In this week’s parshah we read about Yisro’s suggestion to Moshe Rabbeinu regarding appointing judges. The Torah details the qualifications one must meet to become a judge. One must be wealthy so he will not be easily bribed (according to Rashi), possess the capability to lead a large group of people, (according to the Ramban) fear God, be a man of truth, and hate corruption (Shemos 18:21).
There are great accolades and rewards promised for one who judges honestly. The Mechilta on this week’s parsha says one whose verdict is completely truthful is a partner with God in the creation of the world.
Despite this great potential, we have recently witnessed gross perversion of justice in the world. In the state of Israel the Supreme Court is notorious for its leftist biased judgments; A little more than a week ago we all watched as another Jewish settlement was evacuated by Jews and given to our enemies who seek our destruction.
One glaring omission from the entire case was the Palestinians’ proof of ownership. But the high court would not let that minor piece of evidence hinder its prejudice. The justices on it have perverted their power and caused irrevocable damage. Not only are they not partnering with God in the creation of the world, they are actively destroying it by removing Jews from their homes in Israel.
Last week the Israeli Government passed a regulation that would prevent such scenarios from repeating, but there is much speculation that this disgraceful court will strike it down.
During the past few weeks in the United States we observed one justice after another perform one injustice after another, putting their political views before the law regarding the president’s temporary pause on immigration and refugees from certain countries.
The law in this regard is extremely clear; and I think it is beneficial to quote it. Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 states: Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.
So, if the President feels it is necessary, he can temporarily halt immigration from certain countries. The law is clear and previous presidents have enacted this exact order as well. Yet, “justices” such as Judge Robart and others including the Ninth Circuit, or Ninth Circus as it’s frequently called given its scandalous record of being overturned by the Supreme Court, ruled to block President Trump’s immigration order.
Aside from many numerous flaws with the ruling, Judge Robart did not even hold a hearing on the merits of the order, and his ruling did not include any analysis. How is this justice?
The Ninth Circuit ruled based on its determination of what the president’s motives were, when the law clearly states that not to be a factor. Moreover it is incapable of knowing the classified information and intelligence the president is privy to.
The president has said he finds entry of aliens from certain countries detrimental to the interests of the United States. How can any court stop his executive order suspending the entry of such aliens? The answer is the courts are not intellectually honest. They abuse their power to further pervert justice and in this regard they are putting the public’s safety at risk. Shame on them! It is also noteworthy that Senator Chuck Schumer, a man who claims to be the “Shomer Yisrael,” has come out so strongly against this “ban.” Why must he follow party lines when it comes to national security? Should there be an attack Heaven forbid, all of these people will have blood on their hands. Perhaps Mr. Schumer can bring some of his “fake tears” to those funerals.
There is an adage of our sages that comes to mind regarding the refugee program. One who shows compassion for a cruel person will ultimately become cruel himself (Midrash Tanchuma Parshas Metzora, and Yalkut Shimoni Shmuel I:247). President Trump offered a wonderful parable at a rally during his campaign. He told of a woman who found a snake outside that was in terrible condition. She brought it home, fed it, and nurtured it back to health. Once the snake was healthy, it took its first chance and bit the woman. A snake is a snake, and evil people are evil. There are many people who given the chance, Heaven forbid, would murder as many Jews and Americans as possible. Our intelligence agencies have told us that we have no way to properly vet these refugees and terrorists will most definitely infiltrate its population. How can the liberals be so naïve and suggest admitting such aliens?
In Shemone Esrei we pray three times daily for several essential needs. The Gemara (Brachos 28b) tells us that Rabban Gamliel wanted to institute a berachah against those who oppress us. Shmuel Hakatan authored the bracha known as V’lamalshinim and it was instituted as part of the daily Shemone Esrei. The Gemara (Megilla 17b) says that this berachah was placed after the berachah of Hashiva shoftenu k’varishona (return our original judges) because only when we have righteous judges can we truly rid ourselves of our enemies.
May Hashem return our judges, amen.