Q: In Gemara Sanhedrin 97a it’s stated that the last 2000 years of the 6000 years of the world’s existence are called Yemos Hamoshiach. This raises a major question: how could the era of Moshiach contain the Holocaust, expulsions, pogroms, etc?

A: Yemos Hamoshiach doesn’t mean 2000 years without suffering. The Abarbanel in “Yeshuos Meshicho” says this period is more befitting for Moshiach to come than earlier ones — like “rainy season” is set up for rain, but it still depends on us meriting it. The Maharal in “Netzach Yisroel” adds: before this, Moshiach couldn’t come even if we were perfect. Now the block is gone. So he can come any day if we’re ready, and must come before the 2000 years end. The name refers to potential and readiness, not a guarantee of no tragedy.