On Tuesday, November 26, students at Rambam Mesivta were treated to a powerful and thought-provoking presentation by Rabbi Steven Weil, the head of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (“FIDF”). Rabbi Weil offered a deep analysis of the current global security crisis, drawing unsettling comparisons to the days leading up to World War II and emphasizing the existential threat Iran poses not only to Israel but to global peace and security all over the world.
Rabbi Weil began his address by discussing the Iranian regime’s long-standing ambitions, emphasizing that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”) functions much like the personal army of its supreme leader, the Ayatollah, similar to how Hitler’s SS served him. According to Rabbi Weil, Iran’s goal is not just regional dominance but a global one, specifically targeting Mecca and Medina, and by extension, the entire Muslim world.
Iran has created what Rabbi Weil called a “Ring of Fire” around Israel, funding and training militias across the Middle East in an effort to destabilize countries and directly challenge Israel’s existence. From supporting terrorist groups in Gaza to backing destabilizing forces in Jordan, Iran’s influence is pervasive.
“What Iran is doing today is a direct threat to global stability,” Weil said. “If Israel falls, G-d forbid, the next target is Saudi Arabia. And if Saudi Arabia falls, they control the heart of Islam.” He went on to explain that, in line with the Shiite caliphate, should Iran take control of Islam, Western civilization as we know it would cease to exist.
Drawing a striking parallel to the rise of Nazi Germany, Rabbi Weil asked: would the world respond to Iran’s aggression as it failed to respond to Hitler’s rise? He reminded the students of the 58 million lives lost in World War II, a tragedy that the world largely ignored until it was too late. “Hitler moved in baby steps,” he said. “He could have been stopped at any point, but no one stopped him. We cannot let history repeat itself.”
Rabbi Weil urged the Rambam students to understand that Israel is not just defending itself but standing at the frontlines in a global battle for morality and security. He called Israel the “canary in the coal mine”—always the first to face threats, but never the last. “Israel’s fight against terrorism, particularly in Gaza, is a defense not only of Israel but of the very values of Western civilization,” he explained.
Rabbi Weil also emphasized the moral integrity of the Israeli Defense Forces, providing sobering statistics about Israel’s conduct in warfare. He noted that Israel’s civilian-to-combatant ratio in Gaza is an extraordinary 0.75 to 1—the most moral ratio in the history of modern warfare. While the global average for civilian casualties is 9 for every combatant, Israel has gone to incredible lengths to protect civilian lives, even as its enemies deliberately use civilians as human shields.
“We are fighting an asymmetrical war,” Rabbi Weil explained. “The enemy disguises itself as civilians, hiding in schools, hospitals, and even within the United Nations. In such a war, identifying the true enemy is nearly impossible. But the IDF has done more to limit civilian casualties than any other military in the world.”
Rabbi Weil’s message to the Rambam students was clear: they are the next generation of leaders, and they must be equipped with the truth and the moral clarity to confront global challenges. “Be armed with the truth,” he urged. “Don’t cower. The IDF is not only defending Israel; it is defending the world. You will build Torah in Israel and contribute to the destiny of your people. You are the generation that will carry the moral torch forward.”
Drawing on the teachings of the Rambam, Rabbi Weil reminded the students of the importance of seeing the “big picture.” While Israel faces profound pain—200 new widows, 600 new orphans, and 1,900 families mourning the loss of a sibling—its strength and resolve are stronger than ever.
In closing, Rabbi Weil warned that the ongoing conflict, particularly the war with Gaza and the looming threat posed by Iran, will define the 21st century. The world stands at a critical crossroads: Will it repeat the mistakes of the past by appeasing an aggressor, as it did with Hitler, or will it rise to stop Iran and ensure that the principles of morality and justice shape the future?
“There are no simple answers,” he said. “But this moment in history is a serious one. Israel’s survival is not just about Israel—it is about the future of the free world. And Rambam students, you will play a key role in this fight. You have the truth. You have morality. Be strong.”
The assembly was a sobering reminder of the state of affairs on a global stage and the challenges our people face. For the students of Rambam, it was a call to action—a chance to understand the gravity of the times, and a reminder of their responsibility to shape the future with courage, conviction, and moral clarity.
By Tahra Kerman
