As I watched the proceedings at the United Nations last week I couldn’t help but remember the story of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and my father – and, most important of all, the lesson my father taught me I needed to learn from that historic moment.
I would’ve liked to say the time my father met with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, but that wouldn’t be true. That meeting should have happened, but it didn’t. And therein lies a remarkable tale that happened two days before Yom Kippur in 1943.
It is one of those much repeated lies about the events of the Holocaust that the world simply did not know what was happening to European Jewry by the time of the early 40s. Hitler had long since made clear his genocidal plans and there were sufficient eyewitness accounts of concentration camp atrocities and mass murders to verify the seriousness of his efforts. The unimaginable was a reality and it was no longer a secret. Yet the world turned a blind eye to Holocaust horrors. Tragically, the President of the United States, then revered by almost all Jews as a saintly figure, still chose not to intervene by word or by deed.
What was the Jewish community in the United States to do? It is hard to put ourselves back into the psyche of a previous generation, a generation for whom demonstrations against government policy were unknown, protests unheard-of. Even to plead on behalf of the interests of one particular group was considered by most as un-American.
Silence in the face of the slaughter of their fellow Jews was an impossible option, but what was a viable alternative?
Rabbinic leaders were perplexed; silence in the face of the slaughter of their fellow Jews was an impossible option, but they had difficulty coming up with a viable alternative. Orthodox spiritual leaders in particular faced an additional problem: With their beards and noticeably different garb, their appearance made them stand out as outsiders. And as fairly recent immigrants, many of them hardly spoke English. How could they possibly have any influence on American policy?
And yet, two days before Yom Kippur in 1943 history records that over 400 Orthodox rabbis, with their black hats and rabbinic frocks, converged on Congress and the White House in a stirring display of unity to rescue Jews from Nazi extermination. These were the elders of the Orthodox community in the 1940s, mostly European-born Talmudic scholars, as unfamiliar with the political ways of the New World to which they had emigrated as they were with its language.
And one of them was my father.
My father, Rabbi Ben Zion Blech, is in the front row, fifth from the left
The rabbis gathered in front of the Capitol, recited the Kaddish for all those who had perished, sang the traditional Jewish prayer for the nation's leaders to the tune of the “Star Spangled Banner”, and solemnly read aloud, in English and Hebrew, their petition calling for the creation of a special Federal agency to rescue European Jewry and expand the limited quota on Jewish refugee immigration to the United States. They then marched to the White House with an urgent plea to allow them a few moments to make their case personally to the President.
FDR avoided the rabbis by leaving the White House through a rear exit while they marched silently in front. He claimed another pressing engagement. White House records confirmed his calendar was clear. The rabbis were snubbed. The Holocaust and the genocide of six million continued as before.
What Did They Accomplish?
The question begs to be asked: What did the rabbis accomplish?
It is not what we accomplish but what we attempt that truly defines us.
My father often told me that this was one of the most important lessons I had to learn in life. God does not judge us by way of our success, but by way of our efforts. It is not what we accomplish but what we attempt that truly defines us.
Just imagine if those rabbis who were part of what is today known as the March of the Rabbis would have simply accepted defeat without even a struggle, acquiescing to the slaughter of their people by their silence. How would they have been able to face the judgment of history as well as that of the heavenly court at the end of their days?
What we accomplished, my father told me, is that we did not forsake our role as spiritual leaders. We did not stand idly by at the blood of our brothers and sisters. We refused to remain indifferent to evil and the suffering of our people. We were not tainted by the sin of passivity - a crime which can condemn a silent bystander with guilt comparable in some measure to the actual perpetrator.
Heroes, my father always stressed, don’t always need to be successful. All we can ask of them is to do everything in their power - and the rest is up to God.
So that’s how I judge all the efforts I’ve expended throughout the years on “lost causes.” And that’s how I feel as I think about how hard so many of us have tried to block the disastrous deal with Iran which guarantees the Iranians immediate billions for their sponsorship of global terror and guaranteed nuclear capability in the not-too-distant future.
