My new article on Linkedin “From Kabul to Istanbul”

The suicide bomber who killed 170 people, including 13 American service men, was not a lone attacker. He was part of the Afghanistan chapter of ISIS, known as ISIS K. Waves of terror intensify and subside, but they never really stop. Now that extremists in Afghanistan have gained control over sophisticated American weapons, including fighter jets and other weapons that can wreak havoc, we can expect matters to grow far worse. From Kabul to Istanbul, into Russia and into Europe, the green color of the caliphate is spreading.

Terrorism is not a “gig.” It is a well-paying career to be a terrorist, and it is paid for by powerful countries, powerful organizations, and powerful individuals. Terrorist organizations are growing increasingly better equipped, and it is quite possible that they will come to possess nuclear power. If they do, they will not hesitate to use it. For them, dying for the cause is not a dread but a dream come true.

Humanity is helpless in the face of such threats because in fact, there is no humanity—a cohesive body of nations. There are nations and organizations fighting one another for dominance. In this struggle, anything goes, no holds barred. Potentially, humanity could obliterate the threat of terrorism. Practically, no one wants to rise to the challenge.

The Taliban, armed with rifles, grenade-launchers, and the Quran, have just proven that on their own land, they can defeat the US, France, and the UK combined. Soon they will be swarming into Europe, Russia, and the US.

For Israel, though not only for Israel, I am sure this is bad news. The Taliban, and their Islamist allies, will not stay put. Their plan is to paint the world green. Not the green of trees, but the color of Islam. They are not moderate Islamists; they want everything.

They will set up “bridgeheads” in key locations around the world and use them as bases for expansion. In the Middle-East, it could be Lebanon or Syria, certainly Gaza, and even certain spots within Israel.

However, they do not plan to remain in the Middle-East. The goal of radical Islam is to set them up all over the world, in places such as South America, Africa, and even close to the US, such as in Cuba. The specific location is of little significance; what should worry us is their intention and determination to become the world’s rulers, and to convert all of humanity to Islam.

We are at the doorstep of a new era. Things we thought we knew are no longer true, and new players are coming in. There will be many struggles, and the only way to prevent an all-out meltdown of humanity is unity.

This is where Israel will have to play its role. The only way to mitigate the turbulent era we are heading for is through unity. When it comes to unity, Israel must lead the way. Currently, Israel is the world’s leader in division, with the country being torn by subcultures that cannot stand each other.

Additionally, the division between Israel and the Jewish diaspora has become so deep that it seems as though the people who think of themselves as Jews within Israel and those who regard themselves as Jews abroad are not the same nation.

Moreover, world Jewry is also more divided than ever, splintered into myriad denominations and worldviews. In short, just as humanity is not a cohesive body of nations, Judaism is not a cohesive body of people. And without covering divisions with an overarching unity, there is no Judaism.

Since the Jews must lead the way toward unity, the more humanity becomes splintered, the more it will pressure the Jews. The wars that will engulf humanity in the coming years are not wars one can win. They are wars whose goal is to demonstrate that the only solution is unity above all the differences.

Therefore, the future will see humanity declining into increasingly violent conflicts and increasingly divided societies. At that time, Jew-hatred will grow until Jews come together and set an example of unity. As a result, wars around the world subside and lasting peace will prevail. What remains to be seen is the toll we will have to pay until that happens.
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For more on this topic, refer to my book The Jewish Choice: Unity or Anti-Semitism, Historical facts on anti-Semitism as a reflection of Jewish social discord.

