I present the following points, and I would venture to say that any intellectually honest individual cannot refute my assertions:
* Had the Maccabees fled from the fight, we would have had no model for resistance against spiritual oppressors, which has been the symbol for Jewish resistance both in spirit and with the sword
* Had the Maccabees fled, we would have lost any semblance of Jewish modesty and discipline on the altar of Hellenistic hedonism and pagan drives. We would have lost the soul and encased it in a grotesque physical shell which debased and abandoned the halachic sign of brit milah
* Had the Maccabees fled, what would Judaism have looked like today? I believe we would have long ago abandoned any semblance of halacha and essentially assimilated away.
Had the Maccabees decided to hide away and let the Greeks and their traitorous, Hellenistic brethren among the Jews unite, we would have abandoned the torah, and abandoned Eretz Yisroel
* Had the Maccabees fled, we as a distinct, separate, holy nation would no longer exist today.
The challenge is great, and the options at this point appear limited, vague, and sometimes conflicting. Let us become modern day Maccabees and seize the day. Embrace the challenge. Fight for Hashem. I look forward to sharing my thoughts and discussing the issues with other Jews.
Regardless of our position, history will remember our actions. Will we be remembered for apathy or action? Impotent gesticulations of activism, or concrete programs for genuine change. Let us learn from the legacy of the Maccabees, and choose to fight the enemy, rather than flee.
