Reply To: Why was the National Anthem or G-D Bless Ameirica not sung by Siyum Hashas?

rabbiofberlin – I disagree. I learned in a non Satmar, Litvish Yeshiva, and the way we were taught the mesorah is that it was against halacha to take the land away from the goyim to build a state on it. Especially a non Torah observant state in the name of Jews. But, since it de facto stands today as a country with many Jews living in it, we must do our hishtadlus to ensure their well being by supporting the security of the state. We also do everything we can to help Torah authorities take positions of power in its government. Lastly, I’ve heard a respected rav from the yeshiva call it “reishis tzmichas geulateinu” when saying mi sheberachs for Jewish soldiers, and I feel as though it is safe to assume he was acting in line with the Yeshiva mesorah. I’m not sure how other Yeshivas understand the Gemara.