Taking Iran Seriously

I think what drives complacency on Iran is given all the conflicting info out there regarding Iran's nuclear program and whether it's intended to generate electricity in Iran or aimed for Israel. We'll have to see if Iran has more than just mere intent to aim nuclear weapons at Israel. Simply assuming nuclear or WMD intent is too pre-emptive and what has already got the US in trouble for invading Iraq and being stuck there for 8 years...There was an interview on the Daily Show between Jon Stewart and Russ Feingold where they were talking about using military strategy more like the game of Scrabble as opposed to the game of Risk since we don't want to give our enemies an advantage over us. All in all, we have to establish that there is more than just intent to build nuclear weapons aimed at Israel. Hopefully, those who are translating the Arabic that Achmedinijad speaks into either English or Hebrew isn't mistranslated and taken out of context as he appears to be saying he wants to "wipe Israel off the face of the earth." Even so, it's essentially the Arab agenda in eliminate Israel and the Jews since every generation such people rise against us.

I believe that we are too involved in our own material lives. We have our families, our jobs, our computers, our vacations.....and generally speaking, our own "little" lives. If we close our eyes and cover our ears just maybe that litlle Iran "problem" will go away, just like a storm or hurricane that is headed our way, and then veers away from us at the last moment. While I certainly wasn't around in the late 1930s in Germany, I wonder back then if the Jews in Germany thought that the "little" anti-semetic thing going around was going to go away as well.

Every year on Pesach, we read in the Hagaddah," that in every generation they will arise to destroy us, and G-d will save us from their hand." In some cases he has and in others the outcome was far mosre disasterous. But we, as a nation have always survived. I think one of the lessons of the Holocaust, is that g-d wants us to beseech him, as well as to phyically defend ourselves. Together, as seen in the last wars in Israel, we have been unbeatable. Now again, we are faced almost word for word with the same situation. If one reads in Tehillim, Psalms, chapter 83, it feels as if that psalm was written yesterday, about our exact situation. In Israel there is a sign that reads "Tehillim neged Tillim," Tehillim against missiles. We have to pray and hope that Hashem will enable us to destroy our current day enemies, as he has done in the past, until, unfortunately, the next one arises.

I don't believe that we're in denial. We just don't know what to do. The only thing that we can is contact our congress people telling them not to hold back Israel from defending herself and to support her when she needs it. I don't have any confidence in Obama as he has not been the most supportive of Israel. A clear clue was what was caught on tape accidentally when he was speaking to Sarkozy about Netanyahu. What is more interesting to me is that the rest of the Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia are also very concerned about Iran going nuclear. SA was placed on notice when Iran tried to assassinate the ambassador in D.C. There are other countries concerned about this besides the US and the EU and have more to lose than them. Why isn't the US using that concern to effect stronger influence on Iran? Are we looking at a nuclear Hitler?

It would seem that there is very little an individual can do to change the situation, especially someone in the US. Perhaps there should be some action; not being in denial may not be the answer. To Jay Simon in New Zealand: somewhere I read that your new country is very anti-Jewish! At least you escaped the Muslims!

All the above is true! We are physically and mentally enmeshed in our own lives, we do not bother to become closer to Hashem, and we want desperately to believe that we are totally safe here in America- that a holocaust could never occur again. A short time ago, our daughter, our only child made Aliyah. My husband and I are very proud of her determination to live in Eretz Yisroel. While we do have concerns for her safety, we cannot be complacent about our own safety. Iran is a very real threat to us all. And our fellow Jews must not be in denial over the terrible possibility that history might well repeat itself. We need to pray, to read and to listen to unbiased journalism. We need to stand as One People-wherever we may live, and make it clear to all the world that Jews will not tolerate Anti-Semitism. As 5000 years of Jewish history has demonstrated, when we unite and call out to Hashem, He has been our salvation.

