There is nothing new in the opposition of nations to the idea of Jews being independent in their own land.

In this week's Torah portion we read, in the words of the song which our ancestors sang at the Splitting of the Sea, that as a result of this miracle "the chieftains of Edom were confounded, trembling gripped the powers of Moab." (Shemot 15:15)

The Canaanites who dissolved with fear had good reason for fearing the nation which would displace them in their land. But why should Edom and Moab, whose lands were not designated for Jewish habitation, be upset, especially since our ancestors were to be commanded by G-d to refrain from attacking them?

The answer lies in the age-old hatred of Jewry and its inheritance of Eretz Yisrael which once again rears its ugly head in the international support of Palestinian terrorists.

Our fervent prayers are for once again meriting the Divine intervention which will cause the nations to tremble and enable us to sing about a secure Israel forever.

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