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Compromising Our Existence

    The struggle between Arab and Jew has raged for thousands of years, each obstinate in his claim to the land of Israel. Throughout history, tensions have ebbed and flowed on an ever-growing sea of discontent. In recent years, many people began to sicken of the constant threat of terror interwoven into their daily existence. They began to cling tightly to hopes of peace promised by the so-called "Peace Process," harboring illusions of happiness, days glowing with glorious mutual magnanimity, and joy.

    On September 13, 1993, Yitzchak Rabin, Shimon Peres and PLO leader Yasser Arafat came together in Washington for the signing of the first Israel-PLO framework for autonomy of the West Bank and Gaza. In 1994 the trio won the Nobel Peace Prize for their "marvelous" contribution to global goodwill. But years (and many peace accords) later, there is still little sign of this supposed peace. Currently circulating in Israel is the slogan, "Israel could have peace, but only piece by piece!" (i.e., a piece of Gaza, a piece of Jerusalem, then a slightly larger piece of land called Israel.) We seem to be making the majority of the concessions.

    We can draw a parallel to our people in the times of the Megillah. We read about the Jews attending a banquet for king Achashverosh, celebrating three years of his sovereignty. They feasted on non-kosher foods and toasted on non-kosher wines. Even the vessels they used had been taken from the conquered Beis Hamikdash. We tried to integrate ourselves into secular society, forgetting that our duty is to serve Hashem. But Mordechai, a pious Jew, was different. He refused to bow down to Haman, the king's advisor. Haman was livid; he wanted every Jew to prostrate himself beneath his feet. He petitioned the king and passed a decree based on a pur-a lottery. "On this day (Purim), all Jews will die," thus calling for the total annihilation of the Jewish nation.

    One small letter separates Haman from Hamas, the organization that calls for the liberation of all Palestine. The Hamas goal is the destruction of Israel, the creation of an Islamic state in what is now Israel, and death to the Zionist entity! The Arab people want more than we can give. Hundreds of Jews have already been murdered in the many bomb attacks on Israel. To them, peace is not the objective, they want Israel at any cost.

    Compromising our beliefs has not worked in the past. In fact, the more we lost touch with our Divine purpose, the more we suffered at the hands of various aggressors. Only our emunah has kept us strong. The only way to achieve true peace is to be proud and confident in our right as Jews to the land. We need no longer heed the dictates of foreign leaders who merely want to settle matters with the greatest of haste, as their motives are not our motives, their concerns are not ours.

It is stated that "after the miracle of Purim, Mordechai infused all his energies to ensure stability and order in the world." Although a Jew may live his private life according to the tenets of the Torah, he must simultaneously never forget he is part of the world around him, and must do his utmost to improve and be involved in it. Mordechai never lost his pride in being a Jew, and for that, he was greatly respected by all the nations. With Hashem's help may we merit ultimate peace the only way, with the coming of Moshiach.

Sara Levy