Rabbi Meir Kahane Calls for Strong Unity in Israel’s Ongoing War of Salvation

Rabbi Meir Kahane emphasized the importance of steadfastness and dignity for the people of Israel during times of mourning and war, framing it as a divine commandment rooted in their relationship with God. In his weekly Torah commentary on Parashat Re'eh, he explained that the biblical prohibition against self-harm during grief, traditionally applied to priests, extends to all Israelites as "children of God." This commandment reflects the need to maintain physical and spiritual integrity even amid sorrow, as a sign of honor to God and a demonstration of resilience against enemies.

Kahane cited classical commentators such as Rashi, Ramban, and Ibn Ezra to highlight that while humans may not fully understand God's ways, they must trust in His love and justice. He stressed that the souls of the deceased remain close to God, especially those who died sanctifying His name in battle. This understanding underpins the call for composure and strength rather than despair or self-harm.

He framed Israel’s current conflict as a "war of salvation," triggered by the severe attack on Simchat Torah three years ago, which sought to break the Jewish spirit. Kahane asserted that Israel, as God’s children, must continue fighting until enemies like Hamas and Hezbollah are disarmed and Iran ceases its hostile ambitions. He compared the ongoing struggle to completing a prescribed medical treatment, warning against premature cessation that could lead to greater harm.

Kahane concluded by affirming Israel’s divine mission and the global recognition that the Jewish people will no longer be subdued. He invoked Psalm 20:10 to express hope for renewal and victory: "They have fallen, but we have risen and stand firm." This call to unity and perseverance underscores the spiritual and national resolve required to overcome existential threats.

Summary: Rabbi Meir Kahane urges Israelis to maintain dignity and strength amid mourning and war, viewing their resilience as a divine commandment. He frames the ongoing conflict with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran as a "war of salvation" that must continue until Israel’s enemies are defeated and disarmed.

Points: - Rabbi Kahane calls for steadfastness and dignity as a divine command during grief and war. - The Torah forbids self-harm in mourning, extending to all Israelites as God’s children. - Israel’s current conflict is a "war of salvation" following the Simchat Torah attack. - The fight must continue until Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran are disarmed and neutralized. - Kahane compares the war to completing a medical treatment to prevent relapse. - He affirms Israel’s divine mission and global recognition of its resilience.

Topic: security israel_relevant: true entities: {"people":["Meir Kahane","Rashi","Ramban","Ibn Ezra"],"organizations":["Hamas","Hezbollah","IDF"],"places":["Israel","Iran","Simchat Torah"]}