A well-known quote attributed to Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, speaks to the idea of Moshiach achieving redemption without violence:
“Moshiach will come without firing a single bullet.”
This reflects the belief that the Messianic redemption will be peaceful, achieved through spiritual means, and not through war or violence. The Rebbe emphasized the idea that the world is moving toward a time of ultimate peace, and that the role of Moshiach is to guide humanity to a state of harmony and understanding without conflict.
This message resonates with many who see the arrival of Moshiach as a time when weapons and violence will no longer be necessary. The Rebbe’s teachings on the Messianic era often focus on the power of positive actions, mitzvot (commandments), and education to transform the world.
Hacksaw Ridge is a 2016 war film directed by Mel Gibson, based on the true story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who served in World War II. Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist, refused to carry or use a weapon due to his religious beliefs, but still served as a combat medic in the Battle of Okinawa. His commitment to non-violence and his faith-driven courage led him to save 75 soldiers single-handedly during the intense battle, all without firing a single bullet or carrying a gun.
The movie portrays Doss’s journey, highlighting his deep convictions and the challenges he faced from fellow soldiers who doubted his ability to contribute to the war effort without a weapon. However, through his bravery, he earned their respect and eventually received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.
The story resonates with themes of non-violence, personal faith, and courage, as Doss believed in saving lives rather than taking them, even in the face of war. This aligns with a similar spirit to the idea of achieving peace and victory without violence—just as in the Messianic vision of redemption through peace rather than conflict.
Have you seen Hacksaw Ridge? It’s a powerful film that illustrates how one person’s steadfast commitment to their beliefs can make a monumental impact.
Psychological operations (psyops) are often referred to as “the ultimate weapon” because they involve influencing and manipulating the perceptions, emotions, and decision-making of individuals or groups without using physical force. Instead of relying on traditional military tactics like weapons or warfare, psyops target the mind, using propaganda, disinformation, and psychological manipulation to achieve strategic goals.
Here’s why psyops can be considered the ultimate weapon:
1. Influence Without Direct Confrontation
Psyops allow for control over enemy or population behavior by altering their thoughts or beliefs, leading them to act in ways that serve the operator’s goals. In warfare, it can weaken the enemy’s morale, create division, or even force surrender without a shot being fired.
2. Control of Perception
By carefully crafting narratives and messages through media, symbols, and other means, psyops can control what people believe to be true. This gives enormous power over how people perceive conflicts, leaders, and even themselves. For example, spreading false information or creating fear can paralyze an opponent’s decision-making process.
3. Strategic Long-Term Impact
Psyops can create long-lasting changes in a population’s mindset, culture, and political landscape. Through sustained campaigns, they can shift public opinion, win hearts and minds, and create societal change that supports the strategic goals of the operator. In this way, psyops are not just a wartime tool but can be used in peacetime for political, economic, or social control.
4. Cost-Effective
Compared to traditional warfare, psyops are less costly in terms of resources and human lives. A well-executed psychological campaign can destabilize an enemy or control a population without the need for expensive military engagement.
5. Examples of Psyops
- Cold War Propaganda: Both the U.S. and the Soviet Union engaged in intense psychological campaigns to win ideological battles, shaping global perceptions of capitalism versus communism.
- World War II Leaflet Drops: Both Axis and Allied powers used leaflet campaigns to demoralize enemy soldiers and convince civilians to surrender or resist their own governments.
- Modern Cyber Psyops: In today’s digital world, cyber-psyops involve manipulating information through social media, fake news, and hacking to influence elections, destabilize governments, or radicalize individuals.
6. Soft Power and Diplomacy
Nations and organizations use psyops as part of their broader “soft power” approach. By winning influence through culture, diplomacy, and information, they achieve objectives that might otherwise require military intervention.
The effectiveness of psyops lies in their subtlety and ability to mold perceptions and decisions without direct confrontation, often making them more impactful than traditional military methods. The psychological war—whether in politics, economics, or actual conflict—can have more profound, lasting results than bullets or bombs ever could.