Rabbi Warns Against Relying on Outsiders in Jewish Political Struggles
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Avraham Wasserman warns against Jewish political groups seeking assistance from non-Jewish entities to resolve internal disputes, citing historical and biblical examples. He argues that involving outsiders in Jewish conflicts, such as the sale of Yosef or the destruction of the Temples, leads to disaster and exile. Wasserman extends this warning to contemporary situations, asserting that such actions undermine Jewish unity and invite destruction, especially when dealing with hostile foreign elements.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Avraham Wasserman warns against Jewish groups using non-Jewish aid for internal political disputes.
- He cites the biblical story of Yosef's sale to Ishmaelites as a historical example of disaster.
- Wasserman links internal strife involving outsiders to the destruction of both Jewish Temples.
- He draws parallels to historical figures like Kings Pekah, Achaz, and the sons of Queen Shlomtzion.
- The rabbi cautions that involving hostile foreign elements in Jewish conflicts invites destruction.
Rabbi Avraham Wasserman is urging caution ahead of the upcoming elections, warning against Jewish political factions seeking help from non-Jewish entities to resolve internal disputes. He draws parallels from biblical and historical events, including the story of Yosef and the destruction of the Temples, to illustrate the dangers of internal strife and the erosion of Jewish unity.
Wasserman highlights instances where internal conflicts were exacerbated by involving external parties. He cites the sale of Yosef to Ishmaelites as a catastrophic event that led to the Egyptian exile. Similarly, he points to King Pekah of Israel seeking Aramean aid against Judah, and King Achaz of Judah allying with Assyria against Israel, both of which ultimately led to destruction and exile.
The rabbi also references the internal struggles of Queen Shlomtzion's sons, Horkenos and Aristobulus, who involved Romans in their disputes, leading to Roman conquest and the destruction of the Second Temple. The story of Kamza and Bar Kamza is also mentioned, where Bar Kamza's personal grievance and subsequent incitement of Romans against his own people resulted in the Temple's destruction.
Wasserman extends his warning to modern times, referencing Jewish individuals who collaborated with the Soviets against fellow Jews, only to be later purged by Stalin. He concludes that any attempt to leverage non-Jewish forces, especially hostile ones, to gain an advantage over other Jews is a profound degradation that invites destruction, regardless of the non-Jewish parties' purported affection for Israel.