The Bogie Media Fury - Analysis and Conclusions: By Moshe Feiglin

Last week's media fury over Vice PM Moshe (Bogie) Ya'alon's remarks at the Manhigut Yehudit Conference was radically disproportionate to the contents of his speech. Those people who have read Ya'alon's book, The Long Short Way and heard his lectures would have a hard time finding something new or unusual with what Bogie said at the Conference.

The Conference was publicized through our regular channels, the room was filled from wall to wall, people were filming Bogie's speech with their cell phones and no measures were taken to prevent his words from "leaking" out to the press. But from the moment that the media "discovered" the Youtube film of the Conference, they basically went berserk.

Bogie Ya'alon is a Jew with roots in the Mapai of old, who has not yet adopted the rightist slave mentality. Would any politician in the Labor party refuse to meet with another member of his party for fear of what the Likud would say? Would any Labor minister refuse to lecture at a Peace Now conference for fear of the media?

At first, we thought the storm would die down quickly. We admittedly underestimated the impact of the revolution that we are leading. We forgot that Netanyahu preferred to lose one third of the Knesset seats that the Likud could have won just to ensure that our revolution would be forced out of the limelight.

Netanyahu didn't cut his vacation short to come back and reprimand Bogie because of groundless media pressure. Without realizing it, we had created shock waves tantamount to a strategic terror attack. The following article, which appeared this week on Ma'ariv's NRG website, explains the dynamics of what took place:

The Divine Way to Wage War - Moshe Feiglin

"When you go out to war against your enemies and G-d will give him into your hands."
(From this week's Torah portion, Ki Tetzei, Deuteronomy 21:10)

This verse is simple in its optimism. Israel goes out to war and G-d gives them victory. Simple as it may be, it is the Divine recipe for victory in war.

First of all, "When you go out to war". War - not a "low intensity conflict" and not "containment." The first condition is to define the situation as war and to invest the resources and fortitude necessary for war.

Secondly, "against your enemies." In a war, there is an enemy. He must be clear and defined. But in order to define the enemy, one must first define himself. If you know who you are, you can know what threatens you, and find the strength and courage to define and defeat it.

When Israel will integrate its Jewish identity into its national life, it will easily define its enemies. And then, G-d promises, He will "give them into our hands."

Shabbat Shalom,

Moshe Feiglin

The Yale Initiative for the Interdisciplinary Study of Antisemitism

The Yale Initiative for the Interdisciplinary Study of Antisemitism (YIISA) is dedicated to the scholarly research of the origins and manifestations associated with antisemitism globally, as well as other forms of prejudice, including racisms, as it relates to policy. Through the examination of antisemitism and policy, YIISA disseminates scholarly material so to promote further understanding and contribute to aspects of policy analysis. YIISA is housed at the Institution for Social and Policy Studies (ISPS), Yale University


Mission Statement

Anti-Judaism, or the controversial term coined in the 1870s by Wilhelm Marr, Antisemitism, is one of the most complex and, at times, perplexing forms of hatred. It spans history, infecting different societies, religious and philosophical movements, and even civilizations. In the aftermath of the Holocaust, some contend that Antisemitism illustrates the limitations of the Enlightenment and modernity itself. Manifestations of Antisemitism emerge in numerous ideological based narratives and the constructed identities of belonging and otherness such as race and ethnicity, nationalisms, and anti-nationalisms. In the contemporary context of globalised relations it appears that Antisemitism has taken on new complex and changing forms that need to be decoded, mapped and critiqued.

The subject matter of Antisemitism, like prejudice more generally, has a long and impressive intellectual and research pedigree. It remains a topic of ongoing political importance and scholarly engagement. However, unlike other related topics, such as prejudice and discrimination directed at other social groups, Antisemitism seems to be studied outside an organized institutional framework. This initiative is the first comprehensive, interdisciplinary research initiative dedicated to the the study of Antisemitism based at a North American university. This approach to the examination of Antisemitism will promote interdisciplinary analysis at the historical, sociological, political, philosophical, psychological and economic levels. It will encourage a diverse range of research methodologies that operate at the intersection of science and policy. The analytical assessment of the study of new forms of Antisemitism in the age of globalization will be promoted.

