Tuesday, 8th of Tishrei 5786

The Trump Plan – Things Seen from Here Aren’t Seen from There…

The Middle East holds its breath awaiting Hamas’s response to the Trump Plan to end the war. From his perspective, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can chalk up additional significant political points to his already rich resume. He has succeeded in advancing a plan supported by the Arab world, backed by an American president, which includes numerous achievements for Israel. As he detailed in his press conference, “Our five objectives have been achieved: the return of the hostages, a security perimeter, the demilitarization of Gaza, and a government that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.” Indeed, to the extent that these were Israel’s objectives, this may well be considered an achievement. However, the great tragedy here is that after two years of fighting, we still have not grasped what is truly happening. For two years, anyone with open eyes could have recognized the reality: the struggle over this land is not a territorial conflict over living space but a spiritual, ideological, and religious battle. Netanyahu himself defined it as a struggle of civilization against barbarism. Had he delved deeper and possessed a higher level of Torah-based awareness, he would have defined it as a battle between the G-d of Israel—G-d of justice, integrity, morality, and the absolute truth given at Sinai—and the god of evil, cruelty, dark impulses, and the animalistic corruption of Islam.

If Netanyahu had this understanding—which any child studying Chumash and Nevi’im with minimal attention should arrive at—he would not have defined the war’s objectives in such a cold, technical, and disconnected manner from the true reality of the Jewish people, Hashem’s nation.

Much has already been written and said about the return of the hostages. When facing an existential war against a cruel enemy thirsting for our blood, making this issue a primary goal plays into the enemy’s hands. Those who truly care about the hostages should have raised heaven and earth over the fact that thousands of terrorists are held in Israeli prisons. It could have been threatened that they would be executed within three hours if all hostages were not returned safe and sound. Not only would the hostages have been returned, but this would have put an end to future abductions. Instead, we allowed the enemy to toy with us, ensuring their continued resistance, trampling our dignity, abusing our hostages, and planning future abductions—all because of the warped morality of the hypocritical West.

The other objectives Netanyahu mentioned—a security perimeter, demilitarization of Gaza, and a government that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority—are a clear expression of the ideological failure of Netanyahu, his government, and secular Zionism as a whole. A nation in its homeland does not speak of a “security perimeter” against an enemy seeking its destruction. A nation in its homeland ensures the enemy is no longer present. A nation that understands Gaza as an inseparable part of the Land of Israel does not speak of “demilitarizing the Strip” or concern itself with the identity of the foreign government ruling it. It certainly does not see it as an “achievement” to have a foreign government there that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority. A nation in its homeland conquers, expels, settles, and turns the foreign presence in Gaza into a chapter of historical ruin.

Instead, we hear the following words from the Prime Minister of Israel—the leader of the so-called “full-right” government: “In the process of promoting rehabilitation plans for Gaza, and after the faithful implementation of the Palestinian Authority’s reform plan, it may be that, for the first time, conditions will ripen for a reliable path toward realizing the right to self-determination and a Palestinian state—which is recognized as an aspiration of the Palestinian people.”

Anyone who does not understand the desecration of Hashem’s name inherent in this wretched statement should go back to studying Genesis in first grade! Anyone who does not grasp the deep ideological chasm underlying these words lacks a basic understanding of the catastrophic process that began in the early days of the Zionist movement, when attempts were made to sever Jewish nationalism from its true source—the covenant with the Creator of the world regarding the inheritance of the land and the acceptance of the Torah and its commandments as an essential condition for it. And anyone who thinks Netanyahu “only said these things to appease Trump” or “because he knows the other side won’t agree” does not understand what desecration of Hashem’s name is, what sanctification of Hashem’s name is, how the Jewish people conduct themselves on the stage of history, or what distinguishes us from all other nations.

The humiliating apology to the Qatari emir, the patron of murderers and Trump’s ally, is merely a byproduct of this ideological fracture. Benjamin Netanyahu may be a great statesman when treating the Jewish people as just another nation and the State of Israel as just another country. But when one understands who we truly are and what our purpose is on this earth, it becomes clear that the Jewish people need a different leader—not because Netanyahu is unsuccessful, but because he simply does not operate on the wavelength of the Creator of the world. When we learn and know who we are and what our purpose is, everything looks different. As a former prime minister once said in a different context, “Things seen from here aren’t seen from there…”

We stand on the eve of Yom Kippur, a day of forgiveness and atonement for Israel’s sins. Beyond the individual sins, transgressions, and crimes of each person, we should all beat our chests for the terrible national sin of denying our purpose as Hashem’s people, for ignoring the divine guidance in creation, and for thinking that Trump runs the world rather than the G-d of Israel. Who knows, perhaps we will merit Hashem’s mercy, and Hamas will save us from ourselves by rejecting the deal, granting us another reprieve from the Creator to fully repent before Him, to understand what this struggle is about, to defeat the enemy with an understanding of the value of a mitzvah war to sanctify His blessed name, and to stop treating our ancestral inheritance as a “perimeter,” as various English letters, or as a bargaining chip in a real estate deal.

Forgive us, our Father, for we have sinned; pardon us, our King, for we have transgressed, for You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in kindness to all who call upon You!

The author is Rabbi Yehuda Epstein, Chairman of the Kedushat Zion Association

In the Talmud tractate Sanhedrin page 97a there is list of the expected sufferings expected before the advent of the Messiah. In the middle of this discussion the Talmud pauses with a seemingly unrelated story devoted to speaking the absolute truth.

Here is the translation according to Sefaria.org

In this September 2025 video from the Pulse of Israel channel, host Avi Abelow responds to President Donald Trump’s public statement during a White House press interaction on September 25, 2025, where Trump firmly declared he would not permit Israel to annex the West Bank. The video opens with clips of Trump’s remarks, where he confirms discussing the issue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and states, “I will not allow it. It’s not going to happen… There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now.” Abelow expresses mild disappointment but no surprise or panic, framing his analysis as “realist” and faith-driven. He urges viewers to subscribe and donate to Pulse of Israel at the end, emphasizing its “belief-based, inspiring, politically incorrect, truthful” content.

Rejection of Terminology and Historical Context (0:32–1:42)

• Abelow rejects “West Bank” as a propaganda term coined during Jordan’s illegal 19-year occupation (1948–1967) of the Jordan River’s west side, which erases Jewish ties to the land.
• He insists on “Judea and Samaria” as the biblical, ancestral heartland where Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and prophets lived, calling it the “cradle of Jewish civilization.” Annexation isn’t applicable, he argues, because “you do not annex something that’s already yours.”

Realism Amid Disappointment (1:42–3:20)

• Despite Trump’s pro-Israel record—moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing Golan Heights sovereignty, exiting the Iran nuclear deal, and supporting Israel’s war efforts—Abelow views the statement as a potential semantic slip but likely intentional.
• Sovereignty over Judea, Samaria, and Gaza is “inevitable and necessary” for Israel’s security and global freedom-loving interests, regardless of U.S. presidents. He dismisses the two-state solution as a “delusion” masking a genocidal agenda against the Jewish state.

