Rabbi Aryeh Weinstein explains the historical and moral basis for Jewish sovereignty in Israel by comparing it to a hypothetical scenario in which the Navajo people, having been exiled and persecuted, return to their ancestral land. He emphasizes that Jews originated in Judea (now Israel) and were exiled by the Romans, yet never abandoned their connection to the land, praying for their return for thousands of years.
He refutes the claim that Jews are colonizers, pointing out that Arabs also migrated and settled in the region over time. He argues that Israel is a democratic state where Arabs have full rights, whereas a proposed Palestinian state would be entirely free of Jews. He challenges the fairness of a two-state solution if it results in one Arab state and one diverse, democratic state, questioning why Jews are unwelcome in Arab nations while Arabs live freely in Israel.
Rabbi Weinstein criticizes Hamas, explaining that while it is considered an underdog, its violent actions—such as targeting civilians—should not be excused. He acknowledges the suffering of Palestinian civilians but emphasizes that war has always led to collateral damage, and Israel is uniquely expected to refrain from defending itself. He points out that Hamas was elected by the people of Gaza and continues to provoke conflict.
Throughout the discussion, Rabbi Weinstein remains calm and factual, urging people to understand the historical and geopolitical reality rather than relying on misinformation. He concludes that many people do not fully understand the situation, and it is essential to engage in informed, rational conversations.
Video Transcript:
(edited for spelling and grammar)
This rabbi has a very pleasant way of communicating, and as you will see in this video, he has a remarkable ability to get through to people by explaining common-sense ideas. There’s so much that people just don’t know, and he has a beautiful way of conveying the message. Let’s watch this clip together.
PERSON ON STREET: “You have Palestinian people living in that land, and you understand what happened in World War II—the Holocaust and everything. But what gives the Jews the right to just come in there?”
RABBI ARYEH WEINSTEIN: “Let me give you an example. Imagine the Navajo Indians were thrown off their land and moved to Europe. After people tried to wipe them out, the world realizes that they need to be restored to their homeland. If they returned to Navajo country, would you call them colonizers? Or would you say they are simply going back to where they originated?
Let me tell you a true story that no one disagrees with.
The Jewish people started out in the land of Israel. The term Jews comes from Judea—the name of that land. Then the Romans came in, took over the region, and exiled the Jews. Can you imagine being forcibly removed from your homeland?
Yet, for thousands of years, Jews have prayed three times a day for their return to Israel and Jerusalem. Every synagogue faces east because Jerusalem is in the east. We never forgot.
Some Jews remained in the land, but they were a minority. Over time, different groups colonized the region, including the Turks and the Arabs. The Palestinian people are actually descendants of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan—they originate from Saudi Arabia. But Jews were always there, even in small numbers, and never gave up on their connection to the land.
When the world needed a place for Jews to return to, Israel was the logical and rightful choice. Did you know that in Israel, Jews and Arabs live together? If a two-state solution were created, the Arab state would be free of Jews—just as Nazi Germany envisioned. In Gaza today, there are zero Jews.
I support a two-state solution, but it must be fair. Either both states allow Jews and Arabs to live freely, or neither does. But why should it be prohibited for a Jew to live in an Arab state? Why can’t a Jew go to Saudi Arabia? When Qatar hosted the World Cup, they had to change their laws temporarily just to allow Jewish visitors.
A two-state solution, as it is currently framed, is a lie. It would create one Arab state and one democratic state. In Israel, Arabs serve in the Knesset and on the Supreme Court. Israel is a democracy where people of all backgrounds can live together.
Historically, there was never a Palestinian country with a flag or a currency. If you see an old coin that says “Palestine,” it’s a Jewish coin—with Hebrew inscriptions.
Palestinians are welcome in Israel. They just need to stop trying to kill everyone. The problem is that many have been raised to believe that as long as a Jew is on the land, it is an insult to Allah, and therefore, they must be killed. Some even celebrate those who murder innocent people, including children.
I am not judging every individual. A child born into a conflict zone may have been mistreated by a soldier. But calling Jews colonizers would be like telling a Navajo returning to his ancestral land that he is colonizing it.
If we were to return all land to its previous owners, then logically, the entire land should go back to the Jews, as they were there first. If conquest determines ownership, then like every other country in the world, Israel belongs to those who established and built it.
So which is it? If historical precedence matters, Jews win. If conquest determines borders, Israel still stands as a sovereign nation.
Israel welcomes people of all faiths. There are Christian, Muslim, and Jewish holy sites, and they are all preserved. But when extremists resort to terrorism—blowing themselves up in public places—that is what creates conflict.
I understand why people sympathize with the underdog. But is there a point where an underdog can act in a way that is simply evil? If an underdog commits unspeakable crimes—like raping children—does their status as an underdog justify it?
Hamas is considered the underdog. Some might even argue that they have valid grievances. But there must be a line where their actions are deemed unacceptable.
Hamas is wrong. But yes, the loss of civilian lives is heartbreaking. That is the tragic reality of war. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, innocent people died in retaliation. That is what happens in war.
Yet, the world tells only Israel that it must stop defending itself. No other nation is held to this standard.
The reality is that Hamas was elected by the people of Gaza. They could choose to reject Hamas, to seek peace, but they have not.”
NARRATOR: “Look at how Rabbi Weinstein explains this so clearly. He remains calm, factual, and rational. We all need to be informed about the facts and engage in these discussions with clarity. Most people genuinely don’t know what’s really happening.”