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In the News (India Today): “2020 was a bad year. This has been said enough times and accepted by most people who wouldn’t want to be reminded of the terrible year. But, nobody would have thought that a year could be so bad that it will have a dedicated game to it which is kind of fun. Yes, 2020 now has its own game 2020 game, a free web-based side scroller that offers a fun take on last year’s events. …

“Developed by Max Garkavyy, 2020 game was built over a span of six months where each level is an event to forget from last year. The game looks inspired by Super Mario where the ultimate challenge is to avoid the obstacle and reach to the end. These obstacles come in the form of wildfires, COVID-19, TikTok, the US presidential election, and the endless quarantines. …

“Almost none of us want to witness another year like 2020 where everything that could have possibly gone wrong, did. Yet, almost all of us who survived this terrible year can look back at it and be proud. And, there is no better way to revisit 2020 with a bit of fun something that is made possible by 2020 game.”

Comment: Maybe it’s worth creating such a game to go back and know in advance what mistakes not to make.

My Response: I think that’s an idea. Any game in some way shows you a possible future. You can play several options here and see how it suits you, your attitude, perception, and so on.

Question: So the leaders of Europe and Trump, for example, could think and see what mistakes they made?

Answer: The problem is that they do not know where this is going, what these laws of nature are. Their ignorance is ruining them.

Question: And if you were given such a game “2020” now, what would you personally do?

Answer: It should all be built to compel people to get closer. Imagine that we are obliged to get closer to each other. For today, you must feel closer to others so much so that you feel that you are in their life, they are in your life, that you are mixed.

Question: So it is in thoughts, in decisions, in everything?

Answer: In everything! Everything got mixed in this world. And now you have to see how close it has come, and now you have to somehow find yourself in this: “Do I want to stay in the past? No, I have to get closer! And how do I get closer? I cannot. Maybe, after all, one way or another to get around this case? Maybe, like in a game, I can buy some chips, pay for something and not do anything?”

Question: So that all these thoughts that I don’t want to get closer, but I have to, they have to live in a person all the time?

Answer: Our whole life is a game.

Question: So you would take a player and bring him to such a state?

Answer: Yes.

Question: And in all the problems: the hype with food that took place, the movements in America, the presidential elections, the only lever is the thought of closeness?

Answer: Only our closeness. As soon as we get closer, everything turns out right, even if it may not seem so to us.

Question: And what if one of the presidents were playing this game and had to make some decision?

Answer: He would make his state an exemplary stage for closeness. And then they would show the whole world that this is the way of salvation.

Question: His future is then determined and the future of the country, and even the world?

Answer: Of course. We will see in the near future that it will happen anyway.

Question: At the same time, as you say, the head should also think about the world? Is this his initial thought?

Answer: Absolutely. He should think not only about his country. And then his actions will really be set up for closeness, for connection. Everything will be very good. Just wish it would be soon!
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From KabTV’s “News with Dr. Michael Laitman” 1/25/21

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Comment: Irina writes: “We were born as twins. I always knew when to call Clara, when she was feeling bad, and she would call me. We never fought. Clara died, and it’s as if my strength was drained from me. I visit her at the cemetery, sit there and talk to her—this is my life now. I have a family, children, even grandchildren, but nothing brings me joy. Dear Michael, maybe you can advise me—what should I do?”

My Response: You have to break this connection. This is bad for you and for your sister. You should engage in living completely independently from your sister.

Question: Does such a powerful connection really exist?

Answer: Of course! She got used to it throughout her life!

Question: Since they were constantly connected how can she break free of it?

Answer: By understanding that doing so is harming herself and her sister, and that on the part of her sister, in fact, this connection has been broken. That is, she went somewhere far away.

I felt the same with my mother. Not all my life, but when she died. I felt as if she was carrying me in her arms all my life, and then she let me go. I was already over seventy years old.

Question: So, Irina should let her sister go. Is she holding her now?

Answer: Yes. And this is not good for both the deceased and the living.

Question: What does it mean not good for the deceased? She’s already dead.

Answer: What do you mean, she’s dead?! There is an inner state in a person that does not die. And the fact that the body has stopped functioning, so what?

Question: So she lives on, one way or another?

Answer: Naturally. Exactly right.

Question: And this connection definitely exists?

Answer: Yes. You just have to accept that they exist on completely different levels. They transitioned to a different state of connection.