Subsequently, the initiative's mission aims to explore this subject matter in a comprehensive, interdisciplinary framework from an array of approaches and perspectives as well as regional contexts. Eminent scholars and researchers are invited regularly to present seminar papers and engage in research projects at the conceptual and empirical level. The development of a curriculum with an interdisciplinary perspective, and the publication of analytical and policy based publications is a central objective. The main objective of YIISA is to create a vibrant space in which high caliber scholarship, discussion and debate can develop and be nurtured.

Another Diamond in the Necklace: By Moshe Feiglin

19 Av, 5769 - (August 9, '09)

Lift up your eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to you. As I live, says the Lord, you shall surely adorn yourself with them all as with an ornament, and gird yourself with them, like a bride. (Isaiah 49:18)

Last week, we were invited to the airport to welcome a young relative who was making aliyah from the US. I had heard a lot about the Nefesh B'Nefesh organization that helps North American (and British) Jews to make aliyah. But until you see it with your own eyes, you don't really understand the amazing work that this organization does. In truth, I really didn't want to give up my morning bicycle ride to hear Bibi speak at 7 a.m. This particular relative has been a guest at our home many times, and I didn't understand why the fact that this time he was officially making aliyah meant that I had to change my routine and show up at the airport. But fortunately, my wife dragged me by the ear. I'm really glad that she did.

The Nefesh B'Nefesh charter plane rolls into Terminal 1. The people gathered to welcome the olim are allowed to wait for the new arrivals literally on the runway. The band plays. Singing and dancing all around. Suddenly, all the cynicism and daily battles peel off and the old and good Zionism shines forth in all its glory. This entire scene plays on some of my rusty heartstrings. Out of nowhere, my eyes fill with tears – that I try to hide behind the daily edition of the Jerusalem Post distributed by Nefesh B'Nefesh so that the people waiting will G-d forbid not get bored until the olim emerge from the plane.

Afterwards, some short speeches by Bibi, Natan Sharansky and the heads of Nefesh B'Nefesh. Netanyahu mentioned something of which most people are not aware. In the upcoming year, with G-d's help, the number of Jews in the Land of Israel will be greater than the number of Jews in the Diaspora – according to Bibi, for the first time in 2000 years. It is nice that Bibi mentioned that, but he was off by about 1000 years. Even in the time of the Second Temple, the Jews in Israel were fewer in number than their Diaspora counterparts. In other words, we are at the threshold of a historic reality that has not transpired since the ten tribes were exiled prior to the destruction of the First Temple. This has far-reaching implications in Jewish law. Furthermore, what is both fascinating and gives me the goose bumps is the fact that the number we are talking about is six million Jews in Israel.

I do not generally write about the mystical significance of numbers. But it is crystal clear that the number 600,000 has special Jewish import. This was the number of draft-age Jews who were redeemed from Egypt and the parameter of 'public domain' in Jewish laws pertaining to Shabbat. In other words, a place through which 600,000 people pass is considered public domain in Jewish law. This number of Jews creates a new reality. When that happens in Israel, it is a positive new reality.

600,000 Jews lived in Israel when the State was established in 1948.

600,000 draft-aged men lived in Israel in the War of Miracles in 1967.

I do not know what the new reality of the majority of Jews in the world living in Israel will bring on its wings. Especially when the absolute number of Jews living here will be the significant 10 times 600,000 – six million. But the words of the prophet Isaiah, who prophesied more or less at the time that the majority of Jews in Israel was lost, strike a chord deep inside my heart.

Behold, Zion, see how your children are returning to you. And you, like a bride under the canopy, stand and watch as the lost diamonds return to you, one by one, to be embedded on the glorious necklace around your neck.