Critique of Palestinian Entities and Gaza Withdrawal Lessons (3:20–5:03)

• Hamas, ruling Gaza, is a “genocidal death cult” whose charter demands Jewish destruction; October 7, 2023 (killing 1,200 and taking 251 hostages, with ~48 still held as of September 2025), was “just the beginning.”
• The Palestinian Authority (PA) funds terrorism, names schools after killers, and pays jailed murderers’ salaries, showing no interest in peace but in Israel’s annihilation.
• Israel’s 2005 Gaza disengagement (removing all settlers, soldiers, and even graves) yielded only terror tunnels, rockets, and the October 7 massacre—proving the status quo is “unsustainable.” Without Israeli law, lawlessness (from Hamas, PA, or ISIS) invites more Jewish bloodshed.

Faith, History, and Gratitude (5:03–6:34)

• As a Jew, Abelow places faith solely in God, not leaders like Trump or Netanyahu. Jews must act—defend, build, and create facts on the ground—but God determines outcomes.
• He cites divine intervention: Israel’s 1948 rebirth, victories in all wars since, and survival of the post-October 7 multifront assault (backed by Iran and Qatar) as proof of a “divine promise” unfolding.
• Expresses gratitude to Trump and Netanyahu for their support, focusing on advocacy for sovereignty to end the “genocidal terror war.”

Trump’s Gaza Plan and Path Forward (6:34–7:46)

• Praises Trump’s “Gaza immigration plan” as a “rational, humane strategy” for Arabs to voluntarily relocate from destroyed terror infrastructure, addressing ground realities over “fantasy peace accords.”
• Those supporting Israel’s destruction must leave Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. Sovereignty is a matter of “when,” not “if,” under current or future leaders.

Broader Ideological Threat and Moral Clarity (7:46–10:12)

• The conflict isn’t a “border dispute” but a 1,400-year-old jihadist movement aiming to subjugate non-Muslims worldwide, including Christians and Jews. October 7 targeted all “freedom-loving” societies.
• Israeli sovereignty, paired with Trump’s plan, uproots this “terrorist structure” and deters global jihad. Appeasement (e.g., pressuring Israel) signals weakness, inviting more attacks—disastrous for the U.S., Europe, and beyond.
• Echoing Genesis, he warns: Those blessing Israel will be blessed; those cursing it will be cursed. Strengthens faith in God for moral clarity and decisive action against evil.

Conclusion and Call to Action (10:12–11:16)

• Ends optimistically: “Onwards to sovereignty and to Trump’s immigration plan… we just have to wait and see.” Signs off from IDF service, defending “the Jewish people, our holy land, and the whole freedom-loving world.”
• Urges subscriptions at pulseofisrael.com and donations to sustain the channel’s work.

Comment by Shlomo Moshe Scheinman: In his first term as President, Mr. Trump was not friendly towards Judea and Samaria. Nor was he a friend of the Temple Mount. He demanded a building freeze and was planning to transfer large sections of the territory to the terrorists of the Palestinian Authority in his “Deal of the Century”. The disruptions brought about by Covid-19 ruined Trump’s ability to carry out his plans.

I am not convinced at this point in time that Donald Trump has done repentance for his anti-Biblical foreign policy.

He might need some further disaster to wake him up. I pray the upcoming disaster (if he doesn’t change his actions due to our rebuke) falls totally on the enemies of the Jewish people.

I will end with a quote from another post:

King David – A Man of Justice and Stern Judgment Was Unfit for the House of Mercy: A Discussion of Ramban’s Viewpoint

The full article is located at; vilnagaon.org/king-david-and-temple/

In the article discussing the COVID-19 pandemic, we noted that Ramban and Radak said: All the thousands who perished during the days of David in the plague did so only because the people had not demanded the building of the Temple. While discussing the plague during David’s time, we brought Ramban’s explanation of why David did not build the Temple.

Here are Ramban’s words:

Ramban on Numbers 16:

“Moreover, beyond the census itself being a cause of punishment (as it says in II Shmuel 24:1, ‘And again the anger of Hashem was kindled against Israel, and He incited David against them’), Rashi writes, ‘I do not know for what reason.’ But I say logically: It was a punishment upon Israel for their delay in building the chosen house (i.e., the Temple). The Ark was moving from tent to tent like a stranger in the land, and the tribes were not stirred to say, ‘Let us seek Hashem and build a house for His name,’ as it is said (Dvarim / Deut. 12:5), ‘Seek His dwelling and go there.’ Only after many years did David awaken and speak of it, as it is written (II Shmuel 7:1–2), ‘When the king dwelled in his house and Hashem had given him rest from all his enemies… the king said to Natan the prophet: See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the Ark of the L-rd dwells within curtains.’

But Hashem prevented David from building it, as it says (I Chronicles 22:8), ‘You have shed much blood and fought great wars; you shall not build a house for My name.’ So the construction was delayed until Shlomo’s reign. Had the people of Israel been enthusiastic and initiated the building, it might have been done in the days of the Judges, Shaul, or even David – but not with him as the builder. The nation would have been the builders. But because the people were indifferent and David was the only one to care and prepare everything – he became the potential builder. Yet since he was a man of justice and judgment, not of mercy, he was deemed unfit for the House of Mercy. Therefore, the building was delayed throughout David’s life due to the people’s negligence – and the wrath came upon them.

Therefore, the place Hashem chose to establish His name became known through their punishment and plague. The text hints at all this, as it says (II Shmuel 7:6–7): ‘I have not dwelt in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day… Did I speak a word with any of the tribes of Israel… saying, Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’ The verse blames them, for the Shekhinah (Divine Presence) was traveling among the tribes from tent to tent and no one arose among the Judges to build. Moreover, the verse adds that Hashem also did not command any of them to build, until now – when David initiated it and was praised for it. Yet it would be Shlomo who builds, as a man of peace.”

Wars Before the Tabernacle Was Built

From Ramban’s words, one might conclude that engaging in war disqualifies someone from building the Temple. But that cannot be the full explanation. After all, during the days of Moshe and Yehoshua there were many wars – against Amalek, Midian, Sihon and Og, and later, the conquest of the 31 kings of the Canaanite nations. Nevertheless, Moshe built the Tabernacle in the wilderness, and Yehoshua established the sanctuary in Shiloh.

Wars Before the Temple Was Built

According to the Sages, the Jews who killed 75,000 of their enemies during the time of Achashverosh (Esther 9:16) were the ones who merited the rebuilding of the Temple under King Daryavesh (Darius), who ruled after Achashverosh.

It is agreed by all that the Hasmoneans, who fought both foreign enemies and Hellenized Jews, merited the rebuilding of the altar and parts of other elements of the Temple. According to Maimonides (Rambam), the Messiah himself will wage wars (Laws of Kings 11:4) while also rebuilding the Temple. However, it is unclear from Rambam whether the Messiah will build the Temple according to the visionary plan in Ezekiel (starting from chapter 40) or whether he will first rebuild it in the Second Temple form.

Therefore, I interpret Ramban’s statement – “he was a man of justice and upheld the attribute of judgment and was unfit for the House of Mercy” – to mean that David engaged in wars that he was not halachicly required to fight.

Rambam

According to Rambam, Hilchot Shofar 1:2 as translated by Eliyahu Touger, the following is the ideal way to blow the shofar in the mikdash area:

In the Temple, on Rosh HaShanah, they would blow [the shofar in the following manner]: There was one shofar and two trumpets, [one on either] side. The sounding of the shofar was extended, while that of the trumpets was shortened, because the mitzvah of the day is performed with the shofar.
Why were the trumpets sounded together with it? Because [Psalms 98:6] states: “You shall sound trumpets and the voice of the shofar before God, the King.” However, in other places on Rosh Hashanah, only the shofar is blown.

