The war, which has yet to be given an official name, started three weeks and three days ago as of this writing. Some call it the "War of Re-engagement" into Lebanon. Like today, exactly one year ago, the eyes of the world were also on Israel. Only last year, we were watching the "War of Dis-engagement", the destruction of Gush Katif.
For all practical purposes, the Jewish people last year were totally fractionalized by the "Dis-engagement". There were strong opinions on both sides. In the end, as is known, the "Dis-engagement" from Gush Katif happened. Now, irrelevant of what one's thoughts were last year, most emphatically state that the "Dis-engagement" was a mistake and that the "Re-engagement" is a direct result of the "Dis-engagement".
One positive effect of this war (besides the hopeful destruction of Hizbullah) is unity amongst the Jewish people. Regardless of political or religious views, the Jewish people are once again of one heart and one soul. Calls for prayer and service have been let out from all circles of the Jewish people throughout the world. Charity and acts of kindness are being generously offered.
However, interestingly enough, there is also an apparent unexpected "unity" experienced by the people I speak with here in Israel. All of us have noted that our friends outside of Israel seem to have vanished into thin air. Where are you guys? Do you care that "your" country is at war? Do you wonder how we are doing? Does it occur to you to make a five-minute phone call to just to say "Hello"?
Even more noteworthy is another common experience. Universally, we are finding that our non-Jewish friends and allies are writing, calling and letting us know that we are remembered and cared for. What is going on here?
And lest you think that we haven't tried to encourage some recognition that there are six million Jews living in a country at war, you would be mistaken. The endless array of "Anglo" olim I have spoken with state that they are sending out war information, truthful stories to combat the endless distorted and biased media reports against Israel, and personal updates. And yet, we practically receive no recognition. Out of my large group of friends, I received two one-sentence notes. "We wish you well," and "We are thinking of you." Of course, my family in the states is desperate to have me come "home," but a real notice of what is happening? Nobody I have spoken with has experienced that. The silence is deafening.
Have all the computers outside of Israel crashed except for those of the non-Jews?
None of us know what to make of this phenomenon. However, I have my one small theory. Our Arab cousins have called for world-wide Jihad - holy war. We have already seen random acts of murder in Seattle, USA and in Russia. Perhaps, our friends in the Diaspora would rather not put a human face on what is happening in Israel for fear that recognizing our reality might bring it closer to their world. Be that as it may, my friends, it would be nice of you to acknowledge that we are the ones holding down the fort so you can come and visit the Kotel during your Sukkot and Passover holidays.
I don't have the answer as to why our friends have become strangers. However, I do have a few questions. Why don't you make a phone call or send an email, and let us know that we are remembered with love and compassion? What are you afraid of? And, most importantly, when will you join us in the true and only home of the Jewish people?
With blessings for peace.
For all practical purposes, the Jewish people last year were totally fractionalized by the "Dis-engagement". There were strong opinions on both sides. In the end, as is known, the "Dis-engagement" from Gush Katif happened. Now, irrelevant of what one's thoughts were last year, most emphatically state that the "Dis-engagement" was a mistake and that the "Re-engagement" is a direct result of the "Dis-engagement".
One positive effect of this war (besides the hopeful destruction of Hizbullah) is unity amongst the Jewish people. Regardless of political or religious views, the Jewish people are once again of one heart and one soul. Calls for prayer and service have been let out from all circles of the Jewish people throughout the world. Charity and acts of kindness are being generously offered.
However, interestingly enough, there is also an apparent unexpected "unity" experienced by the people I speak with here in Israel. All of us have noted that our friends outside of Israel seem to have vanished into thin air. Where are you guys? Do you care that "your" country is at war? Do you wonder how we are doing? Does it occur to you to make a five-minute phone call to just to say "Hello"?
Even more noteworthy is another common experience. Universally, we are finding that our non-Jewish friends and allies are writing, calling and letting us know that we are remembered and cared for. What is going on here?
And lest you think that we haven't tried to encourage some recognition that there are six million Jews living in a country at war, you would be mistaken. The endless array of "Anglo" olim I have spoken with state that they are sending out war information, truthful stories to combat the endless distorted and biased media reports against Israel, and personal updates. And yet, we practically receive no recognition. Out of my large group of friends, I received two one-sentence notes. "We wish you well," and "We are thinking of you." Of course, my family in the states is desperate to have me come "home," but a real notice of what is happening? Nobody I have spoken with has experienced that. The silence is deafening.
Have all the computers outside of Israel crashed except for those of the non-Jews?
None of us know what to make of this phenomenon. However, I have my one small theory. Our Arab cousins have called for world-wide Jihad - holy war. We have already seen random acts of murder in Seattle, USA and in Russia. Perhaps, our friends in the Diaspora would rather not put a human face on what is happening in Israel for fear that recognizing our reality might bring it closer to their world. Be that as it may, my friends, it would be nice of you to acknowledge that we are the ones holding down the fort so you can come and visit the Kotel during your Sukkot and Passover holidays.
I don't have the answer as to why our friends have become strangers. However, I do have a few questions. Why don't you make a phone call or send an email, and let us know that we are remembered with love and compassion? What are you afraid of? And, most importantly, when will you join us in the true and only home of the Jewish people?
With blessings for peace.