In the Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Old Testament, scouts, or spies, are sent to take a look and make an evaluation of the land promised to the Israelites, waiting for them to return, to the land of their ancestors. After 210 years of slavery in Egypt and 40 years trekking through the desert, they were finally reaching home, the same home we are still, after millennia, having to defend against the enemies arrayed against us. Through it all, we maintained our unity, our definition as a nation, a people who are here for the long run, despite all that we faced, from enemies both within the nation and those without.
Through it all we managed to overcome all that was thrust against us. Against those enemies who wished to annihilate us to the last babe in arms and those who told us that to lose our distinctions, for it would be better for our long-term survival. But in so doing, we would weaken ourselves, stretch the bonds of unity and identification to the breaking point. That would not go well, and it did not go well. Simply look at the facts of history. There is a reason why there is a saying through the ages. which states "When it is good for the Jews, it is bad for the Jews". Conversely, "when it is bad for the Jews, it is good for the Jews". In one situation. we lose ourselves, even as we prosper. And in the other, others conspire to make us gone. This leads to a strengthening of bonds of ancient times and modern times, and for all time. They are renewed and refreshed and we overcome those who would see us gone, in one way or another.
The meraglim, or scouts, returned with a fearful report re the physical size and prowess of those who had moved in when the Israelites had moved to Egypt to reunite with Joseph and his family, always with the intentions to return to their homeland. This return was delayed for many, many years. For as the saying goes, it was good for the Jews there. They had land, food, back up and protection via those of their nation in positions of importance and influence. However, because life was easy and good, too many forgot their origins, the true final destination of the nation.
And even as life became good in one way, it became bad in another as our bonds of unity, our allegiance to our Lord, were weakened and shed along the years. It was only when the jealousy of the Egyptians grew strong, and the regime changed, that the Israelites were subjected to more and more restrictions, demanded more from them, and soon life reversed. Bad for the Jews in their day to day lives, but better for they were reunited and reclaimed their past and their true fate. They returned to their true G-d, to their people, and thus, good for them as a nation distinct and determined.
Today, our history is proving once again the truth of that adage. Life had become much better for Jews, particularly throughout the Western nations. Jewish citizens were, are, contributing members to the lands where they resided. They fought in the armed forces of the nations, staffed hospitals and educational facilities and were on the cutting edge of the sciences and the arts, as well as in the fields dedicated to improving the lives of so many. We were well represented in the body politic.
And then the boom fell again. Israel did very well for herself. Punching far, far above her weight. Contributing to technology, to business, to all fields. As did the Jewish people, for themselves, and for others around the world, intricate and integral parts of a world improving. So well placed were we that too many began to lose their connections to their history and heritage, to history as it always revealed itself and as ancient memes of hate and viciousness once again grew by leaps and bounds. The world began to turn against us again, feeling far more comfortable with a weak and needy Israel unable to defend itself. Unlike citizens, hyphenated as is the custom, citizens of the Jewish faith were accused of disloyalty to the nations where they resided.
The worst element of these changes was to watch Jews turn upon themselves, joining with those who hated them, who wished them harm, driven by a falsehood that cooperating with the enemies of their people would keep it far from their own lives. Highly fallacious, proven incorrect, tragically so, throughout the calamitous history of our people over the centuries. The more they strove to prove their loyalty, standing on lines calling for the death of fellow Jews, of the only nation which welcomed and defended Jews round the world, providing haven for them, the more vocal and threatening grew the false suspicions and accusations. and so, it is becoming once again, "good for the Jews" as they once again realize and accept that we are one and the looser the bonds the more danger we face. Together we can remain strong, loyal to both our lands, content to do the best for themselves and the world, sharing with all their inventions and forward steps in all fields.
It has now become more frightening than ever. The statement of warning of the Israelites, that the land which they were to enter, their Promised Land. appeared to be a land which ate its inhabitants. The slave mentality of weakness, of powerlessness, carried them to false conclusions and thankfully they woke up, the Lord held their hands and we were home, continuing that struggle over the next few millennia. No end in sight. But always with the knowledge and the firmness of mind and body, that never again will support its own truth. Never again will we stand by as we are targeted for harm and murder. Never again will we allow ourselves to be systematically hunted and slaughtered. Never again will we have to search for a place to live, for we have that place.
But there is another nation among our people and for people round the world. Their body politics are eating their own inhabitants. There is an ugly slant in two mis-directions. The Extreme Right and the Extreme Left. Their visions of a government for the nations include Dictatorship. Authoritarianism. Repression and Suppression. Huge numbers Imprisoned. And Sealed Borders, a policy so oppositional to the roots of this nation. Even so-called moderates purported to claim the middle have moved toward the extremes. Even to the more extreme than that.
All is right for what they want, and all is wrong with their opposition. The issues and concerns of the nation dissolve and instead we have selfish issues of lust for power and wealth, for influence, for a return to corruption of home, hearth and nation, for the ending of the Nation as it breaks into factions and fractions beneficial to no others but themselves. Compromise and discussion, necessities of a Nation that will prosper, are sorely missing. Glaring in their absence. All seek the advantage for themselves, and in so doing, inflict great harm. existential harm to this nation as well as to other nations of the world.
All is apparently game for the slaughter. All nations are being torn asunder. and that would include both of my countries, the one of faith, and the one of birth. The one of several generations preceding me and the three that follow, even as we hope for more to do the same. But the doubts grow heavy and strong. The nation of my birth, the nation to which I once proudly and securely pledged allegiance, sang the national anthem, and other patriotic ballads, is no more that nation.
It has taken a wrong step from the Bible. and chosen to eat its own inhabitants. It disregards and disrespects its citizens and residents and does worse for others who wish to join in the dream, just as our ancestors did. No, the USA is not the only nation devouring itself, but it is the land with which I am most concerned as I live here. along with family before and after me. I can no longer see that vison clearly anymore, so corrupted, distorted by selfish people, by crazed and malicious and severely unworthy people now assuming seats of power, wreaking harm upon this nation and the world too.
Even more frightening in another yet similar manner, is the dissension within my other homeland. When they are not waging defensive wars, trying to rescue hostages, to live normal and contributing lives, they fall to fighting amongst themselves. Faith, patriotism, secular government and the separation from faith, the competing sects of Judaism, and the various levels of corruption and power-seeking individuals within the government all bodes no good for them as well. We too forget that we are one nation in a hostile world and the more we bicker within ourselves, the weaker we appear and become. We must retain the unity we now have, not forget its importance, its absolute necessity. or we place the nation in even more existential peril. Been there, done that, in our history and it never turns out well, does it?
As good and promising as the world is at present, equally so is it threatening. It is up to us, the people of the world to recognize realities. While the Good Lord Above holds the fates of the nations of the world within His hands, we must remember to convince Him that we are worthy of His Arms and Hands, His protection, and we can and will do better, be better.
We had better take that to heart.
This is the way it has been in all our yesterdays.
It looks as if our todays are trailing along unfortunately, in the same paths.
Can we make our tomorrows better?
Will there indeed be tomorrows for us, good ones?
I hope so.
All on us, folks, all and only upon us.
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