The nations only respect Jews when we stand strong. When we are weak and spineless the nations will stamp all over us.
Rabbi Kahane was keenly aware of this. When I see him speak and when I read his words I feel the Jewish Strength and the Jewish Pride flowing. I know that the Jewish people could be mighty if we want to. Why we act meekly is a real mystery to me. There is a obvious difference between arrogance and self respect. Sometimes I think that since the Rabbis have said that we should consider humility to be the greatest trait that we have mistaken low self esteem for humility.
I remember a key lesson from Torah, that although Moses was called the most humble of all Jews, let alone all humans, he never had low self-esteem. He was able to act decisively without concern for other peoples opinion because he knew in his soul he was correct. He was humble, yet he had strength.
It feels good to take pride in my Jewish neshama. And I will not compromise my opinion even when confronted.
Let me bring a few lines from last weeks Torah portion, it inspires me:
Vayikra/Leviticus 26
6. And I will grant peace in the Land, and you will lie down with no one to frighten [you]; I will remove wild beasts from the Land, and no army will pass through your land;
7. You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you;
8. Five of you will pursue a hundred, and a hundred of you will pursue ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you.
9. I will turn towards you, and I will make you fruitful and increase you, and I will set up My covenant with you.