In thinking about Israel's strike on the Houthis, I've been considering why it is that the Palestinian cause has been the reason for so much misery in the world -- including onerous airport security requirements, made necessary by the spectacular and destructive Palestinian practice of hijacking airplanes (which was perfected by Palestinian terrorists before it was taken up by Al Qaeda).
Presumably, a Palestinian advocate would retort that it was Israel that had caused so much misery -- that the reactions from Israel's enemies was only natural and to be expected, and that with Israel's disappearance, the death and destruction would disappear as well. This is a point of view that abdicates all responsibility or agency for Palestinians and the broader Arab/Muslim world.
I believed as recently as last September that there might be a resolution to all of this -- that the Arab and Muslim world were slowly reconciling with Israel, and that the Palestinians had despaired of destroying it. How wrong I was to indulge that hope or expectation. We may yet have peace, but it will only be with a crushing defeat of the evil powers that motivate and fund the hatred.
I have been thinking about a story from the Talmud, which explains the fading of the prophets from the world as a parallel movement with the disappearance of idolatry. Once the evil of idolatry was gone, there was no need for prophecy, only instruction. Perhaps Israel, as good as it is, has entered the world in parallel with the evil of Palestinian terror? Perhaps there is a balance, somewhere?
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
Special guests:
Tune in: 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874