History Has Proven Leibowitz Right about Israel

Professor Yeshayahu Leibowitz, a prominent Orthodox Jewish scholar and critic of Israeli society, once remarked, “Every day I check my mailbox, but I have not found a letter from the Almighty confirming it.” This was his response to the question of whether the Zionist state represented “the beginning of the flowering of our Redemption,” a phrase embedded in the prayer for the State of Israel, recited in many synagogues worldwide. While some congregations, particularly Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) communities, reject this phrase due to its messianic connotations, Leibowitz’s perspective reflected a complex relationship with Zionism and the Israeli state.
Leibowitz’s academic and intellectual journey was marked by a deep engagement with Jewish tradition, science, and social justice. Raised in an Orthodox Jewish household, he remained committed to his faith throughout his life. His early years were shaped by religious Zionism, a movement that sought to align Jewish religious identity with the establishment of a Jewish state. However, this alignment evolved over time, particularly after the 1967 war, when Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza. Leibowitz became a vocal opponent of the occupation and the expansion of settlements, viewing these actions as a betrayal of Jewish values and a violation of human dignity.
In the 1930s, Leibowitz was active in Haoved Hadati, a group that combined Orthodox religious practice with socialist labor values. This organization later became a political party, Hapoalim Hadatiim, which ran in the first Knesset elections of 1949 but failed to secure any seats. This experience underscored Leibowitz’s disillusionment with organized politics, which he saw as a realm of compromise and moral compromise. He preferred to remain an independent intellectual, critiquing injustice and oppression from the margins of Israeli society.
Leibowitz’s critiques extended beyond political and social issues to include the moral and ethical dimensions of Jewish life. He viewed social justice as an essential part of Judaism, arguing that the pursuit of justice and compassion was central to the faith. This perspective was rooted in biblical teachings, such as Micah 6:8, which calls for “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” For Leibowitz, these principles were not abstract ideals but practical imperatives that guided both individual and collective action.
Despite his critical stance toward the Israeli government and its policies, Leibowitz remained a committed Jew, deeply engaged with Torah study and Jewish tradition. His weekly Torah commentaries on Israeli radio and public critiques of Israeli society made him a respected voice in both academic and religious circles. His work challenged the notion that Zionism was inherently aligned with messianic aspirations, instead emphasizing the need for a Judaism rooted in ethical responsibility and moral clarity.
In a world where political and religious narratives often blur the lines between faith and ideology, Leibowitz’s life and work serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity, humility, and the pursuit of justice. His legacy challenges us to consider how we can live out our faith in ways that honor both the divine and the human. As Romans 12:18 reminds us, “If it be possible, as much as dependeth on you, live peaceably with all men.” In this spirit, Leibowitz’s life offers a model of how to navigate the complexities of faith, politics, and justice with wisdom and compassion.

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