Prayer

May it be the will of Hashem, let his name be exalted and known throughout the entire world, that he fulfills in our lifetime, the last verse of chapter 27 in the book of Yishayahu (Isaiah)

And it shall come to pass on that day, that a great shofar shall be blown, and they shall come who were lost in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall bow to Hashem in the holy mountain at Jerusalem.

Excerpt from the post: Rabbi Kook Did Not Subscribe to Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef’s “Land for Peace” Ideology Regarding the Temple Mount. The Grandson of Rabbi Kook, Rabbi Shlomo Raanan HY”D Sets the Record Straight.

Rabbi Kook’s Position

Appendix: From the words of Rabbi Yehuda Kroizer [Yibaneh
Hamikdash, issue 225, page7].
Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook and Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook and Ascent to the Temple Mount
The opponents of ascent to the Temple Mount usually rely on the reply of Master Authority Rabbi Kook, Z.T.L. in Mishpat Cohain (96) that seemingly disallowed entrance to the Mount, however, this is not so. Rabbi Eliyahu Shlomo Raanan, Z.T.L., HY”D, the grandson of the Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook  Z.T.L. publicized the following call and thus he wrote:

I join in this the call of Rabbis who recommend in favor of ascending the Temple Mount, in the permitted areas, for it is a matter without any shade of doubt that my grandfather our Rabbi, Avraham Yitzchak Kook and his son Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda did not forbid ascending to the permitted areas, and certainly it is a big mitzva to conquer the place of the Temple from the hands of strangers, however, only in the permissible manner. Behold I now sign: the grandson of the Master Authority, the honorable Rabbi Z.T.L., Eliyahu Shlomo Raanan Kook (Sefer Hazikaron of Rabbi Shlomo Raanan ,HY”D,
“Neshama Shel Shabbat”).
There also it told about him: Rabbi Shlomo learned the book, Mishpat Cohain, with Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda, Z.T.L.; in the book there is an extensive reply on the matter of the Temple Mount. Rabbi Shlomo understood from Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda, that in our days the conditions have changed, and therefore he ascended the Temple Mount from time to time, to the permitted places.

In letter #4 Topic 12 and Letter #5 to Rabbi Avigdor Neventzal shlit”a I bring further evidence that this was the position of Rabbi Avraham Kook and his son Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook, see there for details.

If this is Correct Why Only about Half of the Rabbis in the Religious Zionist Camp Support Ascent to the Temple Mount?

At the height of the second intifada violence by Muslim fanatics and P.L.O. terrorists, the author of this post asked the head of Mercaz Harav Yeshiva and a former Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of the State of Israel for a Psak Halacha regarding ascent to the Temple Mount. That is to say I asked Rabbi Avraham Shapira.

He told me if he knew where it is permitted to ascend it would be a mitzva to ascend, however, he himself lacked the clarity about the boundaries between the permitted sections and the forbidden sections and therefore told me not to go to any part of the Mount. He did however, at the same time judge those that ascend the Mount for the benefit of the doubt, by saying, “they apparently know”.

After the start of the Gaza War, I asked one of the Gedolei Torah of our generation, do we know more about the Temple Mount today than we did in the days of Rabbi Avraham Shapira, z”l. He told me yes and gave me permission to ascend in accordance with halacha.

authored by Shlomo Moshe Scheinman

Iron Beam
by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems photographer
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

Israel’s Iron Beam (also known as Magen Or or “Light Shield” in Hebrew) is a directed-energy weapon system developed primarily by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, in collaboration with Elbit Systems and, for the U.S. market, Lockheed Martin. Unveiled in 2014 at the Singapore Airshow, it represents a significant evolution in air defense technology, building on earlier joint U.S.-Israel projects like the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL), which was canceled in 2005 due to bulkiness and high costs. Funded mainly by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD), Iron Beam uses a high-power fiber laser—typically rated at 100-150 kW—to generate a focused beam that heats and destroys incoming threats by burning through them in seconds, without physical projectiles.

The system is designed as a cost-effective complement to Israel’s multi-layered missile defense architecture, including Iron Dome (for short-range rockets), David’s Sling (medium-range), and Arrow (long-range ballistic missiles). It targets short-range threats such as rockets, artillery shells, mortars, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones), with an engagement range of a few hundred meters to several kilometers (up to 7-10 km in initial versions, with extensions in development). Key advantages include near-zero marginal cost per interception (estimated at $2-3.50, mainly electricity), unlimited “ammunition” as long as power is available, minimal collateral damage, and rapid response times. However, limitations include reduced effectiveness in adverse weather (e.g., fog, heavy clouds, or dust storms that scatter the beam) and the need for line-of-sight to maintain focus on the target for 4-5 seconds.

Iron Beam integrates with existing radar systems like those in Iron Dome, allowing automated decisions on whether to use a laser or missile based on threat type and conditions. Variants include the mobile Iron Beam-M (50 kW for maneuverable forces), Lite Beam (10 kW, vehicle-mounted for shorter ranges), Naval Iron Beam (for sea platforms), and the newer Iron Beam 450 (enhanced range and speed). As of 2024, the system had undergone successful tests against simulated threats, with full operational maturity achieved through accelerated development during ongoing conflicts.

### Recent News Concerning the System (as of September 2025)

Iron Beam has seen rapid progress amid escalating regional threats from groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. In May 2025, Rafael announced the world’s first combat use of high-power laser systems—described as prototypes or scaled-down variants (e.g., Lite Beam or Iron Beam-M)—to intercept over 40 Hezbollah drones during the Gaza War in October 2024. Videos released showed the lasers burning through drone wings, causing crashes without explosion. The Israeli MoD clarified these were not the full Iron Beam but complementary directed-energy platforms, marking a historic milestone as the first operational laser intercepts in combat.

By March 2025, Defense Minister Israel Katz visited Rafael facilities and confirmed the system would become operational within nine months, emphasizing its role in countering rocket and drone swarms at a fraction of Iron Dome’s $40,000-$50,000 per missile cost. In September 2025, the MoD and Rafael declared Iron Beam fully operational after weeks of advanced tests in southern Israel, successfully intercepting rockets, mortars, drones, and aircraft in diverse scenarios. Delivery to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is slated for late 2025, with initial deployment enhancing the Air Force’s Aerial Defense Array. Officials hailed it as positioning Israel as the first nation with mature high-power laser defense capabilities.

At the DSEI 2025 defense exhibition in London (September 9), Rafael showcased mockups of Iron Beam variants, including the Iron Beam 450, highlighting single-digit dollar costs per shot and applications for land, sea, and mobile units. The system has also benefited from U.S. support, with $1.2 billion allocated in 2024 for procurement (distinct from earlier R&D funding). Ongoing developments include airborne laser variants by Elbit for hypersonic threats and maritime adaptations. Despite protests at DSEI over Israel’s Gaza operations, the focus remains on Iron Beam’s “game-changing” potential for layered defense.

Data Source: Grok 3 AI

Comment by the editor: Our spiritual “Iron Beam” is Repentance and Good deeds, as it states in the fourth chapter of Pirkei Avot “Repentance and good deeds are like a shield against punishment”.

### Qatar’s Funding and Promotion of Extreme Left Elements in the USA

Qatar, a wealthy Gulf state with close ties to Islamist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, has invested billions in the United States to expand its “soft power” influence. While much of this funding supports universities, think tanks, and media outlets, critics argue it indirectly bolsters extreme left activism—particularly anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian, and anti-Western ideologies—by shaping academic discourse, student groups, and narratives on campuses. These ideologies often align with far-left progressive movements that emphasize anti-imperialism, identity politics, and criticism of U.S. foreign policy. However, Qatar’s direct funding of explicitly “extreme left” organizations (e.g., socialist or communist groups) is limited; instead, the influence manifests through unreported or opaque donations that foster environments conducive to radical activism.

