This is inspired by a challenge to compare the Biblical Purim story with today's situation concerning the Jewish People, The State of Israel and our war for survival. Which of today's Israeli and world leaders are like the five main characters, King Achashverosh, Haman, Vashti, Mordechai and Esther of the Purim story?
Fairly easily I was able to decide on the Persian King Achashverosh, who's very much controlled by his advisors and seems terrified or unwilling to move without the approval of his backers. Haman is also easy to name, and he, too, represents a coalition of supporters and advisors. Vashti took a bit more thought to decide on. She had her moment of fame and then was pushed off the stage. Only our two heroes are missing, Esther and Mordechai. Try as I can, I just don't see anyone or team showing the capabilities and daring needed to topple King Achashverosh and Haman.
Following are my three Purim characters of today.
- King Achashverosh- Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Bibi Netanyahu
- Haman- US President Biden
- Vashti- former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett
Of course if you disagree, I invite you to state your opinions in the comments.
I'll start with Naftali Bennett as Vashti, since she's off stage very early on. Bennett after his great success in high-tech had been Netanyahu's chief of staff from 2006-8, until Bibi kept dampening Bennett's ambitions, jealous of his talents, and threw him out of the palace. A few years ago, Bennett did the impossible and crafted an unthinkable, even miraculous, coalition and became Israel's Prime Minister. In response, Netanyahu showed his antidemocratic fangs and did everything in his power to destroy Naftali Bennett. He succeeded, very much like Achashverosh's banishment of Vashti. Some Bible scholars say that Vashti was from the royal family and married down. The marriage is what gave Achashverosh the kingship.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been in this high office most of the past twenty years, which according to all logic means that he's responsible for the dangerous mess the State of Israel is in. Like the Biblical Achashverosh, he needs reminding... so far, he's still asleep at the wheel. Considering that Bibi was educated in the USA, he should be familiar with Harry Truman's motto:
Instead of acting like a strong sovereign leader, Netanyahu likes to talk tough, but his policies are weak. And it's really embarrassing and dangerous for the State of Israel, that he seems so unsure and halting. The additional members of his "war cabinet," like King Achashverosh's advisors, seem even less competent. In Bibi's case, he brought in the same military men who built the defenses that failed on October 7, 2023. They're all covering their you-know-whats.
American President Biden represents Haman, the enemy. Achashverosh trusts Haman, and gives him so much authority -including his ring for signing national orders. That reminds me of how Netanyahu is sharing our military secrets and plans with Biden and his staff. Bibi is consulting with them, as if we're all on the same "team," using Biden's terminology.
How could Bibi do such a thing? What about our national security? The United States has been training and arming the same Arabs who have been attacking us!!! Don't forget that Chuck Schumer, Biden's stooge, announced to the world that the USA wants Netanyahu REPLACED! Biden confirmed it, and Bibi doesn't have the guts to pull our ambassador out of Washington. Doesn't he have any pride, national or personal? He even makes Achashverosh look good.
Think about it. Something is very wrong.
In the Purim story, early on we see Mordechai planting his orphaned relative, Esther, in Achashverosh's palace. Mordechai was a gutsy rebel. That's the Hebrew meaning of his name. The first three letters מרד mem, resh, daled are the root of mered, rebellion. That's why Haman hated him so. Haman knew well that Mordechai couldn't be controlled by Persian authorities.
I have no idea if an Esther has already been planted someplace where she can turn the tables and bring us victory. Gd willing, she's there, and soon we'll see wonderful miracles.
If Esther and Mordechai haven't yet started their tasks, Gd willing they'll start soon, ASAP or better yet YESTERDAY!
PRAY!!!