Swords into Plowshares

One of the things it says about the time of moshiach is that "they will beat their swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks " (incidentally this is written on the U.N. building in N.Y.) because then there will be no war and we will have no use for implements of war I.E. swords and spears. The Rebe has pointed out that the fact that the military is assisting in humanitarian aid and providing food for people is the beginning the fulfilment of this concept. being that the militariy's might and resources are being used for feeding people I.E. "swords into plowshares".

below are excerpt from an article today that says the Japanese military will dispatch aid to the Earthquake and this is the first significant military dispatch involving the 2 countries and for what? to provide help!

Another interesting point in this article is that Japan and china have have had "cold" relations since the 1930's seemingly this event has led to 1) a military using its resources to provide life rebuilding as opposed to death and destruction. 2) Help came from a military that is not a friend!

below are excerpt from the article....

China seeks earthquake aid from Japan

(CNN) -- China is turning to its former enemy Japan for help as it seeks to boost its relief operations following the deadly earthquake that has devastated the southwestern Sichuan province.

China has begun talks with Tokyo about what would be the first significant military dispatch involving the two countries since World War II, The Associated Press reported Thursday.

"Given the magnitude of this disaster, if some countries or militaries are ready to provide us with material in urgent need, we will express our welcome," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang, AP reported.
The Kyodo news agency said Japan plans to dispatch Self-Defense Forces aircraft to transport tents and other relief supplies to main airports.....
its relations with Japan have been cold since the invasion by its neighbor in the 1930s -- which caused a residual resentment among the Chinese population, especially as chemical weapons were abandoned there by Japanese troops, AP said.
China has criticzed Japan for atoning for its war-time activities, but relations have thawed in the past two years and leaders from each nation have since made symbolic visits to meet their peers......