Bibi’s Deafening Silence
That too is precisely how I felt last week as I watched Prime Minister Netanyahu speaking at the United Nations. Netanyahu is surely no stranger to hostile receptions at the UN. But this time he was able to use the animus toward the Jewish state on the part of the overwhelming majority of member states to good use. At one point during his address to the General Assembly, he pointed out that only 70 years after the Holocaust, Iran was repeatedly threatening the Jewish state with annihilation. But “the response from nearly every one of the governments represented here, has been absolutely nothing. Utter silence. Deafening silence."
And then Netanyahu stood at the podium for what may have been the most agonizing 44 seconds in the history of such addresses at the UN. That truly deafening silence conveyed everything we need to know about the international community and its indifference toward efforts to annihilate Israel.
He followed the silence by stating the obvious: “Perhaps you can now understand why Israel is not joining you in celebrating this deal. If Iran’s rulers were working to destroy your country, perhaps you’d be less enthusiastic about the deal.”
What good, you may ask, did it do for Netanyahu to remind an entire world body of leaders of their unrestrained and unchecked anti-Semitism? The answer remains the same as the truth taught to me by my father: At least history will record that someone spoke out - and that in and of itself is heroic.
(22) Michael Tamanisau, October 18, 2015 12:32 PM
Courageous. I stand with you Yisrael.
Courageous. I stand with you Yisrael.
(21) Munkhtsetseg, October 17, 2015 2:05 PM
Thank you
Nice writing. A millions of people around world support state of Israel under Abrahamic covenant and stand for Israel day and night in faith and prayer. UN is rep of politicians only. It does not represent our hearts' reflection towards Israel. We believe and support Israel. Keep believing.
(20) Anonymous, October 12, 2015 6:43 AM
Is one march of the Rabbis enough?
Yes, the Rabbis marched. Once. Maybe their struggle might have had more success, if they marched again and again until their goal would have had been fulfilled. So they had a good conscience having tried... And the Holocaust could continue and only a few of us were lucky enough to survive it. Most of our families did not. Biíbi is right,he never gives up, again and again.
(19) Yaffa, October 12, 2015 12:31 AM
Pray for Jerusalem!
Rabbi, Thank you for sharing the wisdom of your father to us. You listened and heard his words of TRUTH and then passed the knowledge on. You have given me encouragement to continue on even if I feel nothing was accomplished by my actions. I heard and moved if maybe just a few steps.
Shavu Tov
Yaffa Naomi
(18) Eremasi Cama Tamanisau, October 11, 2015 10:40 PM
What a courageous, honest and noble speech by Bibi. And what a pathetic and hypocritical response by the UN World Leaders (?)!. When those responsible do not take action, God will take over. Kalougata Isireli.
What a courageous, honest and noble speech by Bibi. What a despicable and hypocritical response by the so called World Leaders! When those responsible do not take action, God will. Kalougata tikoga Isireli.
(17) Barry, October 11, 2015 8:46 PM
Getting the News Media to Report Fairly
It is a lack of knowledge of World War II which leaves an entire generation without any information about what really transpired in Germany and Poland by a crazy man named Adolph Hitler, the Chancellor of Germany.
He came up with the "Final Solution," the way to rid the world of the Jewish People. He used concentration camps such as Auschwitz to kill about 6 million Jewish Men, Women and Children. This is what we call the "Holocaust."
There were others killed as well such as Gays, the mentally ill and the Educated Professors who could teach the truth to future generations. He did not want to hear about the truth. Hitler only wanted to hear about himself and how the Fatherland, Germany (the Third Reich) will last for 1,000 years.
He was wrong and the Allies won the War. They consisted of the U.S., England and Russia and the Jewish prisoners of Death Camps were set free. Both my Mother and Father were at Auschwitz for 3 years. They were freed by the Russians and these hardened soldiers cried when they saw the piles of dead bodies and the people who were not much more than bones cry at their rescue.
