What are some major contributions of Israel to the world either Torah, agriculture, medicine, economics?
-Largest Torah academies and finest Torah scholars
-Vegetable preservation, drip irrigation, organic pest control
-Flex stent, bionic walking assistance system, spinal surgery robotic guidance system, field hospitals, and Search & Rescue units
-60 unicorn companies (more than Europe combined)
What are some of the ways the U.N. demonstrates a clear anti-Israel bias, and what are some possible reasons for this obsession?
Bias:
-Disproportionately high number of condemning resolutions,
-the tone & language of condemnations,
-singling out Palestine as a permanent item on the Human Rights Council Agenda
Possible Reasons:
-Non-democratic governments with human rights violations trying to protect themselves & diverting attention away from themselves
-Arab & Communist voting bloc
-Israel excluded from key UN bodies
-Antisemitism
What are the PA’s/ Hamas’ stated goals in their national charters?
What is the “pay to slay” policy?
PA: Armed struggle for the total liberation of Palestine, denies Jewish ties to the land
Hamas: Destroy Israel & Kill all Jews
Pay to Slay is the PA's program to monetarily reward terrorists & their families when they commit acts of terror.
What are some ways we can support Israel today, physically & spiritually?
Physically: Advocate, visit, educate, & support
Spiritually: Learn Torah, Prayer + Tefillin, Tzedaka (Charity)
How does the IDF attempt to reduce civilian casualties?
-Calling & texting civilians to leave the area
-Dropping warning leaflets
-Firing warning shots
-Aborting missions with civilians in close proximity
When does criticism of Israel (which is okay), cross the line into antisemitism? Explain Natan Sharansky’s 3D’s.
Demonization, Double Standard, Delegitimization
What is Judaism’s attitude to war when we are forced to face it?
The Torah tells us to be compassionate and concerned about human life. For example, if we need to lay siege upon a city, we must provide a path for civilians to flee.
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Name three of Israel’s wars, and what were their causes?
War of Independence
6 Day War
Yom Kippur War
Causes: Defensive
List a couple of ways the Jewish people maintained their connection to the Land of Israel throughout the period of exile.
Throughout the generations, we:
-Pray towards Israel 3x a day
-Mention the hope of returning to Jerusalem in prayer & Grace after meals
-End our Passover seder with 'Next Year in Jersusalem'
-Jews have always lived there
What must be Israel's top concern, especially when considering giving away land in exchange for peace? Explain.
Security
Security is the #1 priority that must override international pressure or even Israel's world image. Israel cannot jeopardize the safety of it's citizens.