Rabbi Howard Morrison

Much of this week's Parsha of Vayera is recited on the two days of Rosh Hashanah. On the second day,  I spoke about the relationship of Ishmael and Isaac. Given recent statements made by politicians in Canada and the U.S., I wish to reiterate my High Holy Day remarks.

Soon after we learn about the birth of Isaac, we read that "Sarah saw the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had born to Abraham (Ishmael) playing ("Metzachek") (Genesis 21:9)." Commentaries abound trying to understand what or with whom Ishmael was "playing?"

Classical interpretations include the following: Ishmael was mocking Isaac; Ishmael was persecuting Isaac; Ishmael was claiming Isaac's covenantal status; Ishmael was abusing Isaac, perhaps even sexually.

It is noteworthy that on October 7, 2023, Hamas, a particular descendant of Ishmael, was doing all of these things in a genocidal manner against any and all Israelis whom they attacked - men, women, children, some whom were not Jewish. The attacks and brutality were indiscriminate.

While one would not expect Hamas supporters to proclaim the truth over their lies, it is shocking that political leaders choose to promote blatant falsehoods.

When communal leaders accuse Israel of committing genocide when it is conducting a defensive war to save its people, that is unforgivable.

When communal leaders refuse to acknowledge the evil acts perpetrated on October 7, that is unforgivable.

Sadly, and tragically, New York's Mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani is guilty of spreading lies over who has truly committed genocide.

Sadly, and tragically, this past week, Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, is also guilty of spreading lies over who has truly committed genocide. 

In the Torah text, Sarah and Abraham are quick in being proactive, calling out and addressing the immoral behavior of Ishmael toward Isaac. 

Now, in our own community, Mayor Chow needs to correct her malicious spreading of hate and falsehood. We the Jewish community need to be proactive like Abraham and Sarah in seeing that justice is upheld.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard Morrison