Greetings in the Name of the Conquering Lion of Judah, Emperor Haile Selassie I, Power of the Trinity and Light of this World. Rastafari Greetings to the World, and Greetings to the Reggae and Rastafari Community World Wide.
In this turbulent time it is important that the Rastafari Movement speaks in a manner that opens doors, and doesn’t close them and be honest with one another. Get some tea, and lets do some real soul digging today without emotional rhetoric. Mr. Matisyahu, you have come into the Rastafari community and you know who His Imperial Majesty, Qedamawi Haile Selassie is. You know we as Rastafari are here to bring a unique and holistic manner of communication called reasoning, this is what I hope will occur, so that the journey may continue in the virtues of that which makes the mystics spiritual kinsmen. We refer to His Imperial Majesty in our ideas, where the summary of our words and message reflect on the wise mind of The Conquering Lion of Judah, The King of Kings, Emperor Haile Selassie I in the words He has spoken.
Mr. Matisyahu, you have sat with our great teacher the Rt. Hon. Vaughn Benjamin, Akae Beka, and you have listened to his music. You say you listen to him before the shows you perform. The prophetic fire that our teacher shares, carries upon our shoulders now to Itinue. That also entails blunt honesty, and as the Emperor said, ” We must speak out on major world issues, courageously , openly and honestly, and in blunt terms of right and wrong. If we yield to blandishments or threats, if we compromise when no honorable compromise is possible, our influence will be sadly diminished and our prestige woefully prejudiced and weakened.” H.I.M. Haile Selassie I May 25, 1963.
We understand that currently many people in the world feel threatened and scared, angry and emotional, our desire is that rational thinking be achieved. Still, this is something that we must take into consideration, that you and many around the world feel defensive, and again, lets take a breath, and know that what we will achieve must be bigger than ourselves and our feelings. We are just reflections of many, so let us acknowledge that neither one of us are the problem. The subject matter is the greater point, not simply individualizing the topics at hand.
We have never met, and one day, Jah Willing, we can reason and hopefully on the topic of reconciliation, and what is reconcilable. In the Torah and in the New Testament, this topic is one of the major subjects, in which we have to identify the power of forgiveness for ourselves and for the redemption of a people. There is difference though between the ignorant and those who know they are serial criminals. And there are systems of governance agreed on that criminals, even if they repent will have to face accountability for their actions. Both to man and The Creator. Once again, the Law, international, scriptural, and in the name Judah will be addressed. On this topic of accountability and responsibility let us remember mankind highest values and reflect the virtues of our mentors.
We as the Rastafari Community have been a resistance movement against colonialization no matter when or where. The principals of being against colonial rule, and oppression by European domination has stood in line with our Ethiopian cultural traditions at home and abroad. We stood as Ethiopians, and as Rastafari Globally in the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa, and spoke loudly against the policies of the Apartheid regime.
There are many forms of Zionism, and InI am not going to assume what kind of Zionism you personally may believe in, I will even say that the ideas of Zionism aren’t the issue, the belief that a people should have state and homeland doesn’t bother I, its how such an idea has shown its policies and the impacts on the region based on the polices. The Balfour Declaration ( The first British Zionist Declaration on creating a state), called for safeguarding the civil and religious rights for the Palestinian Arabs, who composed the vast majority of the local population, and also the rights and political status of the Jewish communities in other countries outside of Palestine. The British government acknowledged in 1939 that the local population’s wishes and interests should have been taken into account, and recognised in 2017 that the declaration should have called for the protection of the Palestinian Arabs’ political rights. I am bringing this up because I want the reader to understand that in original Zionists agreements, that the contract includes between Israel and England, that safeguarding of civil and religious rights ( though political was purposely left out) was part of this agreement. Why is it that these rights have never been as defended as part of the Zionist platform when it part of its foundation? Further still, let it noted that many Jews do not support Zionism, before the occupation in 1948, before the Balfour Declaration in 1917, and still dont support Zionism. So it isn’t anti Jewish to be against Zionism, nor is it anti Semitic. Even your good friends who are Zionists, The World Jewish Community In August 2018, WJC President Ronald S. Lauder called on “Israel’s government to listen to the voices of protest and outrage” and uphold the country’s democratic and egalitarian principles against the threat of dominance by restrictive Orthodox influence, from what he called ‘a radical minority.” That many Zionists are still weary of radical minorities within Israel’s right wing that do not have the interest or ability to govern responsibly. Further there are many Orthodox Jews that are against Zionism as it is currently implemented. So how it is implemented..