Evidence from reports by organizations like the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP), the Middle East Forum (MEF), and U.S. congressional investigations shows Qatar’s strategy involves funneling money through proxies like the Qatar Foundation (QF), a state-linked nonprofit chaired by a member of the ruling family. This has led to correlations between Qatari funding and increased antisemitism, speech intolerance, and support for groups like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), which some label as extreme left due to their advocacy for “armed struggle” and anti-Zionist positions. Below are key examples, drawn from documented funding flows and their impacts.

1. **Massive Investments in U.S. Universities Fueling Anti-Israel Activism**

Qatar has donated approximately $4.7 billion to American higher education institutions from 2001 to 2021, making it the largest foreign donor—far surpassing China or Saudi Arabia. This funding often goes unreported, violating federal disclosure laws under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, and is linked to the proliferation of far-left, anti-Western narratives in Middle East studies programs and student activism. Universities with high Qatari funding show elevated levels of antisemitic incidents, pro-Palestinian protests, and suppression of pro-Israel voices, which align with extreme left critiques of “colonialism” and U.S. alliances.

– **Northwestern University (NU-Q Branch in Qatar)**: Qatar has provided over $600 million to Northwestern since 2007 for its Doha campus (NU-Q), including partnerships with Al Jazeera, Qatar’s state media known for amplifying Hamas propaganda. This funding has correlated with NU-Q’s promotion of “Global South” perspectives that critics say foster anti-Israel bias. On the main Evanston campus, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP)—an extreme left group advocating for Palestinian “armed resistance”—has thrived, organizing protests that label Israel an “apartheid state.” ISGAP reports link Qatari funds to SJP’s growth, with NU-Q alumni and faculty influencing U.S. campus activism. A 2023 MEF study notes that Qatari influence at NU led to “civil rights violations” and radicalization, including events promoting Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) supporters.

– **Cornell University**: ISGAP uncovered previously unreported Qatari funding exceeding $1 billion, funneled through QF for research and scholarships. This has supported Middle East studies programs that promote anti-Western views, correlating with a rise in campus antisemitism and SJP chapters. Post-October 7, 2023, Cornell saw violent pro-Palestinian protests, with ISGAP attributing the environment to Qatari-backed “undocumented money” that erodes free speech and boosts far-left activism.

– **Yale, Harvard, and Other Ivies**: Yale received an estimated $15.9 million from Qatar (only $284,668 reported), funding programs that ISGAP links to “anti-democratic values” and antisemitic discourse. Harvard and other Ivies have accepted over $1 billion combined, leading to investigations by the Trump-era Department of Education, which uncovered $6.5 billion in undisclosed foreign funds, mostly from Qatar. A 2023 NAS report highlights how this money exports “illiberal progressivism,” including identity politics that align with extreme left anti-imperialism, while Qatar censors liberal content on its end (e.g., removing books from reading lists).

A 2022 Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) study found Qatar as the top donor, with funding tied to “growing support for anti-democratic values” and a 2023 ISGAP report noted higher “speech intolerance” (e.g., campaigns against pro-Israel scholars) at Qatari-funded schools. Congressional hearings in 2023 questioned university presidents about this influence, revealing how it enables extreme left groups like SJP, whose national network (NSJP) exploded post-Hamas’s October 7 attack.

2. **Support for K-12 Education Programs Promoting Progressive Narratives**

Qatar’s influence extends to primary and secondary education, where funding shapes curricula with anti-Western and pro-Palestinian content, priming young students for extreme left activism.

– **Qatar Foundation International (QFI)**: QFI, a Qatari state proxy, has donated millions to U.S. K-12 schools and teacher training programs, reaching over 1,000 classrooms. A 2025 ISGAP report exposed $3 billion in hidden funding (including to K-12), linking it to anti-Israel biases in curricula. For example, QFI’s Arabic language programs in Chicago public schools (via the Chicago Arabic Teachers Council, formerly hosted by Northwestern) promote “Global South” views that critics say foster anti-American sentiments. This has led to scrutiny from teachers’ unions pushing anti-Israel content, aligning with far-left educational activism.

– **Broader Impact**: MEF’s 2025 audit found $48.5 million to nonprofits and K-12 programs, correlating with anti-Israel bias in classrooms. A Free Press investigation noted Qatar’s $29 billion in recent foreign funding (half to U.S. education) as “industrial-scale” influence, enabling progressive narratives that extreme left groups later amplify on campuses.

3. **Investments in Media and Think Tanks Amplifying Far-Left Narratives**
Qatar promotes extreme left-aligned views through media that critiques U.S. policy and supports Palestinian causes, often framing them in anti-imperialist terms.

– **Al Jazeera’s U.S. Operations**: Funded by Qatar (over $1 billion annually), Al Jazeera’s English service reaches American audiences with progressive-leaning coverage, including sympathetic portrayals of Hamas and anti-Israel activism. Its Arabic arm broadcasts radical Islamist content, but the U.S. affiliate was ordered to register under FARA in 2020 for undisclosed influence. Partnerships with universities like Northwestern train journalists in these narratives, boosting far-left media activism. A 2025 Ynet report notes Al Jazeera’s role in “shaping narratives” that align with extreme left anti-Zionism.

– **Think Tanks and Nonprofits**: Qatar donated nearly $400,000 to the Middle East Institute, producing “favorable” reports on Qatari interests, including soft-pedaling Islamist extremism. Brookings Institution received Qatari funds for research promoting “multicultural” views that critics say enable far-left identity politics. MEF’s 2025 report documents $48.5 million to think tanks, used as “backdoor lobbying” to influence policy toward pro-Palestinian stances.

#### Broader Context and Substantiation
Qatar’s total U.S. spending exceeds $93 billion since 2007, including $6.25 billion to universities and $72 million to lobbyists, per MEF and Free Press audits. This is part of a strategy to counter its terror financing accusations (e.g., supporting Hamas, per U.S. State Department reports) by building alliances with U.S. progressives who share anti-Israel views. A 2024 FDD analysis ranks Qatar among top donors in 2024 ($500+ million), despite scrutiny. While Qatar denies buying influence (e.g., QF’s president claims it’s for “academic collaboration”), evidence from ISGAP’s forensic accounting and congressional probes shows non-compliance and ideological shifts.

Critics like ISGAP’s Charles Small argue this creates “incubators for Doha’s interests,” fostering extreme left activism that undermines U.S. values. However, some sources (e.g., Carnegie Endowment) note Qatar’s funding also supports counter-extremism, though this is overshadowed by Islamist ties. For balance, pro-Qatar views emphasize educational benefits, but the distribution of sources (e.g., conservative MEF vs. neutral Wikipedia) highlights biases in media reporting. Overall, the evidence substantiates indirect promotion of extreme left elements through academia and media, though direct funding of U.S. leftist parties remains unproven.

Data source: Grok3 AI

Conclusion

If the leftists regain control over the USA, they will ruin the USA economy. It is “penny-wise but pound-foolish” to just look at the dollars Qatar injects into the USA economy at the price of ignoring all the harm they do.

