The haftarah for parashat “Nitzavim,” taken from Isaiah (61:10-63:9), offers a stirring vision of redemption. Nestled within it are verses that resonate particularly strongly in our times, speaking directly to the challenges Israel currently faces with hasbara, or public diplomacy.
Isaiah declares: “For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. And the nations shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall designate” (62:1-2).
The phrase “For Zion’s sake I will not be silent” has become famous, having been invoked by numerous Jewish leaders over the years as a rallying cry for various causes. Interestingly, many of the commentators – such as Rashi, the Malbim, and the Radak – attribute these verses to God, not to the Jewish people, portraying them as a divine promise to Israel.
The Ibn Ezra agrees but also adds that many say it is, in fact, Israel that is the one speaking. With this latter view in mind, we can understand the prophet’s words as a rebuke to silence. Isaiah insists that when Zion is maligned, when Jerusalem is under attack – be it physically or verbally – keeping quiet is not an option. Truth does not defend itself; it must be proclaimed.
The sin of silence
Our enemies today understand the power of narrative. That is why they flood campuses, airwaves, and social media with lies, branding Israel as “colonialist,” “apartheid,” or even “genocidal.” These modern-day blood libels travel swiftly at the speed of cyberspace and often go unchallenged. Too frequently, Israel has not responded effectively, if at all, as if the facts alone could somehow defeat the calumnies.
But Isaiah will have none of this. “For Zion’s sake I will not be silent.” The Jewish people must raise their voices – boldly, clearly, and repeatedly. Hasbara – explaining and defending Israel’s cause – is not a luxury or an afterthought. It is a moral imperative and prophetic directive.
A prophecy of success
Yet Isaiah goes further. He says not only that Israel must speak, but that the effort will bear fruit: “The nations shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory.”
This is a radical message in an age of cynicism. Many dismiss hasbara as futile, insisting that the world will hate us regardless. Isaiah rejects that defeatism. Properly carried out, Israel’s advocacy can indeed pierce the fog of falsehood. Nations and leaders will recognize the justice of Israel’s cause – if only we make it shine like a “burning torch.”
Reclaiming the narrative
Isaiah also envisions a transformation of Israel’s reputation: “You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall designate.” For centuries, Jews were branded by others – mocked, demonized, and scapegoated. Today, the State of Israel often finds itself caricatured in the same way.
But God assures us this will not be our fate forever. Israel will one day be known by a new name, one that reflects dignity, justice, and divine favor. To hasten that day, we must seize control of our own story, highlighting the Jewish state’s moral foundations, remarkable achievements, and its role as a beacon of freedom and innovation in a dark region.
Our task today
In this sense, the haftarah of “Nitzavim” is much more than a poetic vision. It is a strategic blueprint. Israel’s enemies may not tire of slandering it or of seeking to isolate it. But the Jewish response cannot be passivity. It must be the tireless articulation of truth, rooted in Isaiah’s command “I will not be silent.”
God’s promise is clear. If Israel raises its voice with confidence and persistence, its light will break through, its righteousness will be seen by the nations, and its glory acknowledged even by kings. That is a key theme of this week’s haftarah.
Our responsibility is to make it real.