Never Again....

This week we officially remembered the tragic events of the Holocaust. This same week we saw history repeat itself as we witnessed Iranian President Achmedinajad once again deny the Holocaust and call Israel a racist regime. While he specifically threatens to wipe Israel off the map, we must realize that Achmedinajad is part of a revolutionary regime who's goal is to spread their authority around the globe. Even if Israel was gone tomorrow, they would not stop their attacks on the West. For this is a battle of idealogy between Islamic fascism and freedom-loving democracies. If we really mean "Never again," then we must stand up and confront these forces of hatred and evil. But how?

First, we must recognize the true nature of the threat we face. We must educate ourselves in their idealogy, so we can know how to counteract it. And then we must speak out with clear conviction against this cause of hatred and destruction. We cannot hope that things will get better, if we only reach out and try to understand their concerns. For their alleged complaints only mask their true intentions. Hitler didn't stop with occupation of the ethnic German parts of Czechoslavakia, as the advocates of appeasement hoped, but continued on towards Nazi domination of the world. And it won't work with Islamic fascists either, as the core of their idealogy comes from that of the Nazi's via the Mufti of Jerusalem and the Muslim Brotherhood. Our War on Terrorism is in essence the latest battle of World War II!

But talk alone isn't sufficient. We must contine to fight for the cause of freedom and towards the liberation of all who suffer under tyrrany by whatever means we can. This means electing and supporting those officials who understand the threat we face and are willing to lead the battle against it. On a more local and personal level, it means discussing and advocating the idea of democracy among your family and friends, at your synagogue and around your local communities. It means relearning the lessons of individual liberty taught at Mt. Sinai at the birth of the Jewish faith and culture.

But even this, I would argue is not enough. Since World War II especially, Jews have been leaders and at the forefront of battles for civil and human rights in America and abroad. Some have gone so far as to even try to reduce, or eliminate the diferences in humanity wherever possible with utopian ideas of Communism and the like. But in focusing on the ethical dimensions of Judaism alone, these same Jews forgot the spiritual dimensions of the faith that so many of their ancestors fought and died for.

Therefore, I'm calling for Jews to reeducate themselves on their religion also. This is why Islamic extremists around the world are willing to die daily for their Islamic revolution. It comes not from a political doctrine outside of themselves, but from a core belief within. As we learn more about Judaism and it's true message, we are able to champion the beliefs it represents. These are the beliefs of individual human worth and dignity, personal responsibility and the human potential to ascend towards divinity and to create heaven on earth. By understanding and advocating these beliefs we can truly accomplish Tikkun, or the repair of the world.

I also believe that by relearning our faith and sharing it with others, we can accomplish another feat that has been missing in Judaism for some time and that is the growth of our people by the addition of new converts. I know this is a troubling issue for many Jews and I'm not advocating a forceful, evangelistic approach. But I do believe we must follow the example of Abraham, Moses and the prophets who taught all who'd listen with an open heart and saw their faith as having universal value and appeal. We must look past mere survival, which has become the mode of Judaism for many since the Holocaust and the pogroms that preceded it. I mean, what better way to truly defeat the Nazi's and their modern-day successors than by growing the very people they tried to destroy and championing the ideas they fought against. Then we will truly be a "light among the nations" and a growing force for good in the world.

Until next time...

Shmuel