Who Really Moved the Embassy to Jerusalem? (Hint: It Wasn't Trump)

Anyone paying attention must acknowledge that our political situation is currently in a unique and extraordinary phase. Even the greatest cynics must eat their words and admit, albeit reluctantly, that despite their ominous predictions, the famed 'magician' has indeed defied many odds. Not only is he standing firmly against formidable internal forces, but he is also bringing the country significant and powerful achievements.

Time and again, we were told we were being led to ruin, diplomatic isolation, and even a crisis with our great ally, the United States. Yet, the whole theory fell apart like a house of cards, revealing exactly the opposite to be true. Our Prime Minister is receiving rare and exceptional respect abroad, where countries go out of their way to welcome the leader of one of the world's smallest countries with the prestige usually reserved for superpowers.

Then destiny allowed him to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, revealing to the world the 'Mossad's' golden find. By Heaven's grace, they entered the lion's den and emerged with exactly what they wanted. This disclosure laid bare Iran's shame—a nation that signed a nuclear agreement with one hand while diligently continuing its plans with the other—prompting President Trump, by his own admission, to completely scrap the agreement with Iran.

Atop it all, a historical precedent: after years of empty words and hollow promises, the United States Embassy is moved to Jerusalem. While our existence does not rely on their acknowledgment, and we have our own historic sources cementing Jerusalem's status, it's no small thing to receive de facto recognition from the world's greatest superpower.

Even attempts to explain it away as just "interests" or "because of Trump's Jewish son-in-law" don't satisfy the basic need to delve deeper and discern the voice of Hashem amidst the fog. As students of Torah, we can't ignore what happens around us. Even the prophets referred to the time when the nations would flock to Jerusalem, supporting and elevating us, as foresaw by the Malbim in his commentary on Jeremiah 31: "Sing with joy for Jacob and shout among the nations."

*

Fundamentally, we ask: Has hatred truly vanished from nations? Have we forgotten "It is known that Esau hates Jacob"?! Where did this entrenched animosity go? Can this ideal state be within our grasp? Can we ourselves do what it takes not just to lower the level of hatred but to bring nations to appreciate and honor us?

To address this question, we must examine its source. The sages taught (Shabbat 89a), "Why is it called Mount Sinai? Because hatred descended to the nations from there." In "Ayin Yaakov," it is explained that they hate us because we uphold the Torah and commandments, making us the target of their envy and persecution.

The logic seems to suggest that if we blur the fact that we are Torah recipients, we might decrease this hatred, stemming from envious jealousy of our status as the chosen people and our unique gift, the Torah, precious and hidden for generations.

Remarkably, history has consistently proven that straying from Torah and commandments has brought upon us greater disasters than ever, Heaven forbid. Instead, it is our steadfast attachment to the Torah and its commandments—the target of envy—that assures our miraculous survival.

Isaiah the prophet offers insight (Isaiah 11:6): "The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat," suggesting that animosity among wild animals and their instincts to prey without mercy are mere distortions. When the world reaches its perfect state, as Isaiah continues, "For the earth will be full of the knowledge of Hashem," sanity will return, and all species will coexist in harmony.

Likewise, the animosity of the nations towards Israel is not natural but results from corruption contrary to nature and logic. As the sages state, if the nations realized the prosperity they enjoy because of the Temple, they would have guarded it themselves. Therefore, by advancing our Torah study and commandment observance, even this negative nature can improve. And when the world reaches its perfect state, this hatred will dissolve entirely, and the nations will elevate us, "and kings will be your foster fathers." Thankfully, glimpses of this promise are unfolding before our eyes.

*

So far, we have highlighted Torah study as a prerequisite for security and protection, echoing the scripture "If you follow my statutes and keep my commands... I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid." It must be clear that political success is also contingent on our Torah learning and commandments.

Ultimately, then, the good we see isn't just the outcome of sound policy or shrewd tactics or even the charismatic leadership of the Prime Minister. These are the results, not the causes. What's the root? Our reinforcement in Torah and commandments.

With renewed strength, praise be to Hashem, among the Jewish people in faith, Torah study, and commandment observance, this positively affects our leaders, as in this case: the head follows the body's lead.

We conclude with the blessing of the Rishon LeZion, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, at the American delegation's reception: "We pray that the establishment of the United States Embassy in Jerusalem will be the final stepping stone on the path to rebuilding our Holy Temple and complete redemption swiftly in our days."

And let us say Amen.