One True Ally

The mighty have fallen. This phrase comes to mind after the United States abruptly changed its positions and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Islamic Republic of Iran. It was sad to see America so outnegotiated by the Iranians after so much battlefield success. Many have pointed out that an MOU is merely a term sheet and not a long-term agreement. Nonetheless, the Trump Administration’s sudden change of direction doesn’t inspire confidence that the final agreement will look much different. There are so many alarming layers to the MOU, it’s hard to know where to begin. America gave away all of its leverage by revealing its desperation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranians succeeded in getting the USA to agree that Lebanon would be part of the ceasefire. Essentially, this gives an opportunity to Hezbollah to rearm for its forever genocidal campaign against Israel. It's inevitable that Hezbollah violates this ceasefire, and Israel is handcuffed by America to retaliate (as happened this week already). The MOU makes no mention of ballistic missiles (POTUS said that Iran should be allowed to have them) or supporting terror proxies. It also facilitates the establishment of a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran. Although America will not officially contribute to this, it will waive sanctions to allow this fund to be established. The regime that continues to chant “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” is unlikely to use this stash of cash for parks and hospitals, as its nefarious intentions have not disappeared with this version of the ceasefire. Israel and its leadership were ridiculed almost daily this week by the President and Vice President. To add insult to injury, the VP attacked Israeli cabinet ministers for criticizing the controversial MOU. He lectured them that they have no better friend than the current president and should just shut up and be grateful for any assistance they received. (The current budget for Israel's military is about $45 billion, and the USA contributes $3.8 billion, which is about 8%.) ​ After about 48 hours of feeling the gut punch, I thought there may be a silver lining in this after all. The Talmud teaches that in the days leading up to the Messianic Era, the Jewish People will realize they have no one to rely on except our Father in Heaven. In recent years, especially after October 7, the hatred and hostility from more and more nations toward Israel and the Jewish people have increased. The last best friend of the Jewish State is the United States. This was an unconditional friendship, practically a covenant, that stood for its shared values. The events of this past week have shown that friendship is now conditional and nuanced. The Vice President himself, as he blitzed through TV interviews, has said multiple times that America is not afraid to diverge from Israel when it feels so. ​ King David writes in Tehilim/Psalms אַל־תִּבְטְח֥וּ בִנְדִיבִ֑ים בְּבֶן־אָדָ֓ם  שֶׁ֤אֵ֖ין ל֥וֹ תְשׁוּעָֽה. Translation: “Put not your trust in the great, in mortals who cannot save.” As mortals continue to disappoint, the reaction is not to seek another supportive leader or party. This is a time to look upward, realizing we have only one true ally—an eternal, unconditional, and covenantal alliance, not subject to political changes. There is a blessing in the daily Amidah: כִּי לִישׁוּעָתְ֒ךָ קִוִּֽינוּ כָּל הַיּוֹם—“We hope all day for Your deliverance.” It is time to not just say the words but cry them from the depths of our souls. ​ Have a Peaceful Shabbos, ​ Rabbi Yaakov Fisch