By Getzy Markowitz
In one week I have visited four continents and communicated with dozens of people about the war in Israel’s south. The agent at the check-in counter and the passenger seated beside me have offered counter arguments; I have been fervently debated as though I was a spokesperson for the State of Israel. Even in Israel on the first day of the conflict, I spoke with European tourists who were expressing their disfavor for the country whose coffee and nightlife they were spiritedly enjoying. While some have objectively stood with Israel, they have been, as always, a sweet voice against a booming chorus of condemnable condemnation. But Israel has stood strong, and please G-d she will grow stronger.
Israel’s enemies range from public servants to the newspapers that manipulate public opinion. These foes are a force more harmful in range than the Hamas rockets. While it is true that Israel has an arsenal that includes weapons such as the F-16 and, most importantly, her righteous will, the monstrous terrorists in Gaza are armed with the protection of the U.N. Security Council and others keen on jeopardizing Israel’s security.
Day and night, the AIF has been bombing dangerous targets. These have included Hamas commanders and mosques where religious frauds have stored weapons. It is no surprise that the home of a deity glorified with the blood of Jews would be used as a weapons cache.
As Shabbos approaches, there is talk of a ground incursion into the strip which was stripped of Jews a few summers ago. While the prospect of a victorious battle is exciting to some, it is worrisome to others. War has a price, and this Jew is prepared to be stereotyped as a miser.
Our planes have been bombing Egyptian tunnels, attempting to block the smuggling of arms from that country. We are reminded that the Jewish people were brought to Israel from Egypt, by G-d’s mighty arm. Now, as my brothers head down into the straits, I bless them with the Almighty’s promise to Jacob from this weeks Torah reading: “I will go down with you into Egypt; and I will also surely bring you up again.” Israel, the land and people, are beloved to G-d. Where we have been exiled, or our land defiled, G-d has been with us, and He has been dishonored. And when we were redeemed, so was He, even while supplying salvation.
This Shabbos, please take an extra moment to pray a little harder, recite a psalm, or toast a L’chaim to the brave men and women who fight for life against the forces of death.
