The line is busy....
But I will keep trying...

I guess all of the self hating Jews, liberal Democrats, and Arabs are gumming up the lines.

I note today (top post on my blog) that HaRav Hagaon Yosef Shalom Eliashiv said "...the decision makers must take into account the position of the world nations. They shouldn't ignore or take lightly the ideas raised by other nations. If the United States raises solutions that could bring about the end of the war and save Jewish lives, they should be heeded. No offer or idea should be dismissed offhand. We mustn't anger the nations of the world."

Perhaps the White House phoneline is busy because Torah Jews are calling to tell the president that his view does not coincide with the view expressed by Israel's greatest living Rabbi.

Dovbear,

Your comment sort of reminds me of what my former accountant advised me as a future oleh.

He told me that he doesnt have the same tax worries since he is not a Zionist....thus...he doesnt recognize the state. Though, its funny...it doesnt stop him from taking benefits from the State.

Maybe Haredim should appreciate the State a little bit more, and that includes Rav Eliashiv, since it doesnt stop you from sucking welfare benefits..and other concessions that all goverments are usually held hostage to...

I think the good Rav should pray for the welfare of the IDF....and worry a little less about the opinion of leaders from America and Europe.

I think it's a good idea to know exactly what Rav Elyashiv did or didn't say before commenting on it.

Mordechai

I would just like to add that it was a Haredi, shtreimel-wearing Jew who sent me the message to call President Bush that I forwarded to Robert. (Rabbi Hershel Fried, a well known educator.)

I can understand the frustration with the sometimes enigmatic pronouncements of the sages. But rabbi-bashing is never a good idea.

As it says in Pirkei Avot,
R. Eliezer said, "Let thy friend's honor be as dear to thee as thine own; be not easily excited to anger; and repent one day before thy death." And (he further said), "Warm thyself by the fire of the wise, but beware of their glowing coals, lest thou be burnt..."

Mordechai

As Mordechai said we do not know what Rav Eliashiv did or didn't say. But if I accept his comment as Dovbear cites it, I fail to hear anywhere in his words a directive to American citizens to step back from the political process and leave the playing field open to be solely occupied by supporters of Hizbullah. Rav Eliashiv's comment (as cited by Dovbear) speaks to the leadership of the State of Israel enjoining them not to thwart the will and the counsel of the United States. It does not say that Jews in the US should not let the President know that they appreciate his support of Israel. I called the White House and told the secretary who answere to let the President know that we grateful for his support of Israel and for his understanding of the true nature of Hizbullah. I fail to see how that contradicts Rav Eliashiv's words. For us to remain silent at such a time would have him hear only from supporters of Hizbulah. What would we look like in terms of "Hakoras HaTov"?
Aharon Hersh