To be pro- Israel mean wha? Does being pro- Israel mean denying 2.5 million people food water and fuel for 37 days, or bombing 9 hospitals, the oldest Christian Church that was running, with a US Congressman’s family inside? Is being pro Israel mean killing 101 United Nations workers and dozens of reporters? Or dropping thousands of bombs on dense populations to try and find militants underground? Does supporting Israel mean supporting white phosphorus dropped on children? Because I think it’s supporting war crimes by a failed Israeli Government. I don’t think it has anything to do with Zionism, or for the safety of Israel, that it is illogical, as well as being a War Crime with the intention of Genocide. Mr. Matisyahu, I find it hard to believe that you would deny power to a child in an incubator or actually deny water to 85,000 pregnant women, however your government is doing it in your name. How many innocent lives lost is enough, before it is clear that thousands of innocent children dead is a crime against humanity? I say this with seriousness, and these questions I leave open for you to answer. Could it be, that the different perspectives of many Jews are being ignored and politcally used as a monolith for how the World should respond? Is hindering real solutions and proper representation helping or hurting the Jewish people themselves? These questions we can see to when you respond Jah willing.
We have more that needs touching on, this post with an image of a lion with a Star of David chasing a wolf, with the title, ” Did you think that you would kill and steal our babies and we would not come after you.” Lets look at this, as people who want to speak on part of the victims.. defending the babies… The argument has been made that the Oct. 7th Hamas attack was Israel’s 9/11 when considered in proportion to its population. With this logic, Gaza, who population is less and has suffered the loss of 11,000 lives, ( with less than 100 being Hamas) which would be more than 100 “9-11′s” for Palestinians. 4000 have been children, meaning more than two real trade towers full of babies have been killed by Israeli/ American bombs. Has this achieved anything and where is it going except the death of more innocent lives? That is if you believe there are innocent lives, in which the Israeli government has expressed the people of Gaza are all animals and there are no innocents in Gaza.
If you need to refill your tea thats fine, this isn’t a thing we gonna just summarize.. This is a serious subject my lord. We gonna touch on this next line which Mr. Matisyahu also begins with and finishes with. The Conquering Lion of Judah.. We as Rastafari hold this title in a special reverence in regard to the Ethiopian Beta Israel tradition that the Conquering Lion of Judah will prevail. It is on the Imperial Flag, and it was a proclamation of the Emperor’s of Ethiopia until Emperor Haile Selassie I. Up till H.I.M. it wasn’t a title, During His Imperial Majesty’s rule it became a title, and this is historically evident and factual. So, for InI as Rastafari Haile Selassie I is the Conquering Lion of Judah, and this is historically accurate. As far as many Christian’s, Jesus Christ is the Conquering Lion of Judah alone, and they do not agree with us a Rastafari, and many are offended by us speaking on what we say is just reality, and prophecy fulfilled. The nature of the Rastafari – Christian relationship is that Rastafari through the Book of Revelations that the marriage of the Lion and Lamb, is that of the Father and Son, and the Lamb is Christ, and Our Father, Atse Haile Selassie Is the Lion and this reflects the same unity as Christ and The Father in the past and present and forever more. For Rastafari, Emperor Haile Selassie I alone is the Power of the Trinity, and The Almighty One, and it that is the same relationship and oneness of Christ and with the Menfes Kedus ( the Holy Spirit) is embodied and actualized. For those who are Jews, they do not believe in Christ, and so they never accepted or could accept Emperor Haile Selassie as the King of Israel, or King of Judah, or Conquering Lion of Judah, because it would suggest they accept their King is Christian to say the least. Instead many Jews consider the nation of Israel the Conquering Lion of Judah and if I am mistaken please let InI know. For the adoption of a passage from Revelations, in direct reference to the second advent of Christ, the idea that an Orthodox Jew would adopt this phrase is a mystery to InI and that we as Rastafari say anyone calling themselves the Conquering Lion of Judah blasphemy. Let alone a Christian phrase like break every chain, which is Mr. Matisyahu ending to the post.
