Two posts: one about Canada, and one about Israel

O Canada (a national anthem for today — with apologies to the original songwriter)

O Canada!

What happened to this land?

True cruelty,

With euthanizing hands.

With painful hearts we see doctors kill

Instead of healing compassionately.

From far and wide, O Canada,

Less care for the sickly.

G-d help us all, return to Thee,

O Canada, as tariffs kill the economy,

O Canada,

Let’s stop the MAID cruelty.

*

The above is a reflection of a sad state of affairs in Canada now.

According to statistics, Canada euthanized more than 60,000 people since it was legalized in 2016. They call it MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying). And it’s  cruel.

The merciful way to treat the ill, is to try to alleviate their pain, and where feasible, to try to cure them.

Euthanasia contravenes G-d’s command to not murder.

As we watch tariffs threatening Canada’s economy, with manufacturing slowing down  and many people becoming unemployed, it brings to mind what our sages teach us, that when misfortune threatens, we need to examine our actions and rectify things.

When we obey the Almighty, we open channels to receive His blessings in everything we need, including a healthy and prosperous economy.

Canada needs to be truly merciful and kind, as G-d wants us to be.

And then the country can look forward to His endless benevolent mercy.

*****

What now?

At first glance, Israel seems to be in a quagmire.

People wonder if there is any viable option available. Hamas won’t give up hostages unless Israel ends the war. But Smotrich and Ben Gvir threaten to bolt the government if Netanyahu ends the war (without destroying Hamas).

Some say that a possible solution is to bring the Palestinian Authority into Gaza and (together with an international force) govern Gaza. They think that Hamas would probably agree to that. However, Smotrich, Ben Gvir and many Israelis won’t agree to it. October 7 has taught Israel, that giving away land is dangerous.

So what to do? Is there any solution in sight?

Actually, yes. There is a simple yet practical and doable option: Israel just stays in Gaza.

The world will scream? The world screams at Israel anyway, no matter what Israel does. For two thousand years, the world has screamed at and oppressed the Jews.

Interestingly, numerous events are now countering world pressure, and moving toward Israel staying in Gaza.

First: The group that organizes  demonstrations against the government (urging an immediate deal to end the war and free the hostages), Britain’s chief rabbi, and others are blasting the countries who want to recognize a Palestinian state.

These countries are in effect motivating Hamas to hold on to the hostages, since Hamas feels that by doing so, it has what to gain.

Trump also commented that recognizing a Palestinian state is rewarding terrorism; and he even posted that Canada’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state, will make it very hard to make a trade deal with Canada.

Second: Netanyahu reportedly sent a message to Hamas, that if they don’t release hostages, Israel will start annexing parts of Gaza.

Third: A lot of aid is now pouring into Gaza, including via dropping it from the air. This enables many civilians to access food, without having to pay exorbitant fees to Hamas. Thus Hamas has less money to support its terrorism, and less ability to intimidate and control the populace.

Fourth: Ministers are asking Defense Minister Israel Katz to allow settler organizations into northern Gaza (which Israel controls) in order to determine which areas are suitable for settling.

So things are moving forward, pushing back against the world, and leading to Israel taking over Gaza and keeping it. This is the only way to maintain security. And, eventually, Hamas will be eradicated. Which will make the world safer.

Which (surprise) will make the world appreciate Israel.

Perhaps the final Redemption with Moshiach, when all nations will honour the Jewish nation, and acknowledge the Almighty’s miraculous protection for His chosen people, is close by.

A time when peace will permeate the entire world, as all adhere to the seven Noahide laws that G-d told Moses at Mount Sinai to tell all the nations.

When darkness will dissipate forever, as G-d’s glory illuminates the entire world.

May it happen very soon.