Be Strong and Resolute… and?

Will Netanyahu’s speech to congress have an effect on the Israeli elections?

People are still buzzing about Netanyahu’s speech to Congress. There has been much discussion about the Prime Minister’s use of the story of Purim in his speech and comparing Iran’s threats to destroy Israel with the Holocaust. You can watch the whole speech here.

However much less has been said about his conclusion to the speech:

“Facing me right up there in the gallery, overlooking all of us in this (inaudible) chamber is the image of Moses. Moses led our people from slavery to the gates of the Promised Land.

And before the people of Israel entered the land of Israel, Moses gave us a message that has steeled our resolve for thousands of years. I leave you with his message today, , “Be strong and resolute, neither fear nor dread them.” Deuteronomy 31:6

My friends, may Israel and America always stand together, strong and resolute. May we neither fear nor dread the challenges ahead. May we face the future with confidence, strength and hope.”

The Prime Minister received thunderous applause a number of times. Particularly when he spoke about Esther and from Moshe. The non-Jewish world understands our role as “People of the Book” and respect us for that.

But the Book is called “Torah.” And Torah in Hebrew means “Instructions.” It is the book of instructions for living. For living a life that brings the Jewish People and the rest of the world to the maximum relationship with God. That means we have to learn every detailed instruction in how to make the best life choices, we have to live by it, and we have to teach the wisdom to the rest of the world. That’s what the world demands of us… and that is what it means to be the “Chosen People.” We are chosen to take on that huge responsibility to teach the world about monotheism.

The leader representing the People of Israel must lead by example with his actions and his words. That is why it was very sad to see him quote only the first half of the verse in Deuteronomy. Here is the full verse….

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He goes with you; He will not fail you, nor forsake you.”

How much more powerful would PM Netanyahu’s message have been had he told the world that the Jewish People and our American allies should be strong and courageous and not fear the Iranians because God is with us and he will not fail, nor forsake Israel.