Never have I seen a world so distorted and out of orbit as in the present day. Tiny Israel is surrounded by Arab countries in three directions. Yet, we returned to our neighbours one beautiful area, -the Gaza Strip. Filled with all the amenities of a flourishing community, all was destroyed by the new inhabitants. Instead of growing with what was already created, the Palestinians under the direction of Hamas built tunnels, and purchased arms in order to destroy Israel and its inhabitants.
Hundreds of rockets from Gaza were flying over Israeli skies and the country was in a state of possible annihilation and utter frustration. Can a country live safely and sanely under these conditions? Is this the appreciation we receive from the Palestinians who were gifted with the prize of their life- a flowing land of economic productivity?
Another scenario… three young Israeli students are making their way home from a day of yeshiva learning and are kidnapped, murdered and left unburied behind rocks and desolation. An entire nation is in shock and disbelief! Israel has reached a state and point of no return. The tunnels are discovered, the rockets are flying and Israel has a choice to make. Do we continue to live under these impossible circumstances? The answer – absolutely not!!!
The IDF warns the inhabitants of Gaza of coming attacks and begs them to move away from rocket installations, leaflets are dropped, phone calls are made, but Hamas refuses to let the people leave. The rocket launches are hidden in UN buildings, several mosques and in the homes of men, women, and children.
As was said by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, “The Hamas protected their weapons using women and children, and Israel protected their women and children with their weapons”. Many Gazan lives were lost; many homes were destroyed, but blame the cause – not the effect. Remember the famous law of physics “for every action there is a reaction”.
The days of awe are approaching. We have so much to pray for and be thankful for. On Tuesday evening September 30th we will be celebrating our annual cantorial concert. The cast is phenomenal! We will listen, we will sing, and we will dance. We will not celebrate Gazan lives that were lost but mourn those who have fallen. We will praise G-d for our human condition and be proud of the conduct of our IDF. Warning enemies in the midst of battle, and feeding the hungry in the midst of conflict. Unheard of, but we did it. I am proud of who I am and the nation that we were born into. On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we pray with our heart for a year of health, peace and tranquility. On Tuesday evening we will sing with our hearts and souls and be proud of destiny. The ability to know right from wrong and to distinguish between light and darkness is the greatest gift in life…
From Jewel, myself and entire family
Shana Tova U’metukah
Rabbi Sidney Shoham
