Tikkun Olam and the IDF

I am so tired of seeing Jews invoke “tikkun olam” and Jewish values as a reason to vilify Israel and the IDF. “Tikkun olam” does not mean we must be slaughtered in order not to harm others. In fact, “tikkun olam” has nothing to do with what the world calls “social justice”. The second half of the phrase is conveniently left out: “b’malchus Sha-dai — under the kingdom of G-d “. Repair the world in a GODLY way. There is no Jewish value that says we cannot defend ourselves. In fact, what is a Jewish value: Habah l’hargecha hashkem l’hargo — “If someone is coming to kill you, rise against him and kill him FIRST.” Not because we want to kill or we celebrate death, but because we hold such immense value of life. Without this value, we actually diminish the meaning of life.

Yes, we all should feel sympathy and empathy for the innocent Palestinian who are being exploited by the their leaders, but not at the expense of Jewish lives. Sympathy and empathy alone do not change reality. If you truly care about their lives, you must do all you can to hold accountable those who enable and promote such evil. Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, the main stream media, and many governments around the world. This is the only way for a better future.

Today my thoughts are also with my brothers in the IDF who are deployed at the Gaza border. Having looked down the barrel of my rifle, and seen children standing alongside terrorists – I can appreciate the impossible situation they are facing. They serve with honor, dignity, and respect – doing everything humanly possible to protect the innocent. We don’t take your sacrifice for granted.

We are all created in the image of G-d, thus our lives hold tremendous value and purpose. Hopefully one day in the near future, ALL will recognize that fact thus leading to a world of peace and harmony. Until then, it is our duty – our Jewish duty – to defend against all those who seek to destroy us, and by any means necessary.