The rest of us quibble over the many untruths claimed by Benjamin Netanyahu who fosters hate and violence as part of his cultural heritage. Not too long ago his name was Binyamin Mileikowsky, but who cares? Most of the population of Israelis, over 95 per cent, have changed their European names to Hebrew names for legitimate reasons.
Among the more perceptive citizens of the land find him a repugnant creature, “a terrible man, a serial liar”. Many speeches, delivered by voices that rise above the simple-minded, such as Ynet Ben Caspit who said Netanyahu “does nothing but evade blame, smear others, divide, incite, sow discord and defame anyone or anything that might stand in his way”. Yet all are subservient to his power, as he manoeuvres the narrative to lie at will.
The full realisation of the criminality of this man is oblivious to the president of the US, who becomes, willingly or unwillingly, an accomplice to his crimes. Flattery is the darlings of great men and all great men sink, without discipline. Netanyahu spins a tale of infirmity, but the will is weak.
To flatter the US president, Netanyahu has recently compared him to the greatest men in history, evoking a character in history, like King Cyrus of Persia, calling him: “King of the Jews”. Who believes that?
Not one Jew has ever called Cyrus their king, except Netanyahu.
Let us examine this “king of the Jews”, according to the biggest liar of our times.
Cyrus the Great was born in Persis around 600 BC, (c 600-530 BC). He rose to power by expanding his empire, well beyond its borders, through military campaigns. He conquered the Lydian kingdom, known for its wealth; he won the Babylonian empire gathering control of Mesopotamia and the Levant. His conquests extended into Central Asia and Asia Minor (modern Turkey), incorporating Greek cities into the empire.
When he came to power, the Jews had been settled there for 70 years, beginning with the initial deportation after the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, following the exile, after the destruction of the first Temple of Jerusalem, known as Solomon’s Temple.
According to Jewish history, the Jews had committed cardinal sins, such as murder, adultery, and paganism. Paganism had become so prevalent that God punished the people for their great sins they had committed. The people believed the temple should be destroyed. The temple was set on fire and the people went to exile.
Cyrus took power in October 539 BC. A wise, just and tolerant ruler, he fostered peace and prosperity within his vast empire. A gentle soul, Cyrus treated his subjects with great consideration. He was no Jew. His religion was Zoroastrianism, an ancient monotheistic faith dominant in Persia before the Muslim conquest in the seventh century.
Yes, there are Zoroastrians alive today. Estimates suggest there are between 100,000 and 200,000 spread worldwide. About 50,000 live in India — 15,000 in Iran — 22,000 in North America with populations growing in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Individuals are believed to have the freedom to choose between good and evil with their choices impacting their after-life.
Many interpret Cyrus as “Zulqarnain”, (the two horns), revered in the holy Quran, as a just and pious ruler, to whom God granted the power and authority on earth.
Cyrus issued a decree allowing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuilt their temple. Following the edict in 538 BC, approximately 5,000 Jews returned to Jerusalem. Some historical evidence suggests that the initial group may have been much smaller, perhaps around 4,000. In either case, this represents a minority of the total Jewish population in Babylonia at the time.
The majority remained behind, ignoring the right to return. Why would a Jew refuse to return, as most do willingly now? The reasons and excuses are many. Why abandon the comforts of Babylon and go through a long and tedious journey, fraught with perils? Why leave family, social bonds and a prosperous life to venture in war-torn Jerusalem? Why bother to rebuild an entire city, including the city wall?
It is also mentioned in the scriptures that the Jews were living in disobedience to God at this time, therefore no need to return.
It is estimated that around 80,000 Jews remained in Babylon, (now Iran), at least about twice as many as those who returned, forming a large diaspora community that persisted for centuries. Their community thrived in Babylon, becoming a centre for Jewish learning and culture.
Cyrus freed the slaves, but he was no king to the Jews.
A habitual liar, Netanyahu repeatedly called Cyrus “king of the Jews”, lavishing praise on Donald Trump as another Lord Balfour, Harry Truman, and Cyrus the Great. Donald Trump beamed.
Cyrus was described as a pagan in the Talmud, while others called him the messiah.
A modern-day Cyrus is particularly popular, justifying the existence of the present Israel.
The believers honour Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and are grateful for its constant support to eradicate Palestine and expand territories for Greater Israel.
The Mikdash Educational Centre has created 1,000 coins with the US president’s image alongside king Cyrus, who 2,500 years ago allowed Jews to return from exile, except for the fact that most of them refused.
How easy we forget to remember.
“The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.”
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
* A version of this article appears in print in the 19 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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