Passover and Israel's Security

A Roman official named Marcus Ambivius was prefect of Judea (what the Romans called Israel) from 9- 12 CE. As the resident ruler representing the Roman Emperor, Ambivius kept a record of what he saw the Jews of Jerusalem doing. His words concerning Passover are very telling. After reporting on what happened in the Temple for the holiday, the way in which the sacrifices were brought, and the various activities of the Priests, Ambivius comments on an unusual custom in Jerusalem. He reports that during Passover no one in Jerusalem closed or locked their doors at night. He explains that the Jews had this custom “out of respect for the many strangers who had come to celebrate Pesach” and “as a sign that the Jews depended on Divine protection during this time.” This custom reflects the Biblical text that speaks of Passover as “leyal shmurim,” a night of Divine protection. The Torah records that as the Jews left Egypt they were so secure that not even a dog barked at them. The observations made by Ambivius make it clear that our ancestors felt secure and safe as the celebrated Passover- so much so that they had no need to attend to the normal safeguards. What a way to experience the Holiday of Freedom- to feel completely free and secure from all enemies and confident to welcome anyone through your open door. I bring this ancient Roman record of Jewish life to your attention to contrast it with today. Those who are celebrating Passover in Jerusalem at this very moment should feel just as safe as their ancestors did. All of us, however, know that this is not the case. Just a few short days ago the “Global March on Jerusalem” threatens to send thousands to protest the “Judaization” of Jerusalem. Luckily, that “March” proved to be nothing but the basis for it remains in the minds of many- that Israel has no right to make Jerusalem a “Jewish” city! How absurd! Jerusalem was King David’s royal city and has since then remained the capital of Israel. To deny that is to deny history. Such deniers only have in mind the destruction of Israel by denying any legitimate historical ties between the Jewish people and the land of Israel. It is no wonder that Jews can not celebrate Passover in Jerusalem with the same confidence as our ancestors. Israel is in the midst of a complete assault on her existence and can not find comfort in a “Leyal Shmurim.” There is, however, one small step that would help. This step has, so far, been denied. That step is for America to affirm that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Only a few days ago that question was posed to the administration and the response was that “recognizing Jerusalem would prejudice the outcome of current negotiations.” For those of you who don’t speak political double-talk that means that the administration will not affirm that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. That is not acceptable to me. At this time of freedom I would ask you to invest five minutes in the future of Israel- call or write your elected officials and remind them that Jerusalem has always been the capital of Israel and will always remain so.