This is not being taught to this generation of school kids and it must not be forgotten. NEVER AGAIN is my motto. We have a homeland for Jewish people. It is not America. The world must not demonize Israel for existing. It was voted by the United Nations as a legitimate Nation in 1948 and from that moment on, the Arab nations surrounding Israel have been trying to destroy Israel.
Now they are twisting the News Media and many people across the world believe what the see on TV and read in Newspapers which are mostly biased against Israel and taking sides with so-called Palestine which never existed as a nation before and will not be a nation. They have not been absorbed by their own Arab and Muslim neighboring brothers but have been treated fairly since Israel took over the little piece of land with Jerusalem as its Capitol.
(16) Allon Baker, October 11, 2015 2:55 PM
nothing new under the sun
Israel will do what it has to do and the world should stop sending idiots to the UN and start to deal with the problem the Muslim represent in the free world, otherwise there will be no free world to live in.
(15) Lisa, October 11, 2015 12:52 PM
Silence!!
It's what Bibi didn't say.....his 44 seconds of silence that was so powerful!
Loved when he said ....my people......
He's a true leader!!
Lee, October 11, 2015 9:13 PM
question on a later remark from BB
After BB spoke at the UN, I read the article when he said "you can't say you haven't been warned" I don't think I've heard/or read any comments about that comment -- I do pray from Israel every day.
(14) Neria, October 9, 2015 4:56 PM
Powerful
His silence is so powerful. Not one person spoke up for Israel or humanity during his speech. Thank you for this post. Shabbat Shalom for all of Israel.
(13) David Olufemi, October 9, 2015 10:47 AM
we should think the way forward.
Military solution
(12) Sharon Gomer, October 9, 2015 8:40 AM
So, nu this scenario is something new. We have been living with this hate of anything Jewish for centuries. Israel must do what Israel has always done. Worry about the future of Israel and the Jews. We think that the rest of the world USA included wants the best for tiny little Israel. Well they couldn't give a hoot, never have given a hoot and never will give a hoot for anything "Jewish". They don't care but we care and in our hearts we know we have someone in our corner who does "CARE" always has and always will. There is only ONE who will take care of everything and that is HASHEM. The rest is immaterial. Yes Netanyahu should wear a yarmalka, a sign that he is different he is JEWISH but his silence was eloquent - probably made a couple of politicians squirm but that's where it ends. The squirming will not become anything concrete. We are AM YISREL & WE ARE STILL HERE -always will be too. HAVE A GREAT SHABBOS
(11) Rachel, October 9, 2015 2:24 AM
Netanyahus silence
I did not think his silence had any point, watching him on tv.
And please remember that by 1943, the US was at war. Winning the war was what saved Jews, although not nearly enough of them.
Marilyn, October 10, 2015 7:35 PM
More could have been saved if they others had acted eariler
The world stood still and did not answer the call to protect the Jews in Europe, hopefully it will not continue to stand still. Iran with weapons and money may eventually be the end of us all.
(10) Karri Adler, October 9, 2015 1:52 AM
Beauty
I cried whilst reading this article. I cried tears for the brave and beautiful souls of the 400 rabbis petitioning the US gov. I also cried tears of relief at hearing the truth: "God does not judge us by way of our success, but by way of our efforts. It is not what we accomplish but what we attempt that truly defines us." Thank you so much for this heart-warming article. Also, on a another subject but with your health in mind - please be aware of the dangers of cell masts, cell phones, and wireless devices (wifi, ipads etc) I got very ill from them but am recovering now that I am free from EMFs. (fibromyalgia, pain, tinnitus, heart palpitations etc)
Anonymous, October 10, 2015 7:37 PM
It is truly important that we keep putting forth efforts towards world peace!
(9) Kathleen Dahnke Nottestad, October 8, 2015 9:32 PM
Are you next?
