Tishrei 22, 5784
October 7, 2023
We woke up this morning to an unfolding nightmare in Israel that we thought we would never see again. Fifty years almost to the exact day of the Yom Kippur War of 1973, Israel is again the target of a surprise attack. Thousands or rockets were fired at civilians, a multipronged invasion by Palestinian terrorists, scores of Israelis killed, and hundreds more injured. It appears that many captives have also been seized by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. While many reports are coming from Israel, and many of us have been in contact with people there, we are still waiting to learn the full extent of the situation. Many Israelis are still in strong rooms and shelters.
We do know this: Israelis are totally unified in the defense of their nation and people against attack. All politics aside, the IDF reserves being summoned are all responding to the call. There is no right or left when it comes to self-defense.
As Americans, we must stand united with Israel in this moment of crisis. This is why the American government supports Israel’s defense. I also ask you to consider one question. Imagine what would have happened in Israel if, chas v’shalom, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Qassam Brigades and their ilk would have had the upper hand at any time in the last 50 years? This is why Israel, home to over seven million of our people, must remain strong.
War is horrific. The deaths and injuries now being suffered are a result of the worst impulses of the human heart. As the coverage continues to come our way and the images of destruction fill our eyes, think not only of the horrors of war, but of what Israel is fighting for. The modern miracle of Israel, from those in childcare to those in assisted living, is worth fighting for. Ein lanu eretz acheret – we have no other land.
We stand in solidarity with Israel and we pray that the IDF quickly repels the invading terrorist army. We pray for the safety of those in shelters and for the speedy return of those taken hostage.
Am Yisrael Chai! The People of Israel lives!
Medinat Yisrael Chayah! The States of Israel lives!
Rabbi David Freelund