Vilnagaon.org wrote about this subject with the hope that this will speed up the rebuilding of the Temple given the current reality or at the very least save Jews* who are in constant danger from Qatar’s incitement.

*I stressed Jews just to keep this article simple. See Are Chinese Atheists Who Persecute Judaism and Threaten Israel, Bad People? for a deeper understanding.

Appendix: Here’s a quote from https://www.memri.org/reports/qatar-weekly-update-qwu-%E2%80%93-part-qatar-monitor-project-qmp-%E2%80%93-no-36-september-12-2025  which criticizes Qatar from another angle.

On September 11, 2001, 24 years ago, a group of Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four American commercial flights and carried out the worst ever terrorist attack on American soil. The mastermind of the attack was a former Qatari government employee, Khalid Sheikh Mohammad (KSM), who had served for years as an engineer in the Qatari Ministry of Electricity and Water. In 1996, the FBI came to arrest him, informing only the Qatari Emir – and KSM disappeared within hours, only to resurface a few years later as mastermind of the 9/11 attacks.

See: MEMRI Daily Brief No. 651, Qatar Is Responsible For Khalid Sheikh Mohammad’s 2,977 Murders On 9/11 – At The World Trade Center And The Pentagon, And On Two Other Hijacked Flights – That Are Only Some Of 31 Attacks And Plots That He Outlined In His Own Confession, by Yigal Carmon, September 11 2025

The assertion that a proper investigation and avenging of Rabbi Meir Kahane’s assassination could have prevented the 1993 World Trade Center bombing is a compelling but ultimately speculative argument rooted in the interconnectedness of the two events. While the assassination of Kahane and the subsequent bombing were linked by key individuals, the causal relationship isn’t a simple one. The 1993 bombing was the result of a broader, more complex set of ideological motivations and organizational failures.

 

The Links Between the Events

 

The primary connection between the assassination of Meir Kahane in 1990 and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing lies in the figure of El Sayyid Nosair. Nosair was an Egyptian-born American who shot and killed Kahane at a hotel in Manhattan. Though he was initially acquitted of the murder, he was convicted on lesser charges. However, in a later federal conspiracy trial related to the 1993 bombing, he was found guilty of Kahane’s murder.

The evidence seized from Nosair’s home after the assassination included bomb-making manuals, maps of New York landmarks (including the World Trade Center), and other documents suggesting a larger terrorist plot. This was a significant early sign of a domestic, al-Qaeda-affiliated cell operating in the United States.

Another critical link is Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, the radical Egyptian cleric known as the “blind sheikh.” Abdel-Rahman was a spiritual leader for Nosair and other members of the cell responsible for both the Kahane assassination and the 1993 bombing. He was a central figure in the conspiracy, issuing fatwas (religious rulings) that inspired violence and plotting further attacks.

The Argument for Prevention

 

The argument that a more thorough investigation could have prevented the bombing rests on a few key points:

• Failure to Recognize a Terrorist Cell: At the time of the Kahane assassination, law enforcement primarily viewed it as a domestic hate crime, not a sign of an organized terrorist network. Had they immediately recognized the broader ideological and organizational connections, a more aggressive investigation might have dismantled the cell before it could plan the World Trade Center attack.
• Missed Clues: The documents found in Nosair’s apartment were a roadmap of future targets. Some argue that if these clues had been pursued more aggressively, investigators could have uncovered the bomb plot in its early stages.
• The Incarceration of Nosair and Abdel-Rahman: A more robust prosecution of Nosair for murder in 1990, and a swifter move to deport or prosecute Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman for his role as a co-conspirator, could have disrupted the plot. The cell’s motivation to carry out the 1993 bombing was partly to secure Nosair’s freedom from prison.

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Why Prevention Wasn’t a Certainty

 

Despite the compelling links, it’s not accurate to say that a proper investigation would have guaranteed the prevention of the 1993 attack.

• Broader Ideological Drivers: The 1993 World Trade Center bombing was not solely a revenge attack for Nosair. It was motivated by a larger anti-American and anti-Western ideology, specifically in retaliation for U.S. support of Israel. The masterminds of the bombing, including Ramzi Yousef, were operating under a global jihadist agenda that would likely have found other targets and other methods.
• Law Enforcement’s Limited Understanding: In the early 1990s, the concept of decentralized, ideological terrorism on American soil was not well understood by federal law enforcement. The FBI and other agencies were still operating under a Cold War paradigm of state-sponsored threats and domestic extremist groups. The links between the Kahane assassination and the broader al-Qaeda network would not become fully clear until years later.
• A “What If” Scenario: While the connections are undeniable, it’s impossible to know with certainty what would have happened if a more aggressive investigation had taken place. The individuals involved were part of a wider, global movement. Even if the specific 1993 plot had been thwarted, it’s plausible that a similar attack could have been planned and executed by other members of the same network, or by a different group inspired by the same ideology.

The assassination of Meir Kahane was indeed a chilling prologue to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. It served as a harbinger of a new type of terrorism operating within the United States. While a more forward-thinking investigation could have provided valuable intelligence, the bombing was a symptom of a larger, global ideological movement that was already in motion. Therefore, while a proper investigation might have delayed or changed the nature of the attack, it is unlikely to have prevented it entirely.

Rebuttal 1:

The Jihadists attack the “infidels” of the USA regardless of their support or lack of support for Israel. The Sunni Jihadists even kill Shiite Muslims and both hate Israel passionately.

Rebuttal 2: The following is an ideological belief but I believe it is true.

The Torah states in Exodus 19:5 ‘You saw what I did to Egypt; and [how] I carried you on wings of eagles, and brought you to Me.

Rashi comments: WHAT I DID TO EGYPT — on account of many sins were they liable to Me for punishment before they came into contact which you, but I did not exact punishment from them except on your account (cf. Mekhilta).

In my humble opinion this is telling us that G-d is more zealous to punish the Gentiles over crimes committed against Jews! The initial careless investigation concerning the attack on Rabbi Kahane created a Divine Incentive to punish the USA harshly on the issue of terrorism!

Article by Shlomo Moshe Scheinman

The Radbaz and the “Black” Redeemer David HaReuveni, Rabbi Shlomo Molcho HY”D, and the Renewal of Sanhedrin Ordination

During the time of the Radbaz (Rabbi David ben Zimra), a man described as “black in appearance,” known “‘David HaReuveni,” made a profound impact on both the Jewish and Christian worlds. According to David HaReuveni, he was the brother of a king descended from King David, ruling over the tribes of Reuven and Gad. He was sent as an envoy to request advanced weaponry from Christians to use against the Ottoman Empire. According to his account, David HaReuveni traveled from his brother’s kingdom through the Arabian Peninsula, crossed the sea to the African continent, and from there reached Egypt, where he connected with the Jewish community. He later arrived in the Land of Israel. There, he entered the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and prayed to G-d for many days in a cave that someone had dug beneath the Dome of the Rock.

The Cave beneath the Rock in the Dome of the Rock

With the assistance of Jews, he traveled from there to Italy and managed to meet with the Pope.

To simplify, I will quote from an article by Noam Palay:

In 1524, an anonymous Jew described as “black in appearance, short in stature, lean in flesh” – as described by Daniel of Pisa, a prominent figure in the Jewish community in Rome at the time – presented himself as the brother and military commander of Yosef, king of Khabur, ruling over the tribes of Gad, Reuven, and half the tribe of Menashe. This mysterious envoy, who primarily spoke Arabic and some Hebrew, identified himself as “Reuven son of King Shlomo” and later became known as “David HaReuveni” – though he likely objected to this name, as he presented himself as a descendant of the House of David.

