Boat in Lake

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Boat in Lake

To Understand Israel, Look to Taiwan

  

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "To Understand Israel, Look to Taiwan."

Despite being separated by more than 8,300 kilometers, Israel and Taiwan share striking parallels in geography, population, political values, economic dynamism, and military strategy. Both face existential threats from far larger adversaries and rely on innovative military deterrence doctrines—Israel’s Cactus and Taiwan’s Porcupine—bolstered by strong U.S. support. Their resilience and commitment to democracy and independence not only shape their futures but also serve as fortresses of stability and hope in regions marked by uncertainty and contestation.

(AI generated image via Meta) 

To Understand Israel, Look to Taiwan

Bring Them Home

Bring Them Home

Neither Peacenik nor Kahanist

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Neither Peacenik Nor Kahanist."

A popular misconception is that you are either a foolhardy peacenik who doesn’t know how to defend the country or you are an extremist nationalist who promotes violence. The reality is, as King Solomon said, to everything there is a time and place.

 
While the Rebbe’s approach of peace through strength is often mischaracterized as hawkish, Pearl clarifies that it is, in fact, deeply humanitarian. The Rebbe’s goal is to end the bloodshed and foster a reality where former enemies can become friends, in line with the Torah’s teaching to “eliminate sins, not sinners.” He advocated for a rigorous, informed pursuit of peace that upholds the dignity and rights of all people, without succumbing to naïve or simplistic solutions.

(AI generated image via Meta) 

Neither Peacenik nor Kahanist

Israel & Gaza: Separating Fact from Fiction

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel & Gaza: Separating Fact from Fiction."

Eighteen months into a conflict marked by unfathomable loss, one of the most disturbing things we see is the reinvention of what actually happened. The terrorists and their supporters spew an endless stream of hate and lies. It is crucial to continue to dispel their myths and hold on to the truth.

Hamas’s ideology of hate and annihilation meets Israel’s resolve to survive and achieve a lasting peace. Amid the ashes of Gaza, faith remains our compass and the Jewish state, our beacon.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Israel & Gaza: Separating Fact from Fiction

Never a Peace With the Devil

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Never a Peace With the Devil."

Neither coexistence nor peace has any meaning or chance when it comes to Hamas’s unwavering determination to “liberate” Palestine from the river to the sea and to achieve their long-desired genocide of all the Jews. In this they are passionately and completely evil and devoid of any humanity, compromise, or compassion.

(AI generated image via Meta)

Never a Peace With the Devil

Gaza: Refugee Wasteland to International Riviera

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Gaza: From Refugee Wasteland to International Riviera."

President Trump shocked the world this week when he said that the U.S. would take over Gaza to level it and rebuild it into the “Rivera of the Middle East.” To accomplish this, the Palestinians would be relocated from a devastated war zone in Gaza to other countries where they would have proper housing, electricity, running water, educational and career opportunities, and medical care.

Many, of course, jumped on this to ridicule Trump and the plan as a forcible displacement of a population and a "crime against humanity." In turn, they ignored not only the global historical reality of refugee resettlement but also the humanitarian aspect of his plan to give the Palestinians a much better life as well as, more broadly, the opportunity to end the cycle of violence and destruction that has been going on for more than a century.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Gaza: Refugee Wasteland to International Riviera

For G-D’s Sake, Isn’t It Time for Them to Let Israel Live In Peace 🇮🇱 🇺🇸

For G-D’s Sake, Isn’t It Time for Them to Let Israel Live In Peace 🇮🇱 🇺🇸

Redemption: A Time of Peril and Opportunity

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Redemption: A Time of Peril and Opportunity."

The return of the hostages from their horrific ordeal in Gaza offers a moment for reflection on the tumultuous events of the past 15 months. The conflicts involving Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other terrorist groups, along with the dark menacing shadow of Iran, have presented immense challenges. Yet, we have persevered, and for this, we offer our gratitude.

Many perceive these times as a prelude to a period of profound change, a transition towards the fulfillment of the messianic era. This perspective highlights the overt miracles we have witnessed and the persistent threats that remain to be overcome.