On Facebook most of my friends, especially in the military, want us to look the other way and leave Iran to itself. They do not want a repeat of W's war to invade the wrong country to find that there are no WMA. But, I ask them when they post pro-Iran material: "Has Iran signed a peace treaty with Israel and recongnized its right to exist? The people are in denial because they are tired of fighting in the Middle East and war that can not be one. The entire Arab Middle East is in chaos. Iran has stated that they intend to destroy Israel. Iran has a nuclear program. We must learn from history. If Iran becomes a nuclear power, who will be our Esther in the 21st century to stop them? I have faith in the Obama administration to ignore negative world public opinion and take the Iranian threat seriously. Right now they are distracted by Syria, the third Arab country in the last two years to dissolve into anarchy. Iran knows this and is forging ahead. Perhaps Clinton will be our Esther to go to the president and warn him before Iran casts the lots for the day they plan on bombing Israel. HaShem has perserved Israel against all its enemies since 1948 against unbelievable odds. Surely HaShem will bring us our Esther now.

One big reason why we keep on denial is our hope disaster like Holocaust will never happen again. In that positive way we are traped in this situation when new dictator is jeopardazing nation of Israel, and we are transferring threats into positive result that might get dangerous.

As Mordechai told Esther what her responsibility was when Israel was being threatened with death and sorrow, He reminded her that it was possible that God had put her in the position as Queen "For such a time as this ", God also expects all of us to take this threat from a mad man just as hitler was. And for such a time as this we should unite as human beings in fasting and prayer for the peace and protection of the Great State of Israel. I love Israel and pray for Gods mighty hand to cover her over and protect her and send His peace from above and send Israel people all over the world, that will run to God on their behalf pleading for Israel's defense. God WILL DELIVER His people. Thank you

Most yidden and for that matter most of the world are too busy working for a living and trying to get through the harshness of life.who has the time to think about end time scenario's.There is a spiritual void, only Torah education can wake people up to this fact.We are facing a situation just like pre holocaust Europe faced.If we don't awake spiritually we're going to face terrible times chas v shalom.We are not denying Iranian threats we are denying Hashem and for that we may pay.Lets hope not.Go out and spread Torah anyway you can.

Many of us might say to ourselves: How can it possibly be? We live in a democratic, civilized country with a bill of rights that protects each and every one of our rights. We are citizens of this great country and it will protect us. Well what we learn from history; specifically the time period prior to the Holocaust, that we can not get too comfortable where we are. The people of Europe in that time period were just as sure as we are today that we are secure and protected. Just like we are saying to ourselves that we are safe and have a bill of rights protecting us, the Jews back then were just as sure of their security as we are today. In addition, when Hitler originally began his campaign, he was ignored, and even looked at as a lunatic by some. However the modern day Hitler is already in power and he is making the same Hitler statements. Not only does he have power, but he has the world's support as well. And if one might say that after the world saw the Holocaust, it is impossible for them to be so ignorant once again.... Well they were ignorant the first time- nothing will necessarily change. As we all know the media around the world is always trying to make Israel look bad. And media is where people get their information from. So if the governments around the world are pro Arab and the people around the world are misinformed then there is no one left who will stand up for us, leaving a Holocaust type scenario. Lets not let history repeat itself.

I believe we are in denial because we feel powerless that there is anything that we can do on our own..I for one have recently emigrated to New Zealand to escape the islamification of Europe..also which we are very much in denial over and have taken my family to a place I believe they can be freer from anti zionist/semitic attitudes..be safe Shalom

it is time for us to take a stand for once in our history and take this threat seriously and not vote for Obama again

Last year the Obama administration sold Israel 55 'bunker buster' bombs. That is bombs designed to destroy underground facilities. Therefore, your comment does not make sense.

Obama must go otherwise he will bring disaster to tuevwhole world

Other than Hiroshima the only time the world has faces the possibility of a nuclear confrontation has been during the Cold War. Then the USA and Russia neutralized one another with the threat of mutual annihilation based on "Western" values that both understood - either one had the capability to kill millions of the other. This understanding made the use of nuclear weapons unacceptable as the cost for either would simply be too high. In the case of Iran you face a Jihadist mentality where the loss of millions of Iranians poses no moral problem - in fact it would be welcomed as a valid sacrifice for Allah. Against this the West has no answer as the threat of gigantic human loss is no longer a deterrent. This is what the vast majority of the denialists simply do not understand.

