This weekend is a favorite for the left-wing critics of Israel, because they love quoting from the weekly Torah portion of Shoftim, “צֶ֥דֶק צֶ֖דֶק תִּרְדֹּ֑ף,”which is usually translated as “Justice, justice shall you pursue.” (Deut 16:20)
The word “justice” has been perverted in the cause of the Palestinian Arabs in various ways, and the use of this word in the Torah is an irresistible jumping off point for many to imply that Israel is guilty of injustice.
While the word “justice” is most often used to translate the Hebrew word “Tzedek,” it usually means “righteousness.” In the context of the verse, it clearly means that you are supposed to appoint judges of high moral character.
But few of the many Jewish critics of Israel who love to quote this verse mention the rest of it:…” so that you may thrive and occupy/inherit the land that the Lord your God has given you.“
This verse explicitly says that God gave the land to the Jews. And this is referring to the entire land to the west of the Jordan River.
Now, why wouldn’t these critics mention that part of the verse?
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