” The World is Splitting in half. We shall see where you land. Speak up, we see you. We know you. Though it might feel strange for this generation our blood knows this predicament well. We know what it is to be hated. We know what it is to be murdered,”
Coolya man,…This quote from Mr. Matisyahu this here is unnecessarily divisive in manner that is threatening, we shall see where you land.. we see you.. we know you… all this is a form of intimidation. It seems it is raising a cry for hatred, and challenging people to say your either with us ( all Jews he suggests through the blood line comment) or you hate us. He goes on with this idea of saying ” To everyone who is with us, good. You should be. We’ve given you the greatest gifts to mankind. To everyone who is against us. Thank you for showing us your true colors and reminding us who we are.” Here we are watching the assumption that everyone should be with Israel without criticizing its actions, and that they the Jews have given Mankind the greatest of gifts. This is quite a statement! Everyone is entitled to their views, however we have to slow down here, and express some facts perhaps we don’t address often. Ones can argue both ways, in which I am open to hear, that Judaism is a religion not a race, personally I think it is both and that some do have genetic links some don’t . That people convert to Judaism, and that doesn’t make them any less Jewish. It is true some Jews have a lineage they can record that take them to Jewish ancestors, but what makes a Jew is does He believe in the Torah, the God of Abraham, the Ten Commandments and that Moses held a stick that turned into a snake. If one doesn’t believe this, they aren’t Jewish too many. I am not here to say who is and who isn’t a Jew, however to put them all in line with being descendants of King David is far off. History and genetics will show signs of the conversions of Kazars to Ashkenazi Jews and also semitic blood lines. The lumping of all Jews together, encouraging entitlement to land and the right to proclaim they brought the world their greatest gift is declaring that world should be grateful for this State of Israel right now, this is manipulative and inaccurate. ” To Those who are against us” he writes, implying the grouping all those who stand for Geneva Conventions on War Crimes, Crimes against Humanity, the United Nations, Amnesty International, as against him, and Israel, when in fact we are for the safety and security of all people especially in war no matter who is doing it. Truly we should be equally thankful for everyone in the region for their contributions to human development and protect them, not feel indebted to this policy because Jews are the bringers of the Torah. No Sir.
Israel governs over several illegal settlements and ongoing occupations, where Palestinians are kept in an open air prison, denied access to leave, their pay or taxes, able to freely travel, or a military, and are just as semitic as any native Jewish person. The government of Israel, and Zionists do not currently have a desire for peace, democracy, or 2 states, nor have for a long time. The Emperor, Haile Selassie I, said unless Israel withdraws from conquered territories that there will not be peace in the Middle East. That is Rastafari Sound. Emperor Haile Selassie I stood against the occupation of Palestinian land and for the UN to come in with peacekeeping forces. (UNSC resolution 338,339, 340) Rastafari sound for one and all, we can’t accept a man who calls himself Rastafari and supports Apartheid. Nor can we dwell in the council of the ungodly. Man can’t be in the Rastafari Movement or in the Hip Hop movement, if someone supports Right Wing Racist, fascist policies, that include war crimes with no accountability then they go against the very principals of a music meant to liberate the mind and hearts of the oppressed. They can culturally misappropriate the music, but they can’t be the movement. We stand for the Icepts of Let the Hungry be Fed, the Naked be clothed, the Infants be cared for and the Elders protected. We stand for Human Rights not against them.. and before we start with the what about Hamas part, we are talking about Israel’s creditability and your legatimacy Mr. Matisyahu. We can see that we have a problem here bigger than individuals, you didnt start this war, nor can you finish it, you didnt create this doctrine of Zionism, we get that. However in order that Israel’s and your own personal trauma can be healed, they have to be aware of the trauma they are afflicting on the world in the blatant disregard of human life because they are scared and operating in a mode of fearful thinking.