Rabbi, I have to tell you, I hear your pain on this issue. As comment #22 said, this happened before in the 1930's and no one took it seriously then either. I am beyond frustrated at our leadership both here in the US and in Israel. Yes, it is important to sign petitions and to march etc. but, at the end of the day, it is our leadership that is selling us out. The Obama administration is awful (utterly predictable to anyone who choose to look at his record before voting for him). But nearly 80% of the Jewish community voted for him anyway because their liberal ideology trumped anything that pertained to their Jewish survival. BTW, I bet that most will do it again. But I'm not letting the Bush administration off on this matter either. It was especially poor in it's second term. Both sides of the political spectrum have not sealed our borders, dealt with Iran, or done anything to stem our dependence on ME oil. The American discourse has been deep fryed in political correctness and refuses to call Islam an enemy. I certainly hope that some how or some way we can turn this all around!

I've been asking the same question, and wondering why no one has organized a global virtual rally whereby we say tehillim or a special prayer simultaneously...plus give tzedaka, etc. Can Aish put something like this together?

Esther and Mordechai spoke up: they identified themselves as Jews, and educated the king about who the Jews were and about the plot to annihilate the Jews. Their actions - with their fasting and prayer - saved the Jews. The ancient Persian king ruled 127 nations; the contemporary Persian/Iranian king has the tacit support of the 127 nations in the UN today to delegitimize the State of Israel and to act to destroy it. Our job is to be like Esther and Mordechai. We need to speak up, and act up, as they did. We need to have conversations with our colleagues, friends and families; we need to write letters to the editor and our political representatives and to the UN. We need to persistently present our demands for Israel's right to exist as a sovereign, Jewish state with Jerusalem as its undivided capital, and our right to build communities in our state. We need to do this - individually and communally - with our own mass demonstrations in the streets, in the US and in Israel, and in every Jewish community in the world. It is outrageous that the world is silent (again) while the Jews are being threatened with annihilation (again). How do you start such conversations? Ask people to draw an outline map of Israel. If they can't, draw it for them and ask them to identify the states bordering Israel. Ask them to identify Gaza and the West Bank on the map. Ask them to identify the proposed Palestinian State. Ask them how they feel about a Judeinrein Palestinian State, which is what the Muslims guarantee. Ask them, if Iran's threat is carried out and Israel is destroyed, if that is an acceptable outcome. Make them realize how little they understand of the facts; make them think about their position; educate them. That's what we can each do, every day. Of course, we must also pray to HaShem for His help to defeat our enemies, and work to elevate ourselves spiritually - take on a new mitzvah, do more acts of kindness - so as to merit HaShem's salvation. SPEAK UP!

We were in denial in the !930s, no one believed what others were telling them, when they did believe, to our great sorrow it was too late. Please people sign petitions against Ahmadinejad. He really means what he says. Please do not believe when it is too late again.

I agree with Ms. Hiller. Even when our precious families were herded on the trains, even when they were stripped naked they were in denial. How quickly we've forgotten. I don't believe that war is the answer but prayer, awareness and pro active diligence is certainly appropriate. I pray that a political solution will be the outcome. The alternative is unthinkable for everyone living on this beautiful planet.

you are right we are in denial -thia is another amalek/hamman he deseaves the sam fate -but we dont have the guts to face it- life is to good-further we must not expect the rest of the world to help us- when we unite as one jewish nation there is no one that can defeat us - read salm 120 it says it all - shalom dovid bn slomo

Most western people don't understand the mentality. War, confusion, chaos will bring back the twelfth imam who is destined to rule the world. Islam will reign supreme, they say. Israel the first to go, but then the rest or the world must follow. It's a religious duty for shiite muslims who follow this doctrine. Thank God, the majority of Iranians don't want this madness, they want to live in peace, in freedom, but what are the western nations doing to help these people? It's time to speak out and to act for Israel, for the Iranian people, for our civilization, for our children.

