9549 —ירושלים, חברון, ואתגרי המדיניות ודעת הקהל

B"H, 12 Elul, 5728.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I hereby acknowledge with thanks receipt of your letter from the 4th of Av, which arrived with some delay; please forgive my delayed response.

Regarding the content of your letter, as we discussed here—I am in full agreement with you concerning the liberated territories and so forth, as we discussed at length. However, unfortunately, I do not agree with you that a shift in public opinion in our holy land will influence those who determine policy in this matter. According to my information—from sources that have been reliable until now—there has been no actual change in the views of these circles. If only this shift in public opinion would at least alter the unofficial but practically implemented stance of preserving the Arab character of Old Jerusalem (with the explanation that one must maintain the status quo as it was when this part of the city was captured last year; after all, it is against justice and fairness to exploit conquest to impose something on residents present at the time). The consequences of this position are clear regarding daily practice—especially since they believe that placing some Jews around this part of the city fulfills their obligation to the Jewish public.

Of course, I write this to you unofficially and personally—it is not my place to speak negatively about Jews, especially those who could accomplish great things in these matters but do not act for various reasons. On the contrary. It is also clear that my intention is not to blame anyone—what benefit would there be? Rather, I wish only to express my regret in writing to you and to those whom you feel would benefit from knowing these lines.

If this is the situation regarding Jerusalem—the holy city—how much more so is it worse regarding Chevron (Hebron), where only Arabs reside and which never served as a place for a Temple; its Arab settlement is established and developed and reportedly even luxurious—all strengthening further the aforementioned position. Nevertheless, inquiries were made about founding a yeshivah there. I received a clear answer: it is better for me to be interested in a yeshivah in Jerusalem than in Chevron.

Among the settlers (despite those circles' positions), there are several Chabadniks—some openly, some secretly—and surely you know about their situation there; it is not far from that of prisoners. The rationale given is also based on justice and fairness. The common denominator for all these phenomena is: "What will the world say?"—as we discussed during your visit here.

For example: if—G‑d forbid—a conflict arises between an Israeli youth and an Arab youth in Chevron (where Arab youths outnumber Jewish ones), if—G‑d forbid—the Israeli youth suffers blows, whose side do you think the Israeli military police stationed there will take? Especially if the mayor (who apparently played a role in past riots) raises an outcry about Jewish provocations?

This is also why I asked you during your visit here about the background for how Old Jerusalem was conquered last year—a battle where many elite Israeli soldiers fell disproportionate to other fronts. By the way—and perhaps it's not incidental—you still owe me an answer on this (as we discussed: you would investigate and reply). The information I received—from sources previously reliable—as I told you then: there was an unequivocal directive from above. If only I am mistaken! Even though my discussion with you was phrased as a question allowing for doubt.

I should add: my question was not out of curiosity about such a painful matter but rather to clarify how those who gave such orders think—some of whom still make decisions today. Sadly—and perhaps shamefully—their outlook has not changed at all; even then it was known that such decisions would cause more casualties. This also clarifies today's situation in Chevron and Jerusalem.

Of course I do not despair—G‑d forbid—of changing this situation; but until then there is no practical point or benefit for anyone to publicly call for aliyah (settlement) in Chevron—even if such calls are just propaganda or expressions of thought—and certainly not if they might actually lead people to move there. This would provoke sharp disagreements and decrees against new settlers—not only among Jews but also among non-Jews who will see that decision-makers are restricting settlers even more than before—which brings disgrace and encourages Israel's enemies.

Despite all this—as above—I do not despair; but it will not be shifts in Jewish public opinion that bring change—it will be mistakes by Arabs or their supporters. As happened last year: such mistakes forced peace-seekers finally to agree to defense measures—and thus warlike action. May it happen more easily next time without harm—G‑d forbid—to any Jew's life or body or even property anywhere.

It is remarkable how much our Torah—a Torah of life—calls Jews "a stiff-necked people." Not only does this remain true today—it is exploited contrary to Torah values! For example: recently El Al's plane hijacking by Algerians showed everyone's reaction—even supposed friends of Israel—and yet people praise world nations for their solution as a moral victory! Even if one must concede under duress (to save lives), why crown certain individuals as moral paragons? But one cannot challenge a stiff-necked people—as above.

The stubborn faith in "the kindness of nations" remains strong—even though our prophets declared "Chesed le'umim chatat" (the kindness of nations is sin). Even Czechoslovakia's invasion did not weaken this false belief! While seemingly unrelated here—it actually reflects decision-makers' mindset in our holy land—a mindset expressed through painful actions worrying even for our near future (until they abandon their stance).

To end on a positive note—I thank you for your warm words during your visit to Kfar Chabad; according to letters I've received from there your heartfelt encouragement strengthened them greatly—which everyone needs now especially amidst so many events—in a land watched over by G‑d from year's beginning to end as written in our Torah. Yet enemies surround us—and every day more weaknesses are revealed by authorities who believe they must treat them with kid gloves; whenever there's conflict between Arab and Jew priority goes first into what foreign capitals will say before deciding what action to take! Thus enemies allow themselves ever more acts—from disturbances up through sabotage.

As we approach a new year—in line with tradition—may it be G‑d's will that this year ends along with its undesirable phenomena—that they disappear completely—and may blessings begin already now including a major shift away from current attitudes without waiting for unfortunate events forcing change! Miracles have been seen recently from G‑d Who can work many more—in traditional language: openly revealed good!

I am enclosing several excerpts from letters as examples.

With honor and blessing for inscription and sealing for a good sweet year—for you and all your household!

M. Schneersohn

As mentioned above: because of these painful points raised here—I write personally; but you may show or share its content with anyone whom you feel may benefit thereby.

I conclude hoping—as fits my open-hearted lengthy letter—that you too will respond similarly on all its points—including answers promised after returning home.

Summary

The Rebbe addresses Ariel Sharon candidly about policy challenges facing Israel regarding Jerusalem and Hebron, emphasizing honest assessment over mere shifts in public opinion. He urges practical solutions rooted in truth while expressing hope for positive change through Divine assistance rather than external pressures alone.