Rabbi Berel Wein: An Insider’s Guide To The Current Situation In Israel

Presented in memory of the recent passing of Rabbi Berel Wein zt”l

With the recent passing of klal Yisrael’s beloved historian and thinker Rabbi Berel Wein zt”l, we revisit one of his final public appearances — a deeply moving conversation on Chazaq’s Torah Talks, Episode 141, where he offered a powerful insider’s look at Israel, faith, and the Jewish future amidst the turmoil of war.

Broadcast on February 14, 2024, just months after the horrific attacks of October 7, Rabbi Wein spoke candidly from his home in Eretz Yisrael, sharing his thoughts on emunah, resilience, and the importance of Jewish presence in the Holy Land. “We are in the middle of a war,” he stated. “Unfortunately, war always entails casualties. The question is: Do we have the staying power to win this thing? Because that’s what it takes — staying power. Not to stop in the middle and not to be seduced by all sorts of ideas.”

He passionately critiqued the pressure placed on Israel by foreign governments and media bias, encouraging listeners to block out the noise and stand firm with the Jewish people. “The State of Israel is built upon emunah, upon faith. So we have to believe in ourselves. We have to believe that the G-d of Israel will not abandon us. That’s the test.”

Rabbi Wein called on Jews worldwide — especially in America — to act decisively: “Whoever can come to Israel to visit should. The mere fact that you see people who are willing to come and visit and say an encouraging word and spend a few dollars — that builds morale. This is a question of morale. A question of staying power. Not to feel abandoned.”

He then shared his own journey of aliyah: “I made official aliyah 30 years ago, and permanent aliyah 27 years ago. I’ve never felt as Jewish as I do here. I’ve never been so satisfied with life — even though on October 7, I went into the bomb shelter eight times.” His message was clear: life in Israel, while challenging, is rich with meaning and purpose. “We don’t have much of a choice. Things become very clear when you don’t have choices.”

To those hesitant about aliyah due to livelihood or cultural barriers, he responded bluntly: “So what? You’ll never speak Hebrew the way they do. You’ll always be an immigrant. So what? That’s part of the price. The Land of Israel is acquired through challenges. It’s an enormous gift — you can’t expect it for free.”

But even for those who cannot move, Rabbi Wein emphasized that the obligation to support Israel remains urgent and universal. “Support the Jewish people — not to be quiet, not to accept the New York Times, not to think that somehow all of this is going to blow away. Mental strength is critical. Write your congressman. If they got 300,000 letters, it would make a difference. You can’t sit back. Do something.”

Reflecting on Torah, Rabbi Wein reminded listeners of its enduring power: “The secret of our survival is Torah. Anything we can do to contribute to Torah — whether personally or financially — is part of strengthening the Jewish people.”

When asked about the growing unity in Israel post-October 7, Rabbi Wein noted: “If it were up to me, I would abolish all political parties. Most of the divide is caused by politicians, not the people.” He called for a culture of mutual respect, understanding that differences of opinion are part of the Divine plan. “Just as we don’t all look the same, we don’t all think the same. So why should I hate you because you have a different opinion?”

His concluding message was both personal and national: “Be strong. Remember the words of the Prophet Yonah: ‘I am Jewish.’ You can throw me off the boat, but that’s who I am. That’s what we are now. We are Jewish. We must be proud of our Judaism and support our fellow Jews — wherever they are.”

This memorable Chazaq Torah Talks episode was a rare opportunity to hear the voice of Rabbi Wein zt”l just months before his passing, leaving us with a legacy of courage, clarity, and eternal love for Eretz Yisrael and am Yisrael.

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Rabbi Yaniv Meirov is the CEO of CHAZAQ and Rabbi of Congregation Charm Circle in Kew Gardens Hills. Since 2006, he has led the organization’s mission to empower Jewish youth and families through Torah education, kiruv, and community initiatives. As Chazaq Torah Talks recently aired its 207th episode featuring Rabbi Arieh Friedner, Rabbi Meirov continues to uplift and inspire through candid conversations that bridge Torah tradition with contemporary challenges.