We must not waste any more time. We must strike and not just iran but all arab sites that harbor terrorists, all of them. We must get back to it, back to hurt us , we will take you out. obamas lets talk is his muslim ploy to quell us......... Attack and be done..

I believe Russia is more of a threat to Israel than Iran ever will be. It is written in the prophets that they will come from the north and be annilated in the mountains of Israel. I believe the real threat is in our daily lives and you pointed that out. Are we living more faithfully? Are we praying more? Are we looking around us and helping people in need? As you said, something to think about. Thank you Rabbi Salomon.

Why is Israel the one who must take out Iran's weapons of Mass Destruction. Leaders and most people, even Jews want to reduce Israel to 9 miles wide. These same people want little tiny Israel to take out this giant. Iran's plan, after he blows Israel off the face of the earth (LOL) is to destory America. Wake up America.

Perhaps, American Jewry has gotten too impressed with the campaign's reassurance or Israel's past successes at survival. The past doesn't necessarily repeat itself. Jews must develop voting blocks, express their views and power over election results, demonstrate that , to us, this issue is as important as the economy. Boycott, demonstrate and pressure our gov't and the, almost powerless, U.N. to act before it is too late.

The nations of the world are posturing in hopes that Israel will make the move (thinking this in their minds but no guts to help act) so they can blame Israel if any percussions in the end.The old blame game will enter the scene.

#1- think, this means you as a person an individual has to thnk about what is going on how it can affect you almost in a selfish manner, imagine for a moment a bomb burning you to nothingness or someone blaming you the jew for the world problems and their problems, what would you do to make sure it didnt happen how would you pray to G-d that he spare you. do that now before it happens #2 improve as chazal tell us gemilas chesed and torah learning are the powerful tools that help save and spare a person during chevlei mashiach #3 pray for the sake of the nation and the glory of the lord #4 repent and finally when you are done with the 4 and are not yet 120 years old come back for more if you still have any problems. all the best and a joyous purim to you!!

So even if we are not in denial, there is no answer that you offer, and there isn't any good solution that I have yet heard of.

What we can do? Alert all the Jews in America so they submerge the white Haus with Mails saying: Mr. Obama, if you don´t sustain Israel now, also in it´s intention to bomb the nuclear facilities in Iran, we will all vote for the Republicans in November and nothing you will say or do will change our decision! So sustain please Israel NOW !

I think we realize the immense problem of Iran. The powers that be realize it also (how can they not) but keep talking about sanctions which are not getting any results and refuse to take any action. I hope that Israel decides to take action.

Amost all my Jewish friends are taking this threat seriously. The only ones who are not in denial are the Obama supporters who will make any excuse for this administration's hemming and hawing when it comes to supporting Israel.

What is one to take to heart from this piece? We are in trouble and you are simply repeating that we are in trouble. What action should be taken? The bottom line is that there is no bottom line. Ausgevorfen verter.

A feature that I find with people more and more commonly is that they lack the courage to be themselves, their own persons. In some perverted sense, they feel safer when they can be confident that they are compliant with what is considered to be "in" and what is represented by the mainstream. There is a chapter in the What The Angel Has Taught You book written by Rabbi Weinberg AND Rabbi Solomon, which treats this issue (the chapter is one of my most favourite Jewish texts and I recently quoted it in another comment of mine related to another article here). Very sadly and scaringly, I feel it has become part of the mainstream to side with Israel's enemies, and to divide every wrongdoing of theirs by 1000, while multiplying every wrongdoing of Israel by 10000. I believe that HaShem is willing to help protect Israel and the Jewish people. However, as in the biblical story Esther and Mordechai had to exert effort and do their part, both the Jews and their non-Jewish friends (I am a Noahide) should keep asking themselves how they personally can contribute.

