Life on Hold: The Price of Principles with Lawrence Shenkin

“My whole life has been completely ruined by this. It's not an understatement for me to say that.” Welcome to our fourth episode of State of the Movement, a podcast wherein we discuss ideology, education, history and politics within the National Religious Zionist Movement in Israel, and the hard questions facing the community at this moment.  In this special and very current episode, we meet Lawrence, an educator and Rabbinical student, and an activist for the Protective Presence group, Bnei Avraham. Lawrence is currently in England after his Aliyah approval was revoked and placed under review, with no clear legal reason, and with no timeline for resolution. During our conversation, Lawrence gives unique perspectives on Torah, the Mitzvah of settling the Land of Israel, and the question of who belongs in our Jewish State.  He also shares the various challenges he faces in trying to get home, as well as the holy work he believes has to be done, and why he cares so much about returning to Israel to pick up his life which as been put on hold: “The Torah Ben Gvir and Smotrich promote exists and is real… the only thing is, I would like my Torah to win over their Torah.” Table of Contents: (00:36) Lawrence's Journey to Israel and Ideological Foundations (09:53) Changing Perspectives and Foundational Moments (18:52) Getting Involved and Finding a Political Home (28:14) Lawrence’s Zionism and its Meaning (31:13) Torah and Yishuv HaAretz, according to Lawrence (35:55) Lawrence’s Aliyah Story: Approvals Given and Revoked (46:04) A Life on Hold; impacts of the delay (51:39) Exceptions to the Right of Return (58:48) Encountering the Palestinian Perspective (1:04:09) The First Rashi in the Torah (1:09:54) Lighting Round and Conclusions Join us in composing an open letter to relevant authorities and joining activism in support of Lawrence, at the link here. Feel free to send questions, guest suggestions, and feedback to our email: [**thestateofthemovement@gmail.com**](mailto:thestateofthemovement@gmail.com), and stay posted on new episodes and upcoming events by joining our silent Whatsapp Group. Special thanks to The Blue Dot Sessions for the use of their track, Kid Kodi.