The story told by this strange and peculiar Jew sounded fantastical and imaginative but was taken very seriously by both Jews and non-Jews during the Renaissance. His regal manners, personal charisma, and connections with Jewish benefactors opened the doors of Pope Clement VII for him. He proposed an idea that seemed no less bizarre than the story of a Jewish desert kingdom: a military alliance against the Ottoman Empire, one of the greatest strategic threats to Christian Europe at the time. Additionally, David HaReuveni offered to mediate between Charles V, King of Spain and Emperor of Germany, and Francis I, King of France.

The idea of forming an alliance between the spiritual authority behind the persecution of Jews and the mysterious Khabur kingdom was far-fetched, but it likely aligned well with the fickle nature of Clement, who was known for breaking alliances serially and clashing with European kings and his subordinates in the Vatican. Indeed, David HaReuveni found a receptive ear in Pope Clement, who provided him with a letter of recommendation for King João III of Portugal. In a bold move, Clement also equipped HaReuveni with another letter addressed to Prester John – a legendary Christian figure, supposedly the ruler of a lost kingdom which he supervised through three magical mirrors.

When David HaReuveni arrived in Portugal, he was received with official honors befitting a high-ranking foreign diplomat, despite the Jewish religion being outlawed in Portugal at the time. His visit sparked great excitement among the Anusim (forced converts), especially after the king committed to providing HaReuveni with eight ships and weapons of war. HaReuveni was particularly interested in the advanced cannons Europe could supply, considered strategically vital weapons. Ironically, the fact that HaReuveni sought cannons – rather than gold or silver – served as evidence for those who supported his story. Why would a lone adventurer need heavy weaponry unless someone was waiting for them?

The enthusiasm sparked by David HaReuveni’s visit became his downfall. Senior church officials complained to the king that he was causing many Christians to convert to Judaism, and indeed, many Anusim (converts to Christianity due to coercion) began secretly returning to their Jewish faith. Additionally, a young Anus (forced convert) named Diogo Pires chose to join David HaReuveni, openly return to Judaism, and change his name to Shlomo Molcho {end of translated quote}.

The Signature of Rabbi Shlomo Molcho HY”D

Regarding Rabbi Shlomo Molcho and his “prophecy,” which may have indirectly led the Radbaz to propose renewing ordination through the descendants of Reuben:

Link to the Hebrew source article on Rabbi Shlomo Molcho HY”D

Signs of Redemption

Molcho returned from the Land of Israel to Rome. He was received by the Pope and prophesied the rise of the Tiber River and a great flood that would strike the city. Indeed, this came to pass. This event renewed trust in Shlomo Molcho’s powers. In 1530, a great flood occurred in Rome, and according to his prophecy, another flood struck Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, in 1531.

In his book Sefer HaMefoar, published in 1529 (Jewish Year 5289), he proclaimed that redemption would come in 1540 (Jewish Year 5300), with included signs regarding the persecution of the Jewish people and the destruction of Rome. In this spirit, he delivered his sermons upon returning to Italy. This did not sit well even with his Jewish listeners, and he himself recounts: “A group of evildoers surrounded me and informed on me to the governor.” The accusation was that he had come to Italy as a spy for the Turkish government. Diogo (Shlomo Molcho) found refuge with… Pope Clement VII. The Pope gave him a letter guaranteeing his safety, partly because Diogo had predicted a great flood in Rome, which indeed occurred. He also prophesied an earthquake in his homeland, Portugal, which also came true. This Pope even saved him once from being burned at the stake by the Inquisition, sending another person to the pyre in his place.

The end was inevitable. The Inquisition in Rome summoned Molcho to trial. As a Christian, his fate was in their hands. Excerpts from his synagogue sermons served as the basis for the charges against him. The next day, he was sentenced to be burned at the stake in Rome, but it was not Molcho himself – at the last moment, he was rescued, and another was sent to the pyre. HaReuveni and Molcho fled Rome and headed toward the seat of the German Emperor, who ruled much of Europe at the time, hoping for salvation. After all, the Emperor was planning a war against the Turks, and the Khabur kingdom could assist him.

In 1532, they arrived at the royal city of Regensburg. The Emperor brought Molcho to Mantuba, where he was burned at the stake on the 5th of Tevet, 1532 (Jewish Year 5293), {end of translated quote}.

Two Years before Rabbi Shlomo Molcho’s Predicted Year of Redemption, the Rabbis of Tzfat (Safed) Attempted to Renew Sanhedrin Ordination, and the Radbaz Responded That He Did Not Accept Their Opinion, Suggesting Sanhedrin Ordination Might Be Renewed through the Tribe of Reuven

Link to the Hebrew source article on the first initiative to renew Sanhedrin ordination

The first initiative to renew ordination after its cessation occurred in 1538 (Jewish Year 5298). Rabbi Yaakov Berab, the rabbi of Tzfat (Safed), was intended to be the head of the ordained court with Sanhedrin authority.

The halachic justification for renewing the Sanhedrin was to atone for the Anusim (Jews who were coerced into accepting Christianity) who had fled Spain and immigrated to the Land of Israel, many of whom feared they were liable for karet (spiritual excision) due to actions they were forced to take while living as Christians. The goal was to administer lashes to absolve them of divine punishment, as “those liable for karet who are lashed are absolved of their karet.”

The Ordination Process

To this end, Rabbi Yaakov Berab was ordained by 25 of his students – the rabbis of Tzfat (Safed) – based on the Rambam’s (Maimonides) theory that ordination could be renewed after its interruption through the consensus of all the sages of the Land of Israel. The Rambam’s words are found in his commentary on the Mishnah, Tractate Sanhedrin, Chapter 1, Mishnah 1, and in Mishneh Torah, Laws of Sanhedrin: “If all the sages in the Land of Israel agree to appoint judges and ordain them, they are ordained and have the authority to judge cases of fines and to ordain other sages – and this matter requires resolution.” Indeed, many rabbis gathered and ordained Rabbi Yaakov Berab.

The Radbaz’s Response to the Attempt to Renew Ordination Based on the Rambam’s Proposal

Radbaz, Laws of Sanhedrin, Chapter 4, Halacha 11–12:

Furthermore, the proof that our master [the Rambam] wrote in his commentary on the Mishnah is not sufficient to rely upon. He wrote: “If you do not say so, it would be impossible to ever have a Great Court, as each member would need to be ordained at the very least. Yet, Hashem promised their return, as it is written, ‘I will restore your judges as at first, and your counselors as at the beginning’ (Isaiah 1:26). Who knows, perhaps Eliyahu will come before the Messiah, as is clear in the scriptures and the words of our sages, and he is ordained and will ordain others before the Messiah’s arrival. Additionally, the descendants of Reuven are destined to come and wage wars before the arrival of the King Messiah. Who is to say that there will not be among them someone ordained by another ordained person, and he will ordain others? Furthermore, it is said in the Midrash that the Messiah will be revealed in the Galilee, then disappear, and who is to say that he will not ordain a court when he is first revealed? It is possible that due to these and other difficulties, he [the Rambam] did not rely on what he wrote in his commentary on the Mishnah and wrote in his ruling that ‘this matter requires resolution.’ Those who wish to understand the essence of these matters should examine that responsa, as there is no room here to elaborate.”

Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov’s Initiative to Renew Ordination Based on the Radbaz’s Suggestion That the Ten Tribes May Have an Ordained Sage

In the framework of the Aliya (immigration) of the students of the Vilna Gaon to the Land of Israel, one of the leading immigrants, Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov, attempted to renew ordination. This attempt was part of the messianic hopes prevalent at the time and the belief of the Vilna Gaon’s students that they must take practical steps to bring about redemption. Drawing on the experience of the ordination controversy involving Rabbi Yaakov Berab and Rabbi Levi ibn Habib, Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov (in 1830 / Jewish Year 5591) decided to act differently. Like Rabbi Yaakov Berab, who thought that Sanhedrin ordination could be renewed, Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov believed Sanhedrin ordination could be renewed by the method suggested by Radbaz. While Radbaz opposed Rambam’s proposal (of renewing ordination through a consensus of Torah scholars in Israel), he suggested several ways in which the Sanhedrin could be renewed during the time of redemption – one of which was through the Ten Lost Tribes, who were exiled long before ordination ceased in the Land of Israel. Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov composed a letter to the Ten Lost Tribes, expressing his confidence that they not only exist and observe the Torah and its commandments but also preserved the institution of ordination. He requested their assistance in renewing ordination (and consequently, the Sanhedrin) in the Land of Israel. When members of the lost tribes were not found, this initiative also failed. (Quote from an article on the initiative to renew ordination).

It Is Not Entirely Accurate That Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov’s People Did Not Find Members of the Lost Tribes; They Received Two Reports of Members of the Tribe of Dan in Yemen

Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov’s people sent an envoy to search for the Ten Lost Tribes in the land of the Tatar Empire. The envoy did not succeed in finding them there. Based on a report that members of the Tribe of Dan were in Yemen, the envoy traveled there. The envoy found a man from the Tribe of Dan but was ultimately killed by the Muslim king ruling Yemen.

“And about two years ago, our emissaries were in the land of Yemen, and with their own eyes, they saw a man from the Tribe of Dan named Yissachar. He told them about their land, their greatness, their strength, their sanctity, their wealth, and their kingdom. Afterward, the man disappeared from there, and he is gone.”

Map of Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, parts of Sudan, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan

From Wikipedia – Globe-trotter and Joelf / CC BY-SA

It is important to note that Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov, who accepted the view of Radbaz sent an envoy to look for the 10 lost tribes in the territory of the Tatar Empire & afterwards in the Arabian / Yemenite peninsula. The envoy did not go to Ethiopia! Two Dan tribe members were supposedly found in the Arabian / Yemenite peninsula.

Appendix: The Magid of Rabbi Yosef Karo told Rabbi Karo (see Magid Meisharim, Vzot Habracha) that Rabbi Shlomo Molcho reached a very high spiritual standing on account of his martyrdom for Judaism and public sanctification of Hashem. I stated this point as a balance to what was written above.

Gaza Strip and Gush Katif

Rosh Chodesh Elul, marking the beginning of the final forty days during which Moshe remained on the mountain before the sin of the Golden Calf was forgiven and the second set of tablets was given on Yom Kippur, has become a day of special significance, symbolizing a fresh start and a shaking off of the dust. It is no coincidence that this date is noted as the day when the prophecy of Haggai was given to the returnees of Zion during the Second Temple period. They saw a reality where everything was stuck, with no horizon of hope, yet through the power of prophecy, Haggai instilled in them the enthusiasm that led to the building of the Temple and the establishment of the settlement—it is worthwhile to study the beginning of the Book of Haggai in this regard. Over the years, Rosh Chodesh Elul has become the day when preparations for Rosh Hashanah begin, with Sephardic communities starting to recite Selichot and Ashkenazic communities blowing the shofar to awaken hearts.

With the formation of the Torah world as we know it today, Rosh Chodesh Elul also became the “start of the term,” essentially the beginning of the year in the world of yeshivot and study halls. In addition to the meanings mentioned above, this date gains even greater significance. This year, as those who violate the covenant attempt to wield an axe against the Torah world through draconian decrees aimed at destroying the beit midrash (study hall) and emptying it from students, it is incumbent upon us to strengthen ourselves even more in the study of the holy Torah and in internalizing its values, concepts, ideas, and foundational principles. These—more than the practical commandments—are the primary targets of the assault by those who hate Hashem, who barely conceal their hatred for the holy Torah under the guise of phrases like “equality in the burden.”

And now, in the midst of Rosh Chodesh Elul, we learn that the Tel Aviv Municipality, determined to advance the agenda of a “Tel Aviv State,” is issuing Soviet-style directives to synagogues, with the clear intent of undermining the very foundational values that form the basis of our holy Torah. The mask is being removed, and the truth is becoming clear: concern for the army and its soldiers was never a priority for the left. Those pushing for a surrender deal with Hamas do not need too many soldiers for that purpose. The hostages, whom they claim to care so deeply about, have never been anything more in their eyes than pawns to ensure the continuation of the Oslo process—a process that has nothing to do with foreign policy but is solely about domestic policy. [In a separate article, it would be worthwhile to elaborate on how they even support a partial deal, thereby sealing the fate of the hostages left behind, as long as the war is halted…]

As mentioned, the Oslo Accords were designed to strip Israel of its Jewish identity. This was explicitly stated by the architect of that disaster, Dr. Ron Pundak, a little over a decade ago, in words that leave no room for ambiguity: “Oslo was not meant to bring peace. It was meant to create an Israelization of the state instead of its Judaization.” This is a debate about the very core of our existence as a nation. Are we a continuation of the Jewish people formed at Sinai, founded on the covenant with the Patriarchs, in which Hashem gave them the land and they committed to accepting His kingship? Or is the Jewish people a thing of the past, replaced today by an Israeli people defined merely by living here and holding a blue ID card, and nothing more?

This is about the complete elimination of all Jewish values—the belief in the Creator, His sovereignty over creation, His choosing of Israel, His giving of the land to His people, reward and punishment, and all thirteen principles of Jewish faith. This is at the root of the Oslo Accords, the root of the Tel Aviv Municipality’s actions against synagogues, the root of the support for a reckless surrender deal with Hamas, and the root of the war against the Torah world under the pretext of “equality in the burden.”

And if anyone tries to delude themselves into thinking these struggles are unrelated, here is a particularly interesting survey conducted recently, which went almost unnoticed but must be highlighted, as it explains more than anything else what lies at the heart of the battle against the Torah world. The survey, conducted by *Israel Hayom*, asked respondents about their views on renewing Jewish settlement in Gaza. The results speak for themselves: 83% of the Haredu (ultra-Orthodox public), 67% of the religious public, 29% of the secular public, and 20% of left-wing voters expressed support for the move.

There are several surprising findings here, but I want to focus on the significant gap between the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) and religious-nationalist support. While those in the religious-nationalist community are educated from childhood to support settlement and the conquest of the land, the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community has not directly absorbed these values, and in fact, many within it, including its political representatives, have pushed in other directions. How, then, does it happen that the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public supports the conquest and settlement of Gaza more strongly than the religious-nationalist public?

The answer is clear: the light of the Torah is stronger than any ideological treatise. Those immersed in Torah values, who study the Torah and internalize its principles, naturally distance themselves from leftist positions. Those who are not exposed to foreign culture and media brainwashing can approach current issues with a much clearer mind. In the religious-nationalist community, many of whom are connected to general culture, despite the strong emphasis on conquering the land, there is significantly more weakness. By the way, I am certain that if the survey results were analyzed in greater detail within the religious-nationalist public, it would be found that the higher the level of Torah study and connection to Torah values, the greater the support for conquering and resettling Gaza, and the lower the level, the more prevalent the phenomenon of “Bennettism” [a reference to adopting liberal values of Naftali Bennett].

