Presidential Reflections

February 15, 2026

Dear Fellow Workers,

Terrorism is a frequent intruder of our wishes for normal and peaceful lives. People who perceive themselves as powerless often resort to such a remedy. Is it effective? It would seem so. Is it an invention of the modern age? It would seem not.

Its origins can trace back to the most primitive times. Initially, killing was limited to an individual basis. The Bible recalls in Genesis 6:1-8 the first human murder. It could be characterized as a sibling rivalry for fatherly favor. Cain probably felt he was the dethroned prince of the household. The parents, Adam and Eve, had to experience the loss of their child and the diminishment of the destiny of Cain.

Of course, there was a consequential penalty and in verse 12,we learn that Cain will be a “fugitive and vagabond throughout the earth”. Who would trust him? He could kill again.

Verse 15 tells that “…the Lord would put a mark upon Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him”. What is this mark? It has been speculated by some that this could be the simple smile. Under this theory, the smile was to reassure others that Cain meant them no harm. This affable gesture could have more meaning than we thought.

Over time mankind became quite proficient at terminating human lives. The threat of counter killing could be a deterrent and fatal action could be held in abeyance. This all got perfected over the ages.

As the annals of history unfold, we see vast numbers of people controlled by the threat of extinction. To name a few, Genghis Kahn killed 50 million. Adolph Hitler killed 4.5 million Europeans. The record is held by Mao Zedong at 85 million.

The concept of fear inspired killing is current as well. In 1942, Menachim Begin assumed the leadership of Israel’s lrgun terror organization in the embryonic Land. He was, in part, brought to leadership because of his known ruthless terror tactics. He was expert at this and played a significant role in ridding the Jewish People of British rule.

It has become clear, that a localized, but powerless group could affect change through terror. It could be asserted Israel is experiencing some consequences for its past actions. There is the iron law of consequences, whereby “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Perhaps Israel is not as free of responsibility for it plight, as we would like to believe.

This dynamic has long been in play. So, what could be the answer? Superior military force is an answer, but not a good one. Diplomacy is mostly wishful thinking.

Our Lord can and will solve this intractable problem. But how? By his WAY, which is, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). Also explained, as a favorable trade off, “But where sin abounded, grace much more abounded” (Romans 5:20).

When we pray, so often we tell God how to solve our problems. We tend to forget the Bible says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). Perhaps we have underestimatedthe effectiveness of goodness, generosity, sacrifice, kindness and the like for their effectiveness.

In Messiah,

Rabbi Paul Liberman

President

International Messianic Jewish Alliance