A reply to Mahatma Gandhi / Martin Buber

A reply to Mahatma Gandhi / Martin Buber

The determinative thing for us is not the promise of the land; it is the commandment related to the land that must be actualized. The bible tells us, while at the same time our internal knowledge determines for us, that once, over 3,000 years ago, our arrival to Israel was accompanied by an exalted calling to establish here a just way of life. A way of life such as this cannot be actualized by individuals’ own existence, but only by a nation establishing its society: common ownership of the land (Leviticus 25, 23), periodical decreasing of social differences (Leviticus 25, 13), solidarity to the independence of each individual (Exodus 23, 2), mutual assistance (Exodus 23, 4), a Sabbath given to all and includes slaves and beasts as creatures with the right to rest (Exodus 23, 12), giving rest to the land while every person is allowed to freely enjoy its fruits (Leviticus 25, 5).
These are not practical laws enunciated by wise people – these are standards founded by the nations’ leaders as the criteria that must be fulfilled in order to inherit the land. No other nation has, from it's beginning, been called to such a mission. It is something that leaves no oblivion, and cannot be taken leave of.
At the time we did not accomplish what was imposed on us. We were exiled from our land before our purpose had been carried out. But the commandment was left in our hands and it is becoming urgent more than ever. We need a land to fulfill the commandment.