For those of you who want to know what will happen next, just look at Isaiah 49.

Pursue Justice

Justice, justice you shall follow, so that you may live, and inherit the land which the LORD your G-d gives you. (From this week's Torah portion, Shoftim, Deuteronomy 16:20)

The preservation of our lives and existence in this land do not depend upon "the rule of law." They depend upon the rule of justice.

"And what about the rule of law?" the Ha'aretz reporter asked me.

'"The rule of law" is an abhorrent concept,' I answered. 'I strive for the rule of justice.'

The law is the escape hatch of the greatest scoundrels.
A small time criminal commits his crime against the law.
A medium criminal circumvents the law.
A big time criminal commits his crime by means of the law.

When Vice Premier and Minister for Strategic Matters Moshe Ya'alon spoke this week of returning to Homesh, he was actually demanding justice. But Netanyahu's answer was: "We will work to enforce the law."

The law is nothing more than a tool in the service of justice. When the tool becomes the goal, it turns into fascism, a dangerous version of idolatry. In no time, it is adopted by base forces and destruction will necessarily follow.

After last year's Likud primaries, Netanyahu enlisted Attorney Yaakov Ne'eman to "legally" (by means of the Supreme Court, of course) reframe the results of the primaries and to demote me to an unrealistic slot on the Likud roster. It is no coincidence that Netanyahu chose a religious figure beloved by Religious Zionism to fight Feiglin. Ne'eman gave the Supreme Court justices the small fig leaf that they needed so that they would not feel totally exposed in the face of what everybody in Israel – including the political commentators – fully understood.

Now Netanyahu and Ne'eman, in his new role as Minister of Justice, are using the same tactics – not within the Likud – but on the national front. Ne'eman is currently pushing hard for the election of an extreme leftist who was particularly cruel to opponents of the Expulsion – Sefi Alon – as the new Supreme Court justice. This despite the fact that for the first time ever, the Right holds the majority on the Committee for Selection of Judges. Netanyahu assumes that the faith-based public will ignore this spit in the face because Alon is from a famous Religious Zionist family. But his election as justice on the Supreme Court will effectively maintain and even strengthen the leftist hegemony in the justice system.

The beautiful harmony between Ne'eman and Chief Justice Beinish has made the pursuit of justice in Israel a joke. The minister that is supposed to represent the will and values of the PM's electorate and to reign in the "rule of law gang" that elects itself chose the easy way out. He betrayed the majority in whose name he received his position and subjugated himself to the very same gang. At this point, Israel is painfully far from the pursuit of justice.

Shabbat Shalom,

Moshe Feiglin

Vice Premier Ya'alon Forges Political Partnership with Feiglin

Aug. 19, 2009
JPost.com Staff , THE JERUSALEM POST

Vice Premier and Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya'alon seems to have recently forged a political partnership with Likud activist and head of Manhigut Yehudit (Jewish Leadership Movement) Moshe Feiglin, as evident in footage released Wednesday evening on Channel 2, in which Ya'alon also called 'Peace Now' and the Israeli elites "viruses."

Speaking in a closed meeting organized by Feiglin for Manhigut Yehudit members this week, Ya'alon openly expressed his fears that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu might succumb to the Left.

"Even today we must remain concerned. I am still worried and they [the media and Left] have power to influence the prime minister… The virus 'Peace Now,' and if you will, the elites, their damage is great."

"As far as I'm concerned, Jews can, and should live in all of theLand of Israel forever," Ya'alon said to applause.

The minister went on to say that as he had said on many occasions while serving in the IDF, "Every time they [the government] bring the dove of peace, the army has to clean up after it."

Feiglin, who Netanyahu considers a dangerous political foe, was visibly pleased with the vice premier's sentiments.

"What is important to us is to cooperate on every positive move you make, and it's obvious you will make such moves. In our party you will find this group helpful," he said referring to Manhigut Yehudit members, "and we will do good things together."

