Israeli Rabbi Advocates Love and Compassion Amid Rising Violence in Modiin Illit

A decade and a half ago, the author met Rabbi Faivelzon, a man distinguished not only by his vast knowledge but by his deep understanding of priestly love and compassion. Unlike many who preach absolutes, Rabbi Faivelzon engaged in genuine dialogue, exploring pain and existential questions together without rushing to answers. This approach embodies a rare form of love that embraces brokenness and seeks healing through empathy and connection.

Recently, the author was deeply pained by a video showing children in Modiin Illit pushing the compassionate rabbi after a lesson, reflecting a troubling lack of exposure to such priestly love. Another disturbing clip showed a youth verbally attacking an Israeli soldier with hateful language, mixing military and incendiary terms. These incidents highlight a growing societal fracture and the absence of a guiding doctrine of love.

The author contrasts two worldviews: one focused on exposing and fighting evil, often creating more noise and division, and the other, the priestly path, which fosters healing through love, patience, and understanding. He recalls a past incident where hateful slurs against ultra-Orthodox Jews were recorded but ultimately withheld from publication to avoid spreading further negativity.

He urges a return to the Hebrew tradition of love, love of Torah, fellow humans, and the Creator, as the only true remedy for a broken world. This path requires embracing complexity, pain, and unanswered questions with compassion rather than judgment. Only through such love can hearts be healed and society restored.