What comes round goes round - why does it have to be @ ones doorstep before one understands? Shame on America - we should be side by side with Israel - how many countries have the USA on it's hit list - many. Our country is struggling we may be the richest but we are far from the most generous - their are those in places to do much for those who need much - but many are much more interested in bettering their own pocket books than seeing their are those with basic needs like a meal - but many are more interested in owning and acquiring more more more and the hell with those they trample to get to their atopia. America has a whole party hell bent on turning our democracy into their own dictatorship - if they don't get their way a temper tantrum will be felt by all citizens - so these days it feels that America is @ war within. Our country has been dragged into many wars that the main goal back home was that those wanting to enhance their own pocketbooks and as long as it wasN'T their own kin doing the fighting in far off lands - they voted yes to going to war. Enough - but my heart goes to Israel - you tried to explain BUT because of the closed minds and hearts of all those who don't understand they may well be next! What goes round comes round! Again - GOD BLESS Israel & America ! I believe God loves both countries - thus far we're both represent Democracy and that's a good thing - may neither of us parish and continue to do good for all man kind. As God would want us to do.
(8) Anonymous, October 8, 2015 9:13 PM
One Serious Problem
Prime Minister Netanyahu is, without question, a powerful and passionate speaker to be commended for his speech and for the 44 seconds of silence at the UN. However, a serious problem exists: G-d needs to feel his sincerity. Thus, in my humble opinion, if he proudly represents the Jewish nation, he needs to encourage all Jews in Israel and the world over to tighten up in their connection to G-d through prayer, adherence to the Covenant, and mitzvah performance. Since Bibi represents Israel as a leader of the Jewish nation, it would serve him well, at the very least, to proudly wear a yarmulka, connecting spiritually to the only One Who decides if his efforts yield positive results. He needs to initiate and encourage world Jewry to heal the Covenant with Hashem, which has been severely damaged throughout history and requires immediate steps toward repair if G-d is to bless his heroic actions. We need him to encourage a global buy-in. To think otherwise is not opening our eyes to awareness of the truth as to why the Jewish people continue to suffer. There is, after all, only one prescribed way to live our lives in connection to our Father, our King, and that is by way of His Torah, which speaks to us in every generation. The Prime Minister must exert effort in a new direction. Is it not time for the leader of the Jewish people in Israel to look at the bigger picture and opt for positive change and an end to passivity in this key area? A leader so beloved who changes his focus for the good and encourages his people in unity, spiritual connection, and Shabbat observance can rest assured that
G-d will take notice. Speeches, rallies, and petitions can only do so much. Envision PM Netanyahu as the Mordechai of the Purim story. What a momentous shift that would be! Rabbi Blech's words above are, "G-d does not judge us by way of our success, but by way of our efforts", referring to spiritual efforts, led by the Prime Minister. The time to shift the paradigm is now.
(7) A Christian, October 8, 2015 7:18 PM
Clearly a heroic leader
Great leader and I loved how he expressed what his silence meant. God will bless him and curse all against Israel just as he has written he would.
(6) Peninah, October 8, 2015 6:57 PM
What More Can A Nobody Like Me Do?
It is the strangest of things,to love a people who you really don't know.I admire and laud the chutzpah and strength of Prime Minister Netanyahu.May HaShem embolden him more to continue fighting for Israel.I pray fervently for Israel and the Jewish people and donate the little I have to Jewish causes.I am not in a position of influence,just another non-Jew who wishes they could do more but are not a position to.I feel helpless,so all I do is pray.May HaShem stir the world into action,may He bring the reign of wickedness to an end soon,may He extirpate all idols and cleanse the world of idolatry so that everyone will turn and worship the One true G-d.Thank you Rabbi for this wonderful article.
(5) Anonymous, October 8, 2015 4:42 PM
Wow.... Such a powerful article, concise historic building on prior premise. Thank you.
Thank you for re-presenting these truths for us to ponder.
