Typically, people tend to support the underdog. There’s a perception that if one is the underdog, they are being mistreated. But is the underdog always right?
Case in point: Prior to the Six Day War in 1967, the perception of the world was by and large that the Jewish people living in Israel were the underdog. And by and large, by public opinion and governments of the western world, there was no question that Israel was supported. But since the wars of 1967 and 1973, world opinion has slowly shifted to the point that today many people, even those that choose to support Israel, view the Jewish people living in their ancestral homeland as “occupiers” and their Arab neighbors as the underdog.
Should this make a difference? No – we have facts and truth and historical evidence on our side. But does it make a difference? You bet it does! A reasonable college student – even one who supports Israel – will empathize with the Arab position and rationalize their behavior. Why? Because they’re viewed as the underdog.
This week’s Torah portion is all about this idea: Do we support the charismatic Korach, the underdog, shut out of leadership positions, and his populist rebellion? Or do we support Moshe, the less exciting but honest-to-G-d and correct leader?
Oftentimes it is emotionally appealing to support the underdog but that doesn’t mean it’s right. It may take more effort and it may be less glamorous, but in the long term being on the right side is infinitely more important.
In the course of our long history there have been many populist rebellions. Some from outside, enemies who sought to destroy us; some from within – rebellions against the individual leader of the time or the authority of the Torah or the “rabbis”. But popular as these revolutions may be in the short term, remaining honest to the Torah – supporting what is true and correct and not necessarily the underdog, has consistently proven to work best.