Question: And have you transitioned to a different state of connection with your mother?

Answer: Sure.

Question: Do you feel her now?

Answer: When I tune in to it, then yes.

Question: So, the connection with the mother never disappears?

Answer: Yes.
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From KabTV’s “News with Dr. Michael Laitman” 7/15/21

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In the News (The Guardian): “Several Indian states are considering implementing a controversial two-child policy and incentivising sterilisation as a means of population control.

“The state of Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state with a population larger than Brazil, has announced draft legislation which would see anyone with more than two children denied state benefits, subsidies and government jobs. After a family has two children, there will also be incentives if one of the parents undergoes voluntary sterilisation.”

Question: Do you think such initiatives are correct?

Answer: We must not sterilize people like animals. People need to figure out themselves how to regulate the number of children they will have and why they do it.

Question: Are you suggesting a serious educational process?

Answer: Nothing will work without it, not laws or coercion, only creating a framework that a family would be proud of the fact that it brings up not a large number of children but rather special children.

Question: This revolution in thinking must take place by providing them with education?

Answer: Of course! And it will happen anyway. Otherwise, look at what kind of country it is! I was in India, I was in China, and I saw a big difference between people.

Question: Should it be carried out not by a bill on limiting the number of children, but by constant, structured education?

Answer: Yes.

Question: It is interesting that in Europe everything is the opposite, they have to subsidize families to have children. Yet, in countries like Africa and India, families must be subsidized to have fewer children. Why is this happening? What is this different way of thinking in people?

Answer: It is all based on religious beliefs and principles.

Question: Why does a highly educated person, let’s say, with three or four degrees, want fewer children?

Answer: He wants quality instead of quantity. He understands that the main thing is quality. He wants his descendants to be educated, to understand, know how, what, what they live for, create the right environment around them, and put their children on their feet in turn.

Question: And if people would voluntarily have many children and give them good education, is this a cultural feature? Do they do this consciously? Do you welcome this?

Answer: Of course.

Comment: Our people always had many children.

My Response: First of all, it was a small nation. Second, one did not replace the other. People were encouraged to have a large number of children, but every person, every child, at least every boy, had a teacher who educated him. The family has always been proud of the fact that its children, sons, as a rule, were educated. “Look how many pages he knows by heart!” And so on.

That is, it was like a highest ideal, a reward, approval. Everyone aspired for a child to become a sage.

They do not have that there.
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From KabTV’s “News with Dr. Michael Laitman” 7/15/21

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“We do not inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” (Native American Proverb)

This should force you to prepare everything for the next generation. This is why you live in the present generation. We live to prepare the ground for the next generation. In every sense.

Question: Why don’t we feel this way? And we taint…

Answer: Our egoism obscures this elementary truth from us.
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From KabTV”s “News with Michael Laitman” 7/15/21

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Comment: German scholar Johann Reuchlin wrote On the Art of the Kabbalah: (De Arte Cabalistica) in 1517. In it he devotes a section to the relation of the Pythagorean system to the Kabbalah. 

My Response: The original philosophy for everyone was Kabbalah, the science of the forces that rule the world and in the world.

From the tenth century B.C. onward, the ancient Greeks adopted this wisdom from the ancient Jews. It passed to them until they broke away from the Kabbalists and began to interpret it in their own way, believing that the Earth is inhabited by gods, and that all sorts of forces are infused into stones, animals, etc.

This was already a clear totemism, and, of course, nothing remained of Kabbalah, just as nothing remained of it in all religions that took their origin from Kabbalah and then lowered it to the level of our world and all sorts of everyday actions that exist in religions today as their customs and laws.
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From KabTV’s “Spiritual States” 1/21/21

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Preparation to the Lesson

Lesson on the Topic “Lowliness and Subjugation” 

Writings of Baal HaSulam, “Preface to the Wisdom of Kabbalah,” Item 25

Selected Highlights

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My new article on Linkedin “Could the Middle-East Drown in Water-Wars?”

