Funding the Enemy - another reason for teshuva!

Yet another reason to mourn. We destroyed the Beis Hamikdosh, and since we still await its rebuilding, according to the Yerushalmi it is as if we are responsible for its destruction. However today's news tell us that our tax money, apart from funding the histadrut strike (how can a country function when there is a strike literally every summer?), is also being used to pay the salaries of those who even the government considers to be terrorists.

From YNet

Israel pays Haniyeh's salary

Funds transferred by Jewish state to Palestinian Authority used by Prime Minister Fayyad to pay wages of government workers, including dismissed Hamas ministers

Ronny Shaked
Published: 07.24.07, 09:04 / Israel Money

When Israel decided to unfreeze $600 million it owed the Palestinian Authority, it did not intend for the money to be used to fill the bank account of former Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.


After receiving the funds from Israel and additional aid from the United States and European countries, the Palestinian Finance Ministry decided to pay the monthly salaries of government members, including dismissed Hamas ministers and the group's representatives in the Legislative Council.


Each of these officials received on Monday NIS 12,000 (about $2,836) from Palestinian Prime Minister and Finance Minister Salam Fayyad's treasury. One of the people to receive this sum was former Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar, one of Hamas' most radical members.

I realised just before the fast how it is possible for Israel's leaders to consistently make such bad decisions: http://www.haloscan.com/comments/rabbisedley/2270494586979570167/#22418

Even in the midst of all the tragedy we must realise how closely G-d is with us, removing free choice and sensibility from our politicians so that we, the people, take responsibility for our actions. Blaming the government and the histadrut and anyone else, only deflects the blame from ourselves.

I know that it is now 'summer holidays' for many people. But it is also the beginning of the seven weeks leading up to Rosh Hashana. Now is the chance to work on ourselves and prepare for the day of judgement. We can see with our own eyes where we have got to so far!