The Rebbe’s Solution – Jewish Settlement Throughout the Land

The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s unerringly prophetic words concerning Israel throughout the decades of his leadership are a matter of public record has stated categorically that in order to create a lasting pace, Israel must actively promote and defend Jewish settlement throughout the entire Holy Land – most particularly those areas which are disputed. Although nations may rage and the UN may condemn, the Rebbe has promised that if this course of action is followed without hesitation - with determined action rather than bravado - there will be peace and security not only for the Jews, but for the Arab inhabitants of Israel too.

“It is not too late. We have fallen low, but we can rise; and when we do, we reach the heights. It is time to act as a Jew, with the pride and nobility that befits the Chosen People. The other ways have been tried, and we have tasted their bitter fruits. It is surely time to show that we are indeed the "wise and understanding people," that we are ready to submit our will to His.

It is not too late. If the surrender of the territories poses a danger to the lives of all Jews living in the Land of Israel, the strengthening of the land is our protection. We must immediately populate all the lands in our possession, building settlements around the perimeter of the Land of Israel. This "security belt" of settlements, especially in the north, east and south, is the surest protection against the infiltration of terrorists. Moreover, the settlement of these lands is the best way of publicly demonstrating that they belong to us, and we do not intend to give them up to anyone. Fear not the wrath of the nations, for we will incur their displeasure whatever we do, whether we settle all the land or but a paltry few centers. When we show the world that it is indeed ours, when we establish our claim through concrete action, then all pressures will fall away. There are tens of thousands of Jews who are ready and eager to settle in these places if they are but allowed. Many, many settlements, thickly populating the land — that is the answer to the non-Jews’ questions and challenges.

Honor is when a Jew stands tall and proud, confident in his G-d and His Torah, and says to the world: We will not give up any more of our land, and we will make no more concessions. We have seen how our enemies honor their word, and we do not choose to place the lives of over three million Jews in danger. [All negotiations involving transfer of Jewish land] were illegal from the beginning, for no one can give away that which G-d has given to all Jews for all generations. We demand the return of those lands already surrendered, and we demand them as their rightful owners.

We do not lay claim to the land because of our strength, our army, or our diplomacy. It is ours solely because it was given to us by G-d, the Holy Land to the Holy People. Moslems and Christians are believers in the Bible, and when we speak to them with the assurances given in the Bible, it is accepted. All other rationales are twisted perversions, and as we see, are not logically acceptable. Our only justifiable claim lies in the Torah, and it is with its strength that we must speak. True peace can only be attained through Torah, through adherence to G-d’s will. "The Torah was given to make peace in the world," and "The L-rd will give strength to His people, the L-rd will bless His people with peace." No longer shall we be craven imitators of other peoples, but distinguished, separate, sanctified. Then shall we walk proudly with our G-d, all the Holy People, in all the Holy Land, to welcome our righteous Moshiach.”

Lubavitcher Rebbe