We see before our eyes the acceleration of anti-Semitism primarily on the part of descendants of Yishmoel. Regarding this situation, Chazal said in Midrash Rabbah on the posuk, "Turn northward." "Said R' Chiya: If you see him [Yishmoel] oppressing you, don't stand against him but rather go into hiding until his world passes." Tzafonah (Northward), refers to Torah, and by fortifying ourselves in Torah study and mitzva-observance we will be able to stand against those who seek to harm us.
In times such as these, rabbonim must encourage their congregations to act modestly and discreetly with regard to material things and not to be conspicuous, as Yaakov Ovinu said to his sons: Why be noticeable? Rashi comments: Why appear as if you are sated [when the world is in the throes of a famine]?
Also, the rabbonim must practice what Yaakov Ovinu did when he encountered Lavan and spoke to him softly, and not antagonize them, for in this way we will be able to achieve all that is possible.
May Hashem help the voice of Yaakov in our communities to increase and prevent the hand of Esav and Yishmoel from ruling over us, and may we merit the ultimate Redemption, speedily and in our days, Amen.
A. L. Shteinman
I also join this, Chaim Kanievsky
