As someone who grew up in England, I was gratified to see the first Royal Visit to Israel since 1948, with the visit this week of Prince William this week to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and more. The last time I saw him (at an event in England when I was a child) he was just a young child, and now he seemed to carry the dignity of the Crown in good stead as he represented England so well and also honored Israel and the Jewish people in a very beautiful and dignified manner. Click here for a video of some of his remarks in which he also referenced his Great Great Grandmother who helped save Jews during the Holocaust.
Contrast this with the story of another King and a bunch of princes who we read about this week in the Torah Portion, which tells us the the fascinating story of how the nations of Moav and Midyan banded together to curse the Jews in their hope at overcoming them, after having failed miserably in battle. The Torah tells us that Bilaam the Prophet who was hired by the King of Moav sought to harm the Jews through his curses, yet could find no evil to speak of regarding the Jewish people and instead began a series of powerful compliments, blessings and positive prophecies regarding the Jewish people.
Some very famous concepts are contained within this story, including his description of the Jewish people as a Nation that dwell alone and will not be considered to be a nation like all other nations. A prophecy that is true on both in regards to the Jewish people being a people who live their own destiny and purpose regardless of the winds that are often blowing around them, and also to the fact that part of the human dynamic has been an irrational hate for the Jewish people throughout history.
He also sings many other praises for the Jewish people, including how they live with each other in a manner that respects the privacy and space of one another, and live a lifestyle that is built on modesty and good values.
The portion is a story of nations who teamed up to harm the Jewish people, but ended up blessing the Jewish people and their inherent qualities. It serves as a reminder that while sometimes it appears that the course of history hasn't changed and hate and prejudice are part of the human dynamic, at the same time, on our end, we need to take stock of who we are and remember our purpose and responsibilities as Jews in the overall role and goals of humanity, and keep doing the goodness that we are here for and good at.
With that said, we are also blessed to live in a day and age, in which many of the leaders of the world, as shown by Prince William and so many others, understand the wrongs of Anti Semitism and any other form of hate and prejudice. It is inspiring to see leaders that are committed to helping make the world a better place for all of humanity, as this way together we can make the world be a place that fulfills its Divine Potential for all mankind.
Thank you Bilaam, who despite your hate for us, reminded us that we succeed best, when we are true to who we need to be and loyal to our values, and thank you Prince William for your Royal Visit and warm words to Israel and the Jewish people.
Good Shabbos
Yisroel