The prime minister's office in response said that Netanyahu, who is currently on a private vacation, will summon Ya'alon for a closed conversation when he returns.

Ehud Barak's office issued a statement in response to the report, saying that the Defense Minister and the Labor Party "are committed to advancing a two-state solution, while upholding interests crucial to Israel's security."

"This is an undignified statement that does not dignify Ya'alon," sources close to Barak said, adding that "Peace Now is an integral and important part of the democratic and pluralistic debate in Israeli society."

400 At Manhigut Yehudit "Get Involved" Conference in NY

July 27, 2009..

Manhigut Yehudit held its first-ever North American “Get Involved” conference in Manhattan July 26th at the New York Marriott hotel, drawing a large crowd of over 400 with a common goal of bringing authentic Jewish leadership to the State of Israel.




Manhigut President Moshe Feiglin, who has run and plans to run again for Likud Chairman (which would then make him the Likud candidate for Prime Minister of Israel), addressed the full house via video. Feiglin gave an update on the political situation in Israel and also focused on how Benjamin Netanyahu - the so-called “right-wing” Prime Minister - is running away as fast as he can from his own electorate into the arms of the left. Mr. Feiglin gave everyone his heartfelt thanks for attending and for getting involved.



Mr. Feiglin further discussed how the only solution for the State of Israel is for it to be guided by Jewish principles and Jewish values. No longer can Israel bear to be led by those who give lip-service to their Jewish roots while at the same time evicting Jews from their homes and insisting that Israeli children not be taught anything in school about their faith, their land and their history.



A film of the December campaign for the Likud’s Knesset list was shown. The film highlighted the fact that Manhigut Yehudit's message of "authentic Jewish leadership" for Israel is clearly being picked up on by all Likudniks. Feiglin finished in a position from which he would have been in the Knesset were it not for Netanyahu's dubious wranglings to push him down to an unrealistic spot on the Likud list after the election results were already tallied. This demonstrated to Feiglin and all attendees that the people of Israel (as demonstrated by the fact that the Likud is a microcosm of Israeli society) are hungering for the new way proposed by Manhigut Yehudit. It is only a matter of time.



Also shown to the crowd was Moshe Feiglin’s video response to US President Barack Obama’s Cairo speech. In his remarks, Feiglin told Obama that he should not mistake Netanyahu’s weakness to mean that the Israeli people are just as weak. Feiglin further told him that by insisting that Israel divide itself that Obama is opposing the only peace plan that will work – namely the Divine peace plan.


Shmuel Sackett, Manhigut Yehudit’s International Director hosted the event and also discussed “what a strong and proud Jewish State means to the world”. Rob Muchnick, Manhigut Yehudit’s US Director spoke about “turning Israel from the state of Jews into the Jewish state” and how to distribute our weekly english-language newsletter. Tova Abady, Manhigut’s Media Spokesperson, discussed various strategies for getting our message to the media, and Yocheved Seidman, Manhigut Yehudit’s new Program Director, discussed Manhigut’s new online tools and how each attendee can help make the dream of authentic Jewish leadership for Israel into a reality.



The attendees left the conference updated, informed, ready and completely energized to turn the “state of the Jews” into “The Jewish state”.

Destruction with a Smile: By Moshe Feiglin

Just one day after Netanyahu's assertive words against the US demand to halt all construction in East Jerusalem, his bulldozers already began to destroy outposts in Samaria. In his televised speech on Sunday, Netanyahu explained that a demand to halt construction in Jerusalem is intolerable. If this demand were to be made in a different city in the world, it would be labeled anti-Semitism, he declared.

The same logic, however, can be applied to all the towns and settlements in Judea and Samaria. Why is a forced construction freeze in Jerusalem anti-Semitic, while the same freeze in Judea and Samaria accepted policy?

This failure in simple logic together with our negative experience with Netanyahu in the past, leads us to the conclusion that there is a connection between his strong stand on Jerusalem and the destruction of the outposts that came on its heels.

