

Source:

https://www.uklfi.com/international-criminal-court-warned-of-wholesale-inaccuracy-of-prosecutors-allegations-against-israeli-leaders?fbclid=IwY2xjawEzkb5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHeZPaQwHwIL_6NqycMiZiA4uySPMxOvmTW8s-XUBF2gQIlSPI8T31K7kJA_aem_3CAdiBbNJ7onodbAEJpJ8w

Disregard for Internal Law when applying to Israel

I attended a fascinating lecture and discussion with Natasha Hausdorff from the UK Lawyers for Israel.

https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/07/03/natasha-hausdorff-the-british-attorney-who-fights-israels-wars-and-sounds-alarm-on-a-uk-labour-government/

It’s an amazing organisation and their work, and you’ll find a link to their website. https://www.uklfi.com/

The bottom line which she so eloquently articulated is the hypocrisy, a disregard for international precedent and law when applying to Israel. It doesn’t exist, and it’s almost like there’s a thread that continued throughout history from the Holocaust onwards to eradicate Jews and Israel.

Lawfare Based On Lies

Andrew Fox, a Former British Army officer, articulates in an essay titled “ Lawfare Based On Lies –

The International Criminal Court is destroying the foundations of international law”

https://mrandrewfox.substack.com/p/lawfare-based-on-lies?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=8sx1l&triedRedirect=true

Source of Images:

The photo of Hersh sourced from Facebook

Image “For the people you meet in Jerusalem” generated for me by Chat GPT