We gave the world a conscience – and the world hates us for it.
The nations will use every possible excuse to hound us and humiliate us, to weaken our physical and moral fiber, even to lure the weak and vacillating in our midst to join them and testify against their own brothers and sisters. (Sadly, we have always had among us those who are so anxious to prove themselves open-minded citizens of the world that they openly sympathize with the enemies of our people.)
Yet, stunningly, here we are. Unbelievably, miraculously, here we are.
Often overwhelmed by momentary despair, wondering how we will make it to the next year, the next month, even the next day, surrounded by an unforgiving world that manages to blame us for whatever evil or misfortune befalls men, we emerge mi’ma’amakim – from the depths. We take a deep breath and forge ahead, as we’ve done since Sinai.
Despite our woes, despite our doubts, we trust that we will see, as we’ve seen throughout the ages, the Arm of Providence carrying us forward, as promised by our Torah.
Va’esa etchem al kanfe nesharim – on eagle’s wings will I carry you, My Children, into a bright future. Indeed, when the proud empires and giant powers of today shall be but ruins and dust, you shall continue to be My am segulah, My treasured portion.
As long as the stars continue to twinkle in the darkness of night, as long as the sun continues to rise and shine upon this earth, My hounded people shall forge ahead, heads held high, into a bright tomorrow – le’olamei olamim, destined to endure forever.