To Dwell Alone

By Moshe Feiglin

"It is a people that shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations." (From this week's Torah portion, Balak, Numbers 23:9)

Currently, Israel's very essence is its unrequited ambition to be reckoned among the nations. Official Israel does all in its power to be "normal -" in other words, to be like the nations of the world. Israel yearns to be accepted, to "belong," to enjoy the patronage of the nations. It will settle for almost anything. As long as it will not have to dwell alone.

Jewish home in outpost. Sign says "G-d is King."

But when Israel scrounges for some "acceptance" crumbs from the nations, its American "ally" humiliates it and shows it the soles of his shoes. Even its good friend from France joins the Israel-bashing trend and takes the liberty of rearranging Israel's ministerial positions - and of course leaks the content of the scolding to the press.

Israel tries to appease the nations. It surrenders to their demands. It has given them a foothold and even sovereignty in the very heart of the Land. It does not strive to be a "nation that dwells alone" but rather to establish "two states for two nations" in the land in which it is destined to dwell alone. Israel is being trampled. Obama and Sarkozy are just the beginning.

With G-d's help, Israel will soon have true Jewish leadership; leadership that does not seek the patronage and approval of the nations. Soon we will have leadership that will focus on the challenges at home and strive to fulfill the historical destiny of the Nation of Israel. Authentic Jewish leadership will also enjoy respect from the nations and will merit the blessing in this week's Torah portion:

"He shall eat up the nations that are his adversaries, and shall break their bones in pieces, and pierce them through with his arrows." (Numbers 24:8)