The Rabbinical Alliance of America – Igud HaRabonim, representing nearly one thousand Orthodox rabbis serving throughout the United States – congratulates Prime Minister of Israel, the honorable Benjamin Netanyahu, on his latest electoral victory which will allow him to form a strong right-of-center coalition government for the people and State of Israel.
As religious leaders, we are reluctant to become involved in political matters. However, when an issue pertains to saving lives (Pikuach Nefesh) we dare not remain silent. We are compelled to voice the Torah’s view regarding the safety and security of human life. This pertains with credibility and pathos to the current security situation facing Israel, one that affects Jews, Arabs and people of all ethnicities and faith communities residing in the State of Israel.
The government of Israel must strengthen the security of its citizens by no longer entertaining the relinquishment and abandonment of any part of Israel or territory it now controls to the enemies of peace. The reality of the last 25 years has disproven the delusions of trading land for peace. For the sake of public safety, Israel must declare to the entire world that it will not endanger its citizens by making a fabricated peace deal with the Palestinian Authority or any other entity bent on the destruction of Israel. Only through strength and security will true peace and safety be achieved for all of Israel’s inhabitants.
As rabbis, we declare: be strong Mr. Prime Minister and fear not the stealth nor the deceptive words of your enemies — both domestic and abroad — for the G-d of Israel is with you in this hour of travail and the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.
May He who makes peace in His heavenly abode make peace for us and for all Israel, Amen.
Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht
Presidium Chairman