Even as the very existence of world Jewry is still being threatened, everyone can do something to help. This is not a time for complacency. Now is the time to prepare for the impending redemption.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Redemption: A Time of Peril and Opportunity

Kahane Was Right About at Least One Thing

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Kahane Was Right About at Least One Thing."

Of course, given the political and humane realities, Israel has always sought coexistence and peace. Israel has repeatedly pursued a two-state solution, from the 1947 UN Partition Plan to the 1967 Green Line and the Oslo and Camp David Peace Accords. Each attempt at peaceful coexistence has ultimately collapsed into further violence. In short, then we must consider that:

If Arabs can live peacefully within Israel, that is to be welcomed. But if they remain committed to Israel’s destruction, then those who refuse compromise must seek another home.

While the pursuit of peace must never cease, a pragmatic mindset considers all logical approaches. This should include the concept of a distinctly Jewish state, which cannot be democratically ruled out of existence.

(Source Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meir_Kahane#/media/File:Meir_Kahane,_seated_(3x4_cropped).jpg)

Kahane Was Right About at Least One Thing

A Day Is Coming: One G-d, One World

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "A Day Is Coming: One G-d, One World."

A day is coming, a day of profound revelation, when the L-rd, blessed be He, will reveal His divine presence to all of creation. Every nation on Earth will recognize the L-rd as the one true God, His holiness and unity absolute and undeniable.

In joyful service, we will stand before the holiness, the timelessness, and the infinite magnificence of the Almighty, blessed be He. In that radiant presence, all things will find their ultimate meaning and perfect harmony. We will stand as the blessed children of the Most High God, forever in His divine embrace.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

A Day Is Coming: One G-d, One World

Hamas Is Responsible for All the Misery in Gaza

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Hamas is Responsible for All the Misery in Gaza."

At any time, the Palestinians in Gaza could have a permanent ceasefire, if they decide to end their hostilities with the Jewish State of Israel, unconditionally surrender and lay down their arms, and release the approximate 100 hostages that they continue to hold. Unfortunately, it is the Hamas terrorists and corrupt Palestinian leadership spurred on and supported by funding, weapons, and training from the #1 Global State Sponsor of Terror, Iran, that are solely responsible for the continuation of the fighting and resulting devastation to the people of Gaza.

(Source Photo: Hosny Salah via https://pixabay.com/photos/burning-fire-man-smoke-jihad-6860627/)

Hamas Is Responsible for All the Misery in Gaza

Breaking Free From the Illusion of the Peaceniks

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Breaking Free From the Illusion of the Peaceniks."

The overall lesson is to stay focused on the things in life that are right and true—connecting the dots, connecting with others, correcting past mistakes, and learning and growing to be the best person you can be every day. From the perspective of achieving peace and security for Israel, understand that this means directly confronting the terrorist aggressors and their false propaganda. What we're after is a real solution and not yet another photo opportunity.

(Source Photo: IDF via https://www.flickr.com/photos/idfonline/51572163819/in/album-72157719986826193)

Breaking Free From the Illusion of the Peaceniks

Trump's Three Steps to Middle East Peace

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Trump's Three Steps to Middle East Peace."

In his second term, Trump can achieve what has eluded his predecessors: enduring and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. This aspiration can be realized through three historic and positively impactful initiatives:

1. Neutralizing the Iranian Nuclear Threat: A decisive elimination of Iran’s threatening nuclear facilities is essential to prevent the radical and irrational leadership of the mullahs and Ayatollahs from jeopardizing global security with weapons of mass destruction.
2. Expanding the Abraham Accords: The finalization of a peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, along with other progressive Muslim nations yearning for peace and prosperity for their populations and a brighter future for all.
3. Achieving the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Plan: The conclusion of the Israeli-Palestinian 2020 Trump Peace Plan that addresses the longstanding conflict, permits Israel to annex the strategic Area C of the West Bank, including the Jordan Valley and establishes a limited two-state solution allowing Palestinians to live freely and with dignity while ensuring peace and security for Israel.