Your HollyWood Life interview you say “And to the people that are too afraid to speak up, or the people that are putting up posts and then taking them down because they’re afraid they’re going to lose followers — and [that] they’re going to lose some of their fame or their standing — I have to say, I’m sorry for you. It’s bigger than your brand.”
How many people are losing their jobs for supporting Israel? How many tanks do the people of Gaza have that 14 Billion dollars for Israeli weapons isn’t enough? How much media time does Gaza get and accurate reporting compared to Israel? How many celebrities have been attacked for speaking against blanket bombing of civilians? I am concerned that the reality that it is very dangerous to critique Israel and its policies, and that the censorship of Americans by Israeli super pacs are a very real danger too many states. When there is one voice in Congress calling for a ceasefire who has been censured, I would say that the danger for most people and fear many have is to speak against Israel’s actions, where in some countries they have considered it anti-semitic to criticize a government policy. Social Media outlets have also heavily censored pro-Palestinian voices in contrast to pro Israel offensive videos and messages. Lets reason in this…
Anti Semitic, has a percieved meaning, and defined definition and is a political tool for cry-bullying. First the perceived meaning, That Anti Semitic is to be anti-Jewish, The Defined Definition is to be prejudiced to a people who speak semitic languages, which include Arabic, Hebrew, Amharic, Aramaic ect.. That Semitic, isn’t a race is a language family. You might wonder what is this word Cry-Bullying..it is someone is becoming emotionally irrational with a purpose to deflect the topic of fairness and accountability. We are seeing this more and more, and in some ways is the epidomy of ” Woke-ness.” Where no one can criticize Israel and should walk on their toes so they dont cry anti-semitism. On the streets we call this “bitchshit” similar to a girl crying in order to make everyone feel sorry for her. Its a form of crying wolf and insults real Jewish victims of real hate crimes. Haffi keep it real fire man…
So this Cry-Bully thing, is what is happening when we keep hearing about Oct. 7th when the world has condemned the Hamas attacks on innocent civilians. What about the Millions of people being starved in Gaza, how does it help Israel by collectively starving and punishing men women and children? How does it make the security of Jews around the world safer, and how is it not a war crime? We commend all the Jews that have been arrested and spoken out against these War Crimes, and here in the USA we risk not just being arrested for demanding Human Rights Laws be defended, but also we risk our lives as radical right wing domestic extremists and terrorists want to shoot and drive over us. Its very dangerous for people in the world to stand up against tyranny when western governments are profiting from them. “I feel sorry for them, its bigger than your brand.” To quote you Mr. Matisyahu. Its bigger than the brand of Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Coke a Cola, or your brand of using reggae and hip hop to encourage a pro Israel stance. Palestine doesn’t have a super pac, it doesn’t have multi billion dollar companies supporting them. Acting like Israel is a victim of companies and celebrities who are overwhelming leaning towards a Free Palestine is a farce, quite the opposite, the voice for peace nearly silent.
What will happen more, is that the fear of being called anti-semitic will be a small price to pay when it comes to explaining criminals can say what they want, however what they do are war crimes, and those who participate in war crimes, collaborate with war criminals should be held accountable in an international court of law and in world public opinion. That these Israeli leaders and ideas be considered Fascists, separatists, exclusionary, who sight that their birth right makes them entitled and supremacists over others as ” Chosen People.” This is already seen as a religious form of elitism ingrained with religious extremism, which most countries reject. Religion doesn’t give anyone the right to commit war crimes or think that they are superior to another. I cannot believe Mr. Matisyahu that you dont see these bombings as war crimes, no matter who is hiding in a tunnel, maybe… That there is no weaseling out of justice, and accountability, that those who commit war crimes, as soon as possible we hope will be convicted and jailed. This is international human rights law, which Israeli governments have never respected. We hope you are not as callous or arrogant as your leaders.
