Today is a tense day. Israel has shown remarkable courage by striking Yemen, Lebanon, and now the heart of Tehran, and our enemies are furious. Hezbollah has just announced that we have entered a new stage of the war. Hamas has called for a day of intense rage. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has authorized a direct attack on Israel in response to Haniyeh's assassination. Intelligence indicators from Iran suggest they will launch hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel, a larger strike than the one they unleashed in April. Iran, Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and Yemen will likely try to saturate the air defense and draw blood for Hamas. Israel and the US have been in ongoing talks throughout the day, planning for a possible multi-front attack.
The Chief Rabbis of Israel have issued special instructions for this coming Shabbat, such as what to do if a siren sounds during the Amidah, whether or not to go to shul for a minyan, and instructions for leaving a radio on in the background throughout Shabbat.
United, Delta, and other airlines have canceled their flights. The American embassy is warning against traveling to northern Israel.
Our enemies are more determined than ever to destroy us—not just in Israel, but all over the globe. In NY, London, Paris, Johannesburg, Sydney—everywhere there are Jews, tensions are heightened and displays of violent antisemitism have become bolder and louder. The National Security Council recommends reconsidering all travel abroad and avoiding outward displays of Jewish and Israeli identities, citing threats from Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
So, what can we do?
The truth is that our enemies are stronger than us, more numerous, and better armed. We are a tiny nation, only 0.2 percent of the world’s population. Our enemies outnumber us by far!
But we have a secret weapon: our dear Father in Heaven, Almighty G-d. Hashem has been with us for 4,000 years, through threats and persecutions. We have not only survived, but flourished, and we are still here. That's why we have nothing to fear. G-d is in control, and we are His beloved children. So there is no reason to be nervous and absolutely no cause for panic! We should all remain calm and place our trust in Hashem.
What can we do practically? Do a good deed, help a neighbor, give charity, put on tefillin, light Shabbat candles, and keep kosher. Do it for yourself, your friend, and the world. The power of a mitzvah is infinite and reverberates throughout the universe. Your mitzvah today can destroy the weapons of our enemies!
L’chaim to a peaceful Shabbat!