(Photo via https://pixabay.com/photos/dove-freedom-peace-trust-prayer-3426159/)

Trump's Three Steps to Middle East Peace

Israel: Time to Go All In

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel: Time to Go All In."

Israel is currently under attack from multiple terrorist groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and radical Islamic jihadists. Despite being targeted by various weapons, Israel's military superiority and alliances have helped it defend against most threats. Adversaries resort to terrorism, targeting civilians and using human shields. Israel has eliminated terrorists, destroyed missile sites, and countered threats effectively. Moving forward, options include maintaining the status quo, appeasing terrorists, or applying overwhelming force. Israel faces an existential threat and may need to escalate to de-escalate the conflict. Prayers are for protection, unity, and lasting peace in this challenging situation. Israel may escalate militarily to subdue enemies and create conditions for peace.

(AI generated image via Designer)

Israel: Time to Go All In

One, Two, Three, Knockout

Please see my new article in the Times of Israel called "One, Two, Three, Knockout."

Israel has achieved a significant milestone by eliminating Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in a precise airstrike in Beirut. This marks the second phase of Israel’s strategic plan to counter radical Jihadist Iran and its terrorist proxies. Following the defeat of Hamas in Gaza, Israel is now focused on dismantling Hezbollah in Lebanon. The plan includes advancing armored forces to the Litani River to recreate a buffer zone, providing strategic depth and setting the stage for future peace negotiations. Israel aims to maintain control of this zone until a comprehensive peace agreement is reached, similar to the land-for-peace deal with Egypt in 1979. If Lebanon fails to pursue peace, Israel may consider making the demilitarized zone permanent or annexing the territory. The final phase will address the existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with Israel determined to secure its state from further aggression.

(AI generated image via Designer)

One, Two, Three, Knockout

Luv Israel!

Luv Israel!

For Israel: An Ode of Hope and Strength

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "For Israel: An Ode of Hope and Strength."

From north to south, from east to west,
Israel stands, facing the test.
Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's terror might,
Yet in the darkness, shines our light.

With rockets, drones, and missiles’ flight,
We stand strong, we stand to fight.
G-d’s strength within, our hearts ignite,
In this battle of wrong and right.

Falsehoods spread, to cloud the truth,
Hostages taken, tears of youth.
But G-d’s hand guides, through every night,
In this divine, eternal fight.

Global Jihad, Intifada’s call,
Yet we rise, we will not fall.
From tanks to planes, from ships to words,
Our voices soar, our prayers heard.

Few against many, David’s might,
Miracles in the darkest night.
The Mashiach near, redemption’s song,
In Zion’s heart, we all belong.

The war is harsh, the pain is real,
Yet future’s light, we soon will feel.
Blessings, peace, prosperity,
In G-d’s embrace, humanity.

Sacrifice and truth, honor’s way,
Peace will come, a brighter day.
Israel’s light, for all to see,
G-d’s will done, eternally.

(AI generated image via Designer)

For Israel: An Ode of Hope and Strength

My Beloved Zion

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "My Beloved Zion."

Zionism is a tree on the river’s edge,
A shield for our people, through ages of dread.

It’s the ancient homeland, settled anew,
Where deserts bloom, and skies turn blue.

Zionism is G-d’s promise fulfilled,
The land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still.

 (AI generated image via Designer)

My Beloved Zion

More Than "Just" a Magen David

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "More Than 'Just' a Magen David." 

Our response to antiSemitism and hate should be to embrace our Jewish identity all the more. In the words of the singer Benny Friedman:

I'm a Jew and I'm proud
And I'll sing it out loud
'Cuz forever
And ever
That's what I'll be
I'm a Jew and I'm proud
And without a doubt
Hashem is always watching over me

We are truly in the middle of a global attack on the Jewish people, and we cannot give up even one centimeter in our quest for freedom, peace, and security.

(Credit Photo: Virginia Humanities via https://www.flickr.com/photos/vfh/46913689764)

More Than "Just" a Magen David