(4) Alan Yates, October 8, 2015 3:23 PM
Every second of the silence shamed the UN delegates; those present as well as those who chose to be absent.
(3) ruth housman, October 8, 2015 3:05 PM
rising consciousness married to conscience
Yes, I can so resonate to your words. People can go out the back door in an effort not to confront what is so palpable, as in these rabbis, coming to petition for what was beyond imaginable, some succor, help, recognition. To ACT is everything, and to act with conscience is the only true path in my view, in your view. I write extensively on line, an ongoing Story that is not just synchronous but it's about words, of hope, of Love, that we might someday soon, recognize humanity in all that we do, to act arms around the world in an embracing way. This, the humane race. But I find, when I write about Israel, nobody comes, or very few read anything I am writing. And that is telling to me, what people keep inside, that is judgmental, that feels like a still dead thing, that anyone can, in the face of history and her story, condemn the Jews. That silence for me is cutting, but not cutting edge as in what signals change. Rather the razor's edge, what continues to feel so raw and bleeding, that somehow we are made into scapegoats for the internal angers that do fuel people that have nothing to do with us.
(2) Dr. Harry Hamburger, October 8, 2015 2:41 PM
Enough!
The killing has to stop
and rock throwing must cease
should expel aliens from Land
to have a real peace
Let them make a home
in a place far away
where the desert will bloom
and their children can play
A democratic and secular State
is an affront toward Heaven
that will soon dry up
due to absence of leaven
Let the Dome come down
Temple descend from the sky
for only by sanctifying Land
will David's Kingdom again rise
Gloria Schroeder, October 9, 2015 3:19 AM
thankyou
In 1922 the British Mandate gave the land to the Jews to re-establish Israel. No mention of Arabs was on the transfer. The Quran states Allah gives the land back to the Jews in the later days, so all violence and aggression are in violation of Muslim Law. So why all the tension and strife? All the world can read. Israel was prophesied to become the Sovereign World Power if they kept all Laws, Statutes and Commandments. What world power wants Israel to dominate? none. Every undertaking of the world undermines the ability of Israel to be blameless in law. So how can this be overcome? Israel needs to place Divine before Civil. It will take faith.
(1) Mike, October 8, 2015 12:05 PM
thank you Rabbi Blech for this truly inspiring article
I think that it is on us as Jews to understand how the world really instead of projecting our own thoughts on the other nations or mistaking our thoughts of what we would like others to do (even if it would be totally within their reach) with what they really do.
The UN has as its motto the quote from Isaya about beating swords into plowshares, from the Tanach, yet the UN couldn't care less about the Tanach. The UN could support Israel as a model for all countries in terms of freedom,development,etc but Israel is by far the most-condemned country at the UN.
The UN has made a travesty of actual morality, not only about Israel but about any human being, by electing tyrannies into the human-rights council.
Same with America,I'm sorry to say. Historian David Wyman writes that during WWII the US only let in 21.000 refugees. "That amounted to 10 percent of the number who could have been legally admitted under the immigration quotas during that period"
As Rabbi Blech wrote, it was not that people didn't know what happened to the Jews.
Still it seems that the apathy and indifference of the general population is not totally limited to the Jews.
There are innocent people being slaughtered and murdered and abused and the world does not seem to care.
For example over 100.000 women in Sudan were systematically raped and the world did not do anything, not even talk about it.
The silence is more deafening with the Yazidi people.
There is a Jewish man who has an initiative
A Modern Day Oskar Schindler
http://www.aish.com/jw/s/A-Modern-Day-Oskar-Schindler.html
but it seems most people who helped were private individuals, and many or most of them Jews.
How can it be that it takes a small businessman to do this? Where are the 'noble' governments.
And how could the Iran deal come to pass? Perhaps it is that those 'noble nations' in truth couldn't care less.
ruth housman, October 8, 2015 3:09 PM
the massive silence of the world is deafening!