As the Elder Vaughn Benjamin said, Natty watching you… what are your true colors, because right now, many fans are listening to your music and seeing that your perspective isn’t for peace its using music and your influence for war mongering. Rather than coming to conclusions please speak for yourself, and answer these questions, unless it is that you think you are better than us as Rastafari. You can make your own video or post, you dont have to talk to InI, but please explain how it is you want to encourage more death and destruction of innocent people so you can build the temple of Solomon..please explain why its good to starve and deny water to the sick, wounded and babies.
We seen in the past how you dont respond to calls or answer questions, rather call you friends in different Anti defamation leagues to then defame honest organizers. We have seen you call them anti-semitic and pressure their governments to force them to put you on their festival. ( Rototom Sunsplash 2015) I am a small fish, and Israel already controls our politicians, no need to call Babylon. You already have Babylon, what you don’t have is the approval of Rastafari, and that if you want to make doors open and people really admire you, speak for those who are innocent being murdered by the rich and powerful no matter what land they live, no matter what religion. Go beyond the barriers of religion and look and see from Sudan to Ukraine, innocent people are being stuck in the cross fire with no where to go. From Capetown to Cairo, Africa is yelling Ceasefire. Stop thinking you are the Conquering Lion of Judah, and as Vaughn Benjamin, Akae Beka taught, Conquering to Conquer, and Conquer the need to Conquer. Are you going to profit off singing songs supporting the misery and destruction of a people because of your minority groups interpretation? What vision of peace do you have to offer, what are goals do Israel hope to achieve, and if this right wing government gets all they want will it be at the expense of their influence, prestige of all Jews woefully prejudiced and heart weakened?
We are listening, in this cry for justice, as a voice in wilderness, what will be your response. Will you repent or will you be stubborn, what example will you bring for reconciliation of peoples, or will self pity leave you stuck in the cage of nationalism? Are you with or against Freedom, for both Israel and Palestine, or just Israel alone?
This is how Akae Beka, would reason, so it really gets in there. Time is no barrier to substance, mind and matter as one. We stand for One Love, even though we have been beaten and murdered. That we as Rastafari and Black Liberation movements, know the plight against colonial forces and still stand for peace and human rights for all. Injustice anywhere is assault to humanity, and we hope though we have different opinions about the Scriptures that humility and reverence for the gift of Life be present in all our deliberations, mediations and words.
Reflect on these words as my closing, what the The Conquering Lion of Judah stood for, and stands for, as I and I do stand with HIM, on the question of human rights and how humanity should live as one. And that HIM would have never approved such talk as made in your posts . That we as HUMANITY should “We must look, first, to Almighty God, Who has raised man above the animals and endowed him with intelligence and reason. We must put our faith in Him, that He will not desert us or permit us to destroy humanity which He created in His image. And we must look into ourselves, into the depths of our souls; We must become something we have never been and for which our education and experience and environment have ill-prepared us. We must become bigger than we have been: more courageous, greater in spirit, larger in outlook. We must become members of a new race, overcoming petty prejudice, owing our ultimate allegiance not to nations but to our fellow men within the human community.”
May the Most High Grant you the inner strength to know right from wrong, and good from evil. To speak for the rights of all and not a few, and think and act in a manner that reflects rational solutions for the betterment of the world. I hope you realize that the right wing conservative radical government that is in control in Israel is not working for the benefit of Israel or anyone else. Please reconsider you position supporting a massacre that is the product of years of bad leadership internationally. When anyone chooses peace, over war, when they choose life over death, they and the world will be better off. We hope you can make that step, and many more to be the best you can be. Thank you for reading. Feel free to send comments and messages on the link. Mr. Matisyahu please think about what has been written and Jah willing we will talk one day.
With a Heart of Reverence, Egziabeher Qedamawi Haile Selassie I Jah Rastafari.
Ras Elijah Tafari
” Girl Walking Down Stairs.” : Acrylic and Indian ink
