Waving aside the standing ovation of an enthusiastic crowd in Belfer Hall on the night of November 25h, Member of Knesset Naftali Bennett spoke purposefully and passionately about the state of affairs in Israel and of his vision for her future. Arguing for a shift in perspective from Israel as a “shelter state” to an “Ohr Lagoyim,” a light unto the nations, Bennett heralded an era focused on the pride and capability of the Jewish people in the land of Israel, in which Israel will share her achievements—technological, military—with others to become a world leader.
Waving aside the standing ovation of an enthusiastic crowd in Belfer Hall on the night of November 25h, Member of Knesset Naftali Bennett spoke purposefully and passionately about the state of affairs in Israel and of his vision for her future. Arguing for a shift in perspective from Israel as a “shelter state” to an “Ohr Lagoyim,” a light unto the nations, Bennett heralded an era focused on the pride and capability of the Jewish people in the land of Israel, in which Israel will share her achievements—technological, military—with others to become a world leader.In terms of promoting change, Bennett is in a good position to do so. Currently the Minister of Economy, Minister of Religious Services, and Minister for Jerusalem and Foreign Affairs, Bennett’s political party Habayit Hayehudi now occupies twelve seats in the Knesset, quadrupling their numbers since last election. The party encourages the reclamation of the Israeli people’s connection to the land and Nation of Israel within the context of Torah. While acknowledging the importance of diversity (four of the twelve Habayit Hayehudi members of Knesset are secular Jews), Bennett insisted that it is time for religious awareness to become central in the running of the State. And, the YU community is in the perfect position to further this goal. Whether or not one chooses to make the move, the support of Jews in and outside of Israel are key in determining the success of the state. As a business strategy, Bennett contended, “Israel is a hell of an investment.” One might call it optimism; Bennett sees it as reality.
Bennett’s story was a personal as well as a political one. He traced his family’s transition from unaffiliated to Orthodox, and his own journey from Upper West Side entrepreneur to Knesset politician. Speaking as a seasoned businessman, he offered his best advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “choose the right partner.” Speaking as a veteran commander of elite army unit Tzayeret Matkal, he provided a model for the successful military career of a religious Jew.
The dual nature of Bennett’s speech, both practical and political, were especially significant for Talia Kugelman, Sy Syms ’15, who helped bring Bennett to YU as Vice President of Sy Syms Student Council. Pleased by the huge turnout for the event, Kugelman stated that Bennett is a role model for both Sy Syms students and the larger student body alike.
Kugelman stated that for Syms students, “he embodies the entrepreneurial spirit.” For the rest of the student body, “Naftali Bennett is a great role model, and it is important to continue to educate students about Israel.”
Students seemed to take away a renewed sense of pride and confidence in Israel. After the speech, Orit Bitton, SCW ’15, noted enthusiastically, “Naftali Bennett was able to leave the audience of a sense of pride for our land, a desire to be part of its history, and a sense of responsibility to do whatever we can for Israel and our brethren living there.”
Devorah Yarmush, President of the Israel Club also shared her appreciation for Bennett’s visit to the Yehsiva University campus, “I am incredibly thankful that Minster of Knesset Naftali Bennet was able to join us to address the YU student body, he reminded us that while Israel fights its own battles, the country still continues to be invested in giving back to the world.”
Bennett’s hope for Israel lies beyond simply perpetuating itself. When the floor was opened for questions, students asked how Bennett felt about Israel’s security in light of recent developments in talks with Iran. While addressing the students’ concerns, Bennett was clear that the primary issue at stake for Israel is not national security but something deeper. Bennett in his address to the YU community echoed a sentiment that although Israel is certainly not free of her security concerns, Israel must not continue to be defined by setbacks. Rather, Israel must be defined as a State of “ohr,” realizing a spiritual and moral, as well as political and economic mission. There is no better time to recommit ourselves to the continuation and flourishing of the Jewish people, a message Naftali Bennett would not have us forget.