Drafting yeshiva students is the left’s last hope to strip the Haredim (ultra-Orthodox) Jews of the fundamental values that stand against Osloization, Israelization, and the stripping of the state’s Jewish identity. This is, plain and simple, a decree of spiritual destruction, with all that it implies, and it must be treated as such. When they truly desire the good of the army, victory in battle, and genuine equality in bearing the burden—including the spiritual burden—I am confident they will know how to approach the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public with reverence and say: “Please, we need the holy Torah to instill its values in the army. Come, give us classes, teach Torah to the soldiers, instill true heroic spirit in the fighters, teach us the laws of war. Please, teach us what the Torah says about the sanctity of the camp, modesty and purity, starving the enemy, imposing a siege, taking revenge, and waging a war of annihilation.”

When they come in this manner, they will suddenly find a listening ear. But for that to happen, the army must rid itself of its senior command, steeped from head to toe in progressive values, and tear apart the defeatist ethical code, the joint service order, and all the other abominations that are killing our soldiers today. Such a step would contribute more to victory than any military maneuver!

The author is Rabbi Yehuda Epstein, Chairman of the Kedushat Zion Association. The translation was by vilnagaon.org

Editor’s comment:  Rabbi Prof. Dov Fischer proposed the following compromise regarding to draft or not to draft the Haredim. He stated:

This proposed solution to the profound controversy deeply perplexing Israelis of all backgrounds and ideologies is based on the Occam’s Razor principle: sometimes, the best resolution of a complex problem is the simplest solution available. (Yes, “Occam,” even though here for Jews.) To “cut to the chase”: Haredi yeshiva boys should be allowed full permanent draft exemption, and all their public benefits should continue unabated — in return for them learning Torah full-time in new Haredi yeshivos, kollelim (kollels), and batei midrash (study halls) to be built immediately within Gaza’s borders.

The remainder of this article (at https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/411250 ) offers context, background, necessity, and seeks to rebut anticipated challenges to this compromise proposal.

I wish to improve Rabbi Prof. Dov Fischer’s suggestion.

Because the army currently has not rid itself of its senior command, steeped from head to toe in progressive values, and the army does not tear apart the defeatist ethical code, the joint service order, and all the other abominations that are killing our soldiers today, I do not want to force any person (even secular Jews) to join the army. Given that this is such a radical change for Israeli society. As a compromise, I would start with an army exemption for anyone who commits to live in Gaza or in Judea and Samaria. Filling these areas with Jews does more to save the country than conquering parts of Gaza 6 times in a row and then giving it back to the Gazans for some stupid left-wing progressive reason.

I further suggest setting up a new (right of center) court for Judea, Samaria, and Gaza that has the power to override, Israel’s left-wing judicial establishment. Otherwise the judicial branch of the “Deep State” will find some pretext to sabotage the compromise.

To make myself perfectly clear, I would like to exempt everyone from the draft under today’s conditions. I am stressing Judea, Samaria, and Gaza because we might not get any change if we ask for too much.

This article was revised Rosh Chodesh Elul 5785.

Voyager 1 – NASA

This past year has been marked by a series of profound scientific data transmissions from the aging but resilient Voyager 1 spacecraft. The data from this mission has challenged fundamental, long-held scientific theories.

New data from NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of the heliopause, the outer edge of our solar system. The findings challenge the long-held view that this boundary is a static, clean barrier, revealing instead that it is a dynamic and energetic transition zone. This new perspective highlights how the heliopause’s complex nature is essential for protecting life on Earth.

Voyager 1 and the Changing Face of the Solar System’s Edge

The Heliopause: A Protective Shield

For decades, scientists theorized that the heliopause was a clear-cut boundary where the Sun’s constant stream of charged particles, the solar wind, simply ended. However, Voyager 1, having been at the forefront of exploring this boundary since its launch in 1977, has uncovered two key phenomena that contradict this model and reveal the heliopause’s true nature as a protective shield.

First, the spacecraft detected a region of unexpectedly hot plasma just beyond the heliopause, which has been informally named the “wall of fire.” This superheated plasma, reaching temperatures of up to 50,000 Kelvin, is far hotter than what was previously expected. This discovery points to a significant energy transfer happening at this boundary.

Second, Voyager 1’s magnetic field data provides the likely explanation for this thermal anomaly. The data shows that the magnetic fields of interstellar space are not separate from but are actually connected to the Sun’s magnetic field at the heliopause. This observation directly contradicts the assumption that the heliopause is an impenetrable boundary. This connection allows for a well-understood process called magnetic reconnection, where magnetic field lines from different domains break and reconnect, releasing immense amounts of stored energy. This energy, in turn, heats the surrounding plasma, creating the “wall of fire.”

A Dynamic Boundary for Life

The discovery that the heliopause is a dynamic zone of magnetic reconnection and energy transfer has significant implications for life on Earth. Rather than being a passive boundary, this energized region acts as a powerful barrier that deflects and filters dangerous interstellar radiation from our solar system. This constant magnetic interaction and energy transfer effectively dissipate the destructive energy of cosmic rays and other high-energy particles before they can reach the inner solar system, including Earth.

This revised understanding of the heliopause as an active, filtering boundary reinforces its critical role in making our corner of the galaxy a safer place for life to thrive. It shows that the Sun’s protective influence, through its complex magnetic field, extends much farther and more dynamically than previously thought, ensuring the security of our planetary neighborhood.

The “Wall of Fire”: A Thermal Anomaly and its Implications

After a multi-month communication issue, engineers were able to restore two of Voyager 1’s four science instruments in May 2025, allowing the spacecraft to resume transmitting useful data. This renewed stream of information has provided an unprecedented look at the region just beyond the heliopause. The data has revealed a region of unexpectedly hot plasma, which has been informally named the “wall of fire”. Measurements from the spacecraft indicate that this thin shell of superheated plasma, detected near the heliopause, reaches temperatures of 30,000–50,000 Kelvin (approximately 54,000 to 90,000 degrees Fahrenheit).

This finding is a significant thermal anomaly, as these temperatures are “far hotter than expected” based on the established models. It is important to clarify that this is not “fire” in the traditional sense, as the particles are highly energetic but extremely spread out. This finding indicates an immense, localized energy transfer is occurring at this boundary, a phenomenon that was not accounted for in previous theoretical frameworks.

Appendix

Quote from the article: What Benefit Could G-d Have In Creating and Destroying Worlds Previous to the Six Days of Creation?

 I have also read an entirely different justification for G-d’s creation and destruction of previous worlds that states the following. We appreciate in a better way, the good that we have, when we first realize, the chaos, fault, and destruction that could have been. Therefore, the created and destroyed worlds that came before ours, were first made, to give us a greater appreciation of the good we indeed possess and to counter the temptation towards haughtiness and denial of G-d that often comes with material success (see Dvarim/Deuteronomy 8:11-18 as an example). The more mankind achieves greater material advances than ever before, the more mankind needs reminders of his ultimate vulnerability via new evidence coming to light for past worlds that were ultimately destroyed.

The findings of Voyager 1 and their theoretical implications are a new reminder of mankind’s potential vulnerability. We should use this knowledge to deepen our appreciation of what Hashem does for us.