The Rebbe on Israeli politics: Why to support a particular party

<v Visitor>This is Reb Yitzchok Nachshoni, from <em>Yom HaShishi.</em></v> <strong>Much success.</strong> <v Visitor><em>Mr. Nachshoni questions the Rebbe on his position</em></v> <v Visitor><em>on changing the government in Israel.</em></v> <strong>I have stated my view</strong> <strong>– not for the first time now, but for years –</strong> <strong>and I have only quoted the Code of Jewish Law.</strong> <strong>What’s the point of repeating it now,</strong> <strong>when the Code of Jewish Law gave its ruling 400 years ago?</strong> <strong>Rabbi Yosef Karo lived 400-500 years ago,</strong> <strong>and he ruled clearly:</strong> <strong>It is forbidden to endanger the Jewish nation</strong> <strong>by giving away territory.</strong> <v Visitor>What about the very idea of speaking with the Arabs?</v> <strong>What does that have to do with me – whether to speak or not?</strong> <strong>That is a separate issue for politicians…</strong> <strong>When I urge people to support such-and-such a party,</strong> <strong>it is only because it has now decided to proceed</strong> <strong>in line with what is written in Jewish law.</strong> <v Visitor>One more question.</v> <v Visitor>Shavuos is coming, the Yahrzeit of the Baal Shem Tov.</v> <v Visitor>What can we do to bring unity among all Jewish groups?</v> <strong>Place a request at the resting place of the Baal Shem Tov,</strong> <strong>or send it there with someone,</strong> <strong>and the Baal Shem Tov will find a way to set things right…</strong> <strong>Good tidings.</strong> <strong>You know that the name “Nachshon”</strong> <strong>signifies self-sacrifice for Judaism</strong> <strong>– for yourself, you don’t need self-sacrifice,</strong> <strong>but to save other Jews, you must “jump right in!”</strong>