The Torah, through the story of Yitro, gives us 3 criteria to discern who is a true friend of the Jewish People:
- Yitro recognizes, and has a deep appreciation for the events surrounding Jewish fate and history in his time (“Yitro was happy for all of the goodness Hashem did for Israel. Yitro said blessed is Hashem who saved you from Egypt.”)
- Yitro has genuine concern for Am Yisrael and Moshe and is not motivated by ulterior motives (“‘you shall surely wither and the nation…”)
- Yitro conditions his advice on Hashem’s agreement – “…if G-d commands you.” Meaning, Yitro understands that Moshe and Am Yisrael are obligated by a higher order and only if his advice aligns with that higher order should they follow it. He understands that The Jewish People have unique considerations and circumstances which need to be taken into account.
Let us consider the words of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the beginning of the week in the Knesset, words which have been fully backed by his government’s actions in recent years:
1. Harper’s recognition and appreciation for the achievements of The Jewish People and State in our generation:
“I believe the story of Israel is a great example to the world. It is a story, essentially, of a people whose response to suffering has been to move beyond resentment and build a most extraordinary society, a vibrant democracy, a freedom-loving country with an independent and rights-affirming judiciary, an innovative, world-leading “start-up” nation. You have taken the collective memory of death and persecution to build an optimistic, forward-looking land one that so values life, you will sometimes release a thousand criminals and terrorists, to save one of your own. In the democratic family of nations, Israel represents values which our government takes as articles of faith, and principles to drive our national life.”
2. Harper’s motives and concern for Israel:
“The understanding that it is right to support Israel because, after generations of persecution, the Jewish people deserve their own homeland and deserve to live safely and peacefully in that homeland. Let me repeat that: Canada supports Israel because it is right to do so… It is, thus, a Canadian tradition to stand for what is principled and just, regardless of whether it is convenient or popular. Canada finds it deplorable that some in the international community still question the legitimacy of the existence of the state of Israel. Our view on Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state is absolute and non-negotiable.”
3. Harper’s understanding of the realities and necessities that drive our decisions:
“Any assessment – any judgment – of Israel’s actions must start with this understanding: In the sixty-five years that modern Israel has been a nation, Israelis have endured attacks and slanders beyond counting and have never known a day of true peace. And we understand that Israelis live with this, impossible calculus: If you act to defend yourselves, you will suffer widespread condemnation, over and over again. But, should you fail to act, you alone will suffer the consequence of your inaction, and that consequence will be final, your destruction.”
The Torah teaches us via the model of Yitro the importance of identifying and giving recognition to true friends of Am Yisrael. Prime Minister Harper is increasingly proving to be a modern day Yitro. Let us recognize him as such and by so doing strengthen his hands in extending his support even further for the blessing and prosperity of both The Jewish and Canadian People.