Netanyahu is much more dangerous than Sharon or Olmert. He doesn't have more sentiment for the Land of Israel than Sharon and he doesn't have more sentiment for Judaism or the Likud than Olmert. With considerable shrewdness, Netanyahu has surrounded himself with a gaggle of fools with crocheted kippot on their heads. With their help, he slowly but surely carries out the demands of the US and Europe and even more important - Israel's leftist elite.

Netanyahu didn't just announce out of the clear blue sky - as Sharon did before him - that he would give the "Palestinians" a state. He introduced his dramatic announcement with a fiery speech on Israel's historic right to this land and on the Jewishness of the State of Israel. Netanyahu did not attack head on, like Olmert in Amona. He "stings" in the places that his advisors tell him the Nationalist public can tolerate. And so, with gentle strokes and meaningful winks to the nationalist public and the Land of Israel faithful in the Likud - who so desperately want to be enticed and to believe that they have a leader who is "one of the boys," Netanyahu achieves his goals easily and efficiently.

If Netanyahu speaks about our historical right to the Golan Heights, we had better begin to worry about our northern flank. If Netanyahu vows not to forget Jerusalem, then Jerusalem is in danger. The settlements are in even greater danger, because they must be destroyed so that Netanyahu can keep his promise on Jerusalem.

Netanyahu's style may be different than Sharon's or Olmert's. But his method is amazingly similar to the method that Sharon used to destroy Gush Katif: First of all, put together a narrow coalition, carried by the votes of the Right. After that, stabilize the government and get the budget passed. Then destroy settlements, bring the Left into the coalition, fire the rightist ministers and destroy to your heart's content. It is very simple. And it is exactly what Netanyahu is doing today.

Now that Netanyahu has stabilized his coalition and passed the national budget, he is preparing for the next stage; bolstering his coalition by bringing in MKs from the Left. When that happens, the Likud MKs loyal to the Land of Israel will become irrelevant, and Netanyahu will comfortably implement the Left's policies.

Every loyal Jew tries to figure out what makes Bibi do it. But after Begin and Sinai, Bibi on his first round and Hebron and Sharon and Gush Katif, we know that the question is not 'why' but 'when and how'.

The thought process that is not based on faith is circular. A believing person knows that there is a Creator Who directs history toward a certain goal. This thought process is linear, or actually, a spiral ascending toward its ultimate goal. Sometimes there are setbacks, but the dynamic is spiral.

The logic employed by Netanyahu, Sharon and Olmert is devoid of G-d. Their rationale is circular (which is actually idolatrous). There is nothing before me and nothing after me. All that exists is what I am experiencing here and now. Just like the Biblical spies, Netanyahu sees the ominous reality, the world pressure and the Left. He is clueless about the true value of the Nation of Israel and its uniqueness.

We can expect nothing more from Netanyahu, who excludes G-d from his list of considerations, than complete withdrawal. He is not on the spiral that constantly progresses toward its goal. He is in the middle of a circle, in which no motion is significant. All that one can do from the middle of the circle is to try to preserve the current situation. Betrayal is built in to circular thinking. Loyalty to anything is impossible. Netanyahu has already betrayed us in the past and he will continue to betray any fool who trusts him in the future.

Currently, Netanyahu is putting all his weight behind the Mofaz and Smolianski laws.
Bibi is not a bulldozer like Sharon. He is calculated and slick. He didn't demand that the Likud bring Kadimah into its coalition. On the contrary - his proposal means the end of Kadimah. If the Likud supports the Mofaz law, Shaul Mofaz of Kadimah will be able to defect from his party with a group of Kadimah MKs and to join the coalition. Netanyahu will buy the support of the nationalists in his coalition for this move by promising Ketzaleh a position, and the Slomianski law will ensure that the Jewish Home MKs will once again be the patrons of the Religious Zionist schools and institutions. When it will become necessary, they will all be thrown to the dogs. And then, the new Bibi Mofaz government, the government of betrayal, will fulfill all of Israel's dreams.