Yes, I agree, for acts of indifference, there is what goes around the world, not just the Jews are being so egregiously hurt, and cruelty does run rampant and continues. Can One person make a difference? I believe YES, and that was Chief Justice Brandeis' belief, and it is our Shema, about ONE. Since we are ONE, then everyONE around the world, Jew and non Jew, must be participatory is Hope, in Empathy being the only path. And I think what is intense, could be, what is for the migration of souls, to realize a vaster Story circles, and we're all asters, all stars, and all belong in the same camp. For seeds of peace this awakening will be like none other, ever experienced. And we will be dancing. Dance/Sing. Because yes, I perceive a language based Story, that will marry conscience with consciousness. What informs our very souls: the COEUR being about HEART.
ROSLYN ENGELMAYER, October 8, 2015 4:10 PM
My children live in ISRAEL. MY TWIN SISTER MADE ALiyah she is going to live in israel
NO wHERE IS SAFE. HOPEFULLY I TO WILL BE THERE G-D WILLING. BIBBI IS CORRECT NOBODY CARES ABOUT THE JEWS. OR THE STATE OF ISRAEL. FROM MY MOUTH TO G-DS EARS THE BIG COUNTRIES WILL FEEL SORRY FOR NOT HELPING US. THEY THINK THEY ARE IMMUNE THEY ARE NOT!IRANWANTS TO CONTROL THE WORLD LIKE GERMANYWANTED TO-WE ALL HAVE TO MERGE TOGETHER AND HELP EACH OTHER IN THIS CRISIS
Eugene Mazzilli, October 8, 2015 4:37 PM
Very True
Mike,
What you say is correct. However, It is also time that the Jewish community reached out to the American populace (Gentiles, Moslems, Buddists, Hindi, and all races and religions) and the News media and declared a Day of Protest, with marches, boycotts, and a special program on the TV with commentaries by good people, whomever they may be, in support of Israel and peace. However, it is also time that Israel took down some of the walls that enslave people of other nations, especially their neighbors. Israel must make some MORE concessions as a sign of good will, peace and love of their neighbor..... (and please let's not repeat ourselves by saying the ridiculous, that our neighbor is our fellow Jew). Your neighbor is the person next door or next country. I realize it is so easy for people like myself to ask for things such as this, because I sit in relative comfort, peace and security. However, if we all don't get off our duff and do something soon, by showing a sign of strength and cohesiveness, we will find ourselves in another 911 situation, and even greater hostilities towards Israel.
I wrote to my Congressman, Senator Mikulski, and the White House. The only response I received was from my Congressman. So, since they represent me in the Senate and the White House, and choose to turn their backs on me, It is time that I showed them my face.. We need another march on Washington! When the politicians see the people marching on Washington, they'll change their minds and support Israel. I can only hope and pray that they do and that more people will join in on writing to their Congresspersons and Senators.
Anonymous, October 9, 2015 4:14 AM
UN Fraud
The British Mandate was in full force until Oct. 24, 1945, to May 14,15, 1948, when there was a UN Trusteeship. (Brits grew tired of Arab violence) International Trusteeship System, Chapter 12, article 80 says "nothing in this chapter shall be construed in or of itself to alter any manner, the rights whatsoever of any states of any peoples or terms of existing international instruments to which members of the United Nations may respectively be members. " The 'international instruments' in this case, was the British Mandate, which gave the land, called Palestine, to Jews, for the re-establishment of Israel. Mandate did not allot land to Arabs on Jewish soil. Why not? Arabs were generously given land in Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and North Africa establishing 21 Arab States. There is no UN Charter giving the Security Counsel, the General Assembly, or Trusteeship Counsel power to create a new independent state. The International Court of Justice reaffirmed validity of Art. 80, and the Mandate for Palestine original land transfer to Israel, of 124, 466 sq. Km., is still legally theirs according to the UN Charter. One U.S. Congresswoman, entered a bill to punish the UN for illegal actions in the creation of a Palestinian State.