"Why did you bring us up from Egypt", complained the people against G-d and Moshe, "to die in this Wilderness, for there is no food and no water." (Bamidbar 21:5)

Public protests are hardly something new as is evident from this incident in this week's Torah portion.

That their protest was not justified is rather obvious in light of the fact that they had Heaven-sent manna to eat and water from the miraculous well which followed them.

The gross ingratitude shown by the people was punished by the sending of fiery serpents that killed a large multitude of the complainers.

There certainly are some things about the political and economic situations in Israelthat are legitimate causes for complaint. But before the protesters mount the barricades they should reflect on the fact that they have "food and water", keep their protest within the proper proportions and be grateful to G-d for Israel forever.

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