Noam Arnon
Shabbos Chayei Sora is identified with the own special atmosphere of the City of the Forefathers. This Shabbos is an opportunity to identify and connect with the Fathers of the nation, and to express a silent protest against discrimination and incitement against Jews in Chevron and the Land of Israel.
After the liberation of Chevron in 5627, any intelligent person with a conscience expected that the Israeli government would return Jewish property robbed at the 5689 riots to their rightful owners. But they were in for a disappointment: the government continues to hold the property of murdered Jews by the Arabs, and rents it out to Arab bandits and murderers.
Only after the courageous initiative of Rabbi Moshe Levinger, the Chevron settlement was established, only after a struggle was Mrs. Sarah Nachshon allowed to bury her son Avraham Yedidya, ob"m, in the cemetery, only after the late Professor Tavgar was arrested many times did we merit to reveal the remains of Avraham Avinu Synagogue , and only after a struggle and the fall of victims were the mothers allowed to settle in with their children at Beit Hadassah. Each step and accomplishment in Chevron was accompanied by struggles and self sacrifice.
But today most of the Jewish property, such as Mitzpe Shalhevet (the market) is still empty and in ruins, and the government refuses to return it to its owner or rent to Jews. While the Arabs are building on a huge scale, Jews are forbidden all construction and buying of homes. Chevron and the hills that surround the city are quickly being covered with huge Arab buildings, but on the Jewish community lays the decree of suffocation. Even under the Ottoman government Jews could buy and build houses; today this is prohibited.
Avraham, our Patriarch had a stroke of good luck that he was buying the plot in Chevron thousands of years ago; today, it's doubtful he would be allowed to buy it.
With this reality, many Jews feel helpless: the leftist forces are strong and heavy handed, and they've got the media in their pocket. But thousands of Jews flocking to Chevron for Shabbos- the week of Chevron's purchase- , sense a completely different atmosphere; they sense of strength and confidence stemming from the Cave of the Patriarchs, like Calev that prostrated himself on the graves of our Forefathers, and cried - "my ancestors, have mercy on me, save me from the plans of the spies!" And his supplication was heard and received.
Saturday Chayei Sora is a Shabbos of solidarity and connection, along with a protest against racism, discrimination and incitement. Although conditions are not "five star" – but for tens of thousands of visitors "four stars" are enough; four couples in the Cave of the Patriarchs, that give inspiration and the merits of our Fathers and Mothers. |
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