R' Chaim on Iran's nuclear program: "Not to worry, and not act to foil agreement"

A surprising statement regarding da'as Torah on the Iranian nuclear issue, was published today (Friday) by the grandson of Hagaon Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, editor of the paper Yedidei Yosher, R' Aryeh Kanievski.

In an article titled 'Editorial', the grandson writes: "For several months, the newspaper headlines have been revolving endlessly around the theme of the nuclear agreement with Iran. Rough Israeli intervention into national politics - or war on the home, a great and terrible danger starting with the outcome of the agreement concerning the nuclear issue, and ending with the hundreds of billions of dollars of investments which will flow to them - or even internal Israeli political tactics... Be that as it may, the world is seething, those in favor and those who are crying out against, and the people of Israel are in need of salvation ...

"One thing is clear - the situation is not good. The choice is between very bad and very very bad... And the public does not know what to do, although preoccupation with Iran over many years, has a little numbing effect on the sense of danger, especially among the inhabitants of the Land of Israel, but those living abroad or those who see the whole picture, never rest, the calls and threats to exterminate the Jews, warning lights flashing bright red, along with the indifference of the world accurately remind one of the infamous pre-Second World War, G-d forbid.

"Naturally, there are many who find rest and refuge of their concerns on this matter with my grandfather, shlita, "May the Rabbi teach us what to do, whether and how much to fear?" And my grandfather replied calmly, "For Hashem shall not forsake His nation, and His inheritance He shall not leave, there's nothing to be afraid of... Pray, yes, but do not be afraid". And questioners generally keep asking anxiously: But Rabbi, Khamenei said that they will destroy us, and the head of military intelligence claims that it is an immediate national danger, and the speaker of the House argues that this agreement is worse than anything else, etc. etc. ... and my grandfather again replies, "In every generation they stand up against us, and Hashem saves us"!

So too, this week a very prominent Jew from the US who has family here in Israel, and claims that according to reliable and based information in his possession, the Iranian nuclear issue is a real danger to Jews and hence he is seized by fear of the future, asked whether he should move them to a refuge, or at least take care of their passports and tickets in case of emergency. He ended with a question. And my grandfather sternly told him, "you have nothing to fear, Hine lo yanum velo yishan shomer Yisroel, Hashem will help!"

"There are a number of Jewish political activists in the US, some of them linked to pro-Israel lobby - IPAC, and some friends of the senators and members of Congress, and have repeatedly contacted my grandfather personally or through me to ask whether they should take action and make an effort to thwart the agreement if possible. But my grandfather repeatedly said, "Do you want to make an effort to save the people of Israel? I will tell you what you do, pray! This is the best hishtadlus, we do not know what is good for us, only G-d knows! Velo yitosh HAshem amo, this is the best hishtadlus!" the article concludes.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!