Even after the horrific attack a week ago in the city of Elad, as after each and every one of the recent murderous attacks, the media channels were filled with "commentators" who tried to explain how it is possible, or alternatively why it is impossible, to defeat terrorism.
Now imagine hearing an interviewee explain that the solution to terrorism is for hundreds of thousands of Israeli children to march through the streets of cities in honor of Rabbi Shimon Bar-Yochai, waving signs that read "I love every Jew" and proclaiming together "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.".
It is likely that the interviewers and many listeners will be certain that this is irrelevant talk.
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Let's leave aside for a moment the question of how much the 'experts' speak to the matter. From those who explain that terrorism stems from 'distress' and 'neglect' and the lack of a 'political horizon', to those who claim that 'there is no solution to terrorism.'.
A struggle of consciousness
The truth is that strengthening Jewish identity among the children of Israel, cultivating the concept of the so-called 'Genius of Jacob', and deepening the connection to our roots and the heritage of our ancestors - are the true answer to terrorism. The fundamental failure of the current leadership lies in the concept that sees terrorists as criminals, whose way of dealing with them is intelligence, arrests, prosecution and imprisonment. But that's like setting up an elaborate emergency room next to a dilapidated bridge, instead of repairing the bridge.
The focus lies somewhere else entirely - in the struggle for consciousness. Are we a people with a deep and rooted identity? Are we determined to fight for our values and identity? Have we returned to the Land of Israel as homeowners or as 'occupiers'? Do we feel a deep connection to every Jew and are not ashamed to speak of Jewish responsibility and Jewish unity?
We are faced with a distorted consciousness, which our enemies are cultivating with all their might. They present us as a confused and divided public, cut off from its roots and past, not truly connected to its land, and whose presence in the country is temporary and fleeting. This is the fuel that fuels terror - the feeling that beats in the hearts of our enemies that by harming the Jews they will loosen our hands and push our feet out of this country.
The stronger we become - not only in military power, but mainly in spiritual power - our enemies will understand that they have no power to weaken our hold here. The more upright our stature becomes, the more their arrogance and audacity will be subdued. And if they do not understand this on their own, we will have the power to teach them a few lessons on how to respect the Jewish people.
Disable an enemy
Therefore, this tradition of children's parades on Lag BaOmer, when crowds of Israeli children march proudly through the streets of cities, expressing their deep connection to Jewish unity and our spiritual roots - is the most powerful tool to attack the basis of terrorism and enhance the strength of the people of Israel.
And of course, our sages have already taught us, based on the verse (Psalms 8:3): "From the mouth of the lions and the hyenas you have established strength, for the sake of your afflictions, to bring down the enemy and the avenger" – that it is in the power of children to thwart the enemy’s schemes. So, come all of you with the children to the Lag BaOmer processions!
