The Jewish people are based on the sacrifice of their lives. It began with our forefather Abraham, who was even thrown into the fiery furnace of Ur of the Chaldeans because of his belief in one God (and miraculously survived). Throughout Jewish history, we see the power of the sacrifice of the people of Israel, which transcends all logical considerations and human calculations.
Some believed that this dedication of soul had waned, and that today's generation was spoiled and thought only of itself and what was best for each individual. And here comes this campaign and we see the Jewish dedication of soul in all its power.
The stories of heroism haunt one another. People literally sacrificed their lives, without thinking at all about themselves, but about saving other Jews.
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We see and hear the reserve soldiers. They have families, parents, brothers, children. They know that war is a dangerous thing. And they are amazingly determined, and ready to give up their lives to cut down those who seek our lives and avenge the shed blood of the martyrs who were slaughtered with indescribable cruelty. This is the tremendous power of the Jewish sacrifice of the soul!
How painful it is that at this hour, when the entire nation seeks to unite against the cruel enemy, some continue to wage yesterday's wars and hurling accusations. The time will come to examine the failures that occurred, to find out how we once again fell into the trap of the concept that allowed the enemy to surprise us.
But have all the talkers in the studios, who are quick to blame their opponents, also checked themselves? Maybe the concept begins with Oslo and the disengagement? Some mocked those who warned of Katyusha rocket fire at Israeli cities. Some despised those who begged to listen to what the Arabs say in Arabic and not to their declarations in English. They called them 'delusional' and 'messiahs'. And now it turns out that they were the ones who saw correctly and were not captives of false illusions.
All the so-called security experts who signed petitions in favor of the withdrawals and in favor of giving strategic assets to our enemies, and who spoke with great self-confidence, alongside the general media that led this spirit – they also played a significant role in creating the concept that brought disaster upon us. It is appropriate for us all to do the deep investigation – but not now, but after the decision and the victory!
Amidst all the chilling stories that are published every day, the reliance on faith stands out. Survivors who thought these were their last moments cried out, "Shema Israel." In the terrible moments of terror, people prayed and put their trust in God.
This is the source of our strength – faith and confidence. Of course, we need weapons and an army, because God wants us not to rely on miracles but to act in the ways of nature, but the source of our strength and power is the Creator, the Protector of Israel – "for it is He who gives you power to do good"!
These days are a time of repentance and spiritual strengthening. Each and every one of us needs to think about how to improve, how to add to our good deeds, how to make more good decisions. More mitzvahs, more regular Torah readings, more prayer, more kindness. This is the effort we all need to make, and together we will merit God's blessing and a complete and glorious victory.