When looking at the situation with Iran one must also tlook at what is happening with our Gedolim (great Jewish rabbis). Before the begiinning of WWII Hashem took many of our Gedolim. Now we are also seeing many of our Gedolim either very sick or worse. Both situations are a wake up call. What else must Hashem do to wake up the Yidden?

Israel must knock out all of Iran's military arsenal and it's nuclear facilities very soon or the nation must cry out to the God of Jacob and depend on Him to deliver them from destruction or both. In my opinion, which may be wrong, President Barak Oboma cannot be trusted and the USA cannot be counted on for help.

I also believe it to be true that the U.S. CANNOT be depended on. Just think for a minute, it's not only Israel, it's the Jewish nation. Not only are our bothers in trouble, but we are also. If America would turn a blind eye, do you think it has sympathy for us, Jews, living in it?!? WE are immense danger, and once we realize that, then we could turn to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for deliverance. We also must realize that this is not just politics, it's our, as Yiddin, responsibility. Kol Yisroel Arievim Zeh L'Zeh!! WE, OURSELVES, MUST TAKE ACTION!! Not just talk about it!! (though, what I fear is that the Iranian leader wanted to get us excited about it, so that he could take center stage. But now it is too late for that. Now we have to fight it face-on and defeat the Satan. His body is -as it seems-is a human form of the Satan.) NOW is the time. Don't wait for organizations, make them!!! Work on yourself. If his threats are true, and we work as individuals and as a nation, Mashiach CAN come!! But we must be able to merit (on a personal level, each for him or herself) to see the Final Redimption. It's YOUR life. It's up to you, and only you-only with the help of Hashem.

OK...I'm ready to do something..but what?? The only thing there is to do is daven to Hashem. Even when His "face is hidden", as in the Purim story, Hashem orchestrated the perfect plot starring the perfect characters, Mordechai & Esther. There was a perfect ending!! We surely don't see all that Hashem is doing, albeit, He has run this world for over 5000 years & I think He will continue to do so!

Of course we can do something concrete! G-d did not create angels, so He doesn't expect perfection from us- but He certainly expects that we constantly work on ourselves to achieve what we can and head in that general direction. We should respond to the recent tragedies and to the imminent threats by devoting ourselves to G-d, the only One Who has the power to change the situation...He created it, after all! The way you show devotion is through actions. It's not enough to THINK religiously- we have to display through our actions that we care about G-d's honor, so He will stand up and defend our's! Whether this means dressing more modestly, keeping higher standards of kosher, or devoting more time and thought to the mitzvot we do already... if we want to protect ourselves, there is only one avenue. and that's G-d. Let's show Him we get the message!

I just posted a comment telling what we can do.

Are you in Eretz Yisrael?

I'm not in denial, however I'm curious - what about biological warfare? If he's so serious about destroying Israel (which I'm sure he is) what's stopping him, G-d forbid, from sending a couple of Anthrax loaded missile our way? Isn't that a more readily accessible, and probably cheaper, means of genocide? Why all the effort to go nuclear in particular, in order to try and "wipe Israel off the map"?

I suppose he also hasn't considered all the Palestinians Iran will kill if it sends a biological or nuclear weapon against Israel. It will only kills Jews? I don't think so. He will kill not only Israelis but Palestinians. Anyone thought of that?

Mordechai and Esther of Persia (Iran) already gave us the best answer: teshuvah (repentance), prayer, fasting, and Jewish unity. Sincerely return to our Father in Heaven and do His will, and He will take care of the rest. It worked then; it can work now, too.

I for one agree with you.

Perhaps facing it is so terrifying that are allowing ourselves a luxury that we don't have.....to pretend it doesn't exist.

Sadly, I have to agree. There are many Jewish people that are in denial, as you say. I'm sorry to say that these are probably the same Jewish people that read and believe all that is written in a certain well known New York City news rag. Most realistic Jewish people are not in denial. What's to deny? The little man running Iran, the one with the very big chip on his shoulder, is honest about his desires. Thank goodness for men like Netanyahu.

.......& if this little man is honest about his desires...what is he waiting for???