For those who believe that the killing of Jews by Arabs in Israel has anything to do with the re-birth of the State of Israel or Israeli settlements or the Tsunamis or Al Gore’s Global Warming or the United States involvement in Iraq or President GW Bush or VP Richard Cheney or President Bill Clinton or whatever …
From the notes of Rabbi Elimelich Silberberg of Sara Tugman Bais Chabad Synagogue, West Bloomfield, MI
May 6, 2007 (18 Iyar, 5767)
The Hurva synagogue located, in the Jewish quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, was captured and dynamited by the Arab Legion of Jordan during the battle for Old Jerusalem in 1948.
The synagogue was built in 1864 on the ruins of the synagogue built by Rabbi Judah Chassid (Segal) and his disciples in 1700, which was destroyed by Arab mobs in 1721. It was therefore named the "Hurvat Rabbi Judah HaChassid" -- the ruins of Rabbi Judah the Chassid, or simply "The Hurva" -- The Ruin.
Comments:
The story of the Hurva Synagogue is perfect for use in a debate with those who are hostile to Israel. I just had such a debate on my campus and the next time I will be sure to use this example to explain the situation. Students respond better to specific examples than to abstract arguments. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dr.George Zilbergeld