February 14, 2015 Iran’s Plan for the Jews, Ancient and Present

February 14, 2015 Islam Says No to Jewish Homeland and State of Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Natanyahu of Israel at the United Nation

Iran’s Plan for the Jews, Ancient and Present

“Many centuries ago a wicked man in Persia named Haman advised: “There exists a nation scattered and dispersed among the others… It is not in our interest to tolerate them.”

And the order went out to all the provinces, to “annihilate, murder, and destroy the Jews, young and old, children and women.”

Now Iran, modern Persia, has produced a new enemy. The Ayatollah Khamenei has been as clear as his predecessor in declaring his goal: “the annihilation and destruction” of Israel. He is bent on acquiring the weapons needed to make good on the deadly promise.

The disaster of ages past was averted, but the event is remembered in the holiday of Purim. On March 5^th, Jewish children in synagogues around the World will shout down the name of Haman when it is pronounced in the Book of Esther. They understand a simple truth that at times eludes world leaders: When someone in power threatens your destruction, you must loudly condemn him.

On the day before Purim, the Prime Minister of Israel will address Congress on the catastrophic danger of nuclear Iran. I intend to be there. Should we not show our support for what might be the last clear warning before a terrible deal is struck? Santayana wrote that those who cannot remember history are condemned to repeat it. I believe that those who deny history – specifically the Holocaust – are determined to repeat it.

President Obama, Vice President Biden, distinguished members of Congress, I ask you – As one who has seen the enemies of the Jewish people make good on threats to exterminate us, how can I remain silent?

As Queen Esther said when addressing her King: “How can I behold the destruction of my people?”

I plead with you to put aside the politics that have obscured the critical decisions to be made. Surely it is within your power to find a solution that will permit Israel’s Prime Minister to deliver his urgent message.

Will you join me in hearing the case for keeping weapons from those who preach death to Israel and America?

In traditional Jewish families, we close the Sabbath with the lighting of the Havdalah candle and a quote from the Book of Esther retelling how danger was replaced by light and happiness, and the blessing: “And so may it be for us.”