10263 —הבעת תודה על ספר ודחיפת מחאה נגד חוק מיהו יהודי

B"H, 27 Cheshvan, 5732.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Just now I received the book "Kachash Lavan HaChet," and since I see that the dedication was written in the year 5730, which is surprising, I wish to immediately confirm receipt, in accordance with the verse "VeHeyitem Neki'im MeHashem U'MiYisrael" ("And you shall be innocent before Hashem and Israel").

I express my heartfelt thanks to you for your attention in sending me the book. From it one can closely recognize both the author and his main protagonists in the story, in addition to our personal meeting at the farbrengen gathering.

Certainly it is unnecessary for me to emphasize to you that there is still much pain and sorrow—not as those mistaken ones think that since Hitler died (may his name be erased) many years ago, all related phenomena have also disappeared. This is not so; unfortunately he left behind students who follow his path and are active even today in various fields, with all the distressing and painful consequences connected to this—including severe crippling (in foreign language) of both body and soul of many of our Jewish brethren.

I find it my duty not to miss this opportunity regarding the following matter, since in my opinion it is vital and concerns the existence of our people wherever they are—in Eretz HaKodesh and in the Diaspora. I refer to the terrible issue of "Who is a Jew." It is surprising that I have not yet heard your protest on this matter—a protest in your sharp, emphatic style that hits the point—since I have no doubt about your position on this issue.

As I said on another occasion, this unfortunate law is among those rare laws where one must search for who benefits from it (perhaps only its initiators who can say "didan natzach"—ours has prevailed), while day by day those harmed by it increase. Never before has there been such a thing: a government openly declares that a certificate issued by it should not be relied upon at all; what is written there—Jewish or Christian etc.—is only for population registry purposes and nothing more, even though the Ministry of Interior issues this certificate as an official government representative.

I recently heard that a well-known Zionist leader in a large city complained before government representatives—and in his words: "This is the greatest slap he has received from Israel's government as a result of this law," since he must tell those who come to him not to rely at all on an Israeli passport or what is written there; everyone does as they please regarding how they are registered, and the clerk as government representative writes and signs accordingly.

I do not intend here to detail all aspects of damage caused by this law—from religious, nationalistic, security perspectives etc.—which are surely known to you and have already been written and spoken about extensively.

Evidently, just as there are miracles for good so too—astonishingly—there are opposite miracles: namely, this very law's passage and its continued effect despite nearly two years passing while its harm grows ever greater yet remains unchanged.

Of course my intention here is not merely to complain about past events but rather with hope that you will use your G‑d-given talents and influence within your circles wherever your reach extends—to respond against this strange law which harms, damages, and alienates itself from our people's very existence wherever they may be.

It is said about Hitler (may his name be erased) that he used to say: A small lie will eventually be nullified but specifically a big absolute lie may endure for years or generations. There is no need to elaborate on something so contrary both to Jewish faith in the Creator and Ruler of the world—and also contrary to faith in Am Yisrael—that ultimately they will break free from partisan chains using their healthy sense endowed by being a wise and understanding nation—and will annul this law entirely along with similar ones.

I would be glad to hear from you regarding all of the above; thank you in advance.

With respect and blessing.

Summary

The Rebbe thanks Mr. Tamir for his book but stresses deep concern over ongoing antisemitism and especially urges him—as someone with influence—to publicly protest Israel's "Who is a Jew" law due to its grave impact on Jewish identity worldwide.