what really got me upset though is too see these groups publicly burning the Israeli flag and even more so in front of the Ponevich yeshiva. I think this is a huge Chillul Hashem.
The Chillul Hashem is that Jews were burning a flag. The fact that is was an Israeli flag is no more of a Chillul Hashem than if it was an American flag or a British flag.
People must understand that ‘Jews’ and ‘Israel’ are not intertwined and are not synonymous with each other. Nobody is anti-Isreal more than anti-USA; they are against the fact that there is a “Jewish” state. Satmar would be delighted is Israel offered their country up as a state of America. It is the fact that it is shown off as Jewish, the fact that the secular world find it so difficult to distinguish between Jewish and Israeli, that causes such a Chillul Hashem.
I see no reason why Netanyahu and his government are any worse than Obama. But there is room to discuss whether a ‘Jewish state’ is permitted at all [which is a massive ?????? of ??????, not for us to decide], and if it makes it worse that this ‘Jewish state’ is run by a secular government.
What I don’t understand is: To those who hold that it is wrong and forbidden to take back the State of Israel by force (and i am not discussing whether this is called a State of Israel or whether this was called Force) – are you not crying over spilled milk? Since 1948, there has been a recognized State of Israel. Now Israel is being surrounded by enemies who seem to be warning us of the imminent arrival of Moshiach ????? ?????? ??? – what do you propose Israel does — lay down weapons and give the reins to Ahmadinejad?
What do you propose Israel should do to conform with Halocho – is there any solution that is constructive?