Global warming, back-to-back years of drought, and absence of investments in water saving and desalination technologies are pushing the already tense international relations in the Middle-East to the point of breakdown. If the water crisis continues, it will not be long before the arid land will be scorched by gunfire.

Iranian farmers cannot produce crops without water; the Kurds and Iran are at odds over the shifting of water lines; more than 12 million people in Syria and Iraq are losing access to water, food, and electricity; and in Syria, which is still torn by a civil war that began ten years ago, the drought this year is the worst in the past seventy years. Terror saws fear, but you can restrain it with arms. Thirst saws desperation, and nothing can stop desperate people.

Next to oxygen, water is the most vital element for survival. Without it, people will do literally anything to get it.

In a 2017 podcast, Peter Gleick, chief scientist and president emeritus of the Pacific Institute said, “Some of the earliest conflicts over water [appeared] about 25 BC in Ancient Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers.” Even now, “In the last decade or so,” continues Gleick, “there have been more and more instances of violence related to water … [which] have been what we call subnational conflicts.” The drought has not improved over the past four years since the interview. It has only worsened, and its consequences have brought the region to the point of near breakdown.

The most distressing element about this crisis is the fact that it is absolutely unnecessary. There are proven technologies that can turn deserts into oases at a very reasonable cost. Israel, once a victim of accelerated desertification, has brought the problem completely under control by constructing desalination plants. Israel has already built several such facilities abroad and is willing to help anyone who wishes to use the technology. Regrettably, the leaders in many Middle-Eastern countries consistently focus on tightening their grip on the people rather than on improving their lives.

In fact, Israel is already channeling water to Jordan as part of the 1994 peace agreement between the two countries. It is more than willing to sign such agreements with other neighboring countries, but at the moment, it does not appear as though there is openness toward the idea on the other side.

While I do not believe that Israel’s neighbors will start a war with Israel over water, it is sad that people who could have access to abundant water are denied this most necessary ingredient because of politics.

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My new article on Linkedin “The Israeli Covid Hubris”

There is a famous anecdote that once, when President Richard Nixon met with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, he confessed in a moment of candor that it was complicated governing 200 million Americans. To this, she replied, “You may have 200 million Americans to govern, but I have 6 million prime ministers to govern.” To this day, we don’t know how Nixon responded to Meir’s quip.

What we do know is that she was right. In Israel, everyone knows everything about anything.

When Covid-19 came along, the whole world panicked, and we in Israel immediately knew what to do, and we voiced our opinion to anyone who would (or would not) listen. Indeed, we are an obstinate people.

There is a reason for it. Our ancestors were fierce and strong minded individuals who left their own tribes and peoples and joined Abraham to form a new nation that united above all differences. At times, they succeeded and profound bliss had spread among them.

At other times, their adamant selves would take over and they would revert back to their old, opinionated selves. Then, fiery hatred would burst among them. However, after some time, they would remember the principle that had made them a nation—unity above divisions—and they would reaffirm their nationhood.

Today, we still have those fiery divisions, but we no longer have the times when we rise above them. Hatred has grown so intense among us that we can no longer unite above it. This is why every issue that comes along becomes an opportunity for altercation.

The only time when we do show some level of unity is during war. All Israelis feel it, and many admit that if there is anything to be thankful for when Gaza fires rockets into Israel, it is that this is the only time when we stop fighting one another.

For now, I don’t see that this will change soon. But at some point, Israelis will realize that they must unite not only because they are being bombed, but because they have a mission: to set an example of setting divisions aside, uniting above them, and building a strong nation.

Precisely the example of a nation created from strangers is what the world needs to see today, since everyone feels estranged from everyone else. When Israelis unite, they set this example, and this is all they need to do in order to solve all their problems with their neighbors and with the entire world—unite among themselves.

For now, they prefer to unite with anyone but each other. At some point, they will have no choice and they will do it. I hope this point comes soon.

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