The War in Gaza

I don't think it comes as any surprise that I am supportive of the goal to end the relentless attacks from Gaza. Who really wants to live with the threat of missiles and rockets crashing in on your head? The only saving grace is that they are not accurate even though targeted at civilian populations. I hate the loss of life (on either side) but if someone wants me dead, especially just because I am alive, that doesn't endear me to them.

You say what does this have to do with my blog? I have had friends and relatives ask if I was "still going". In a word - YES. Israel needs us now more than ever. The world views, mostly, have dismayed me. The world outrage at the war forced upon Israel by the thousands of rockets raining on southern Israel for years is hurtful. While the rockets fell, where was the world outcry on the pain, death and suffering of the people living under this threat for so long? I have been fortunate to have seen very little anti-semitism in my lifetime, however when I go to my shul now in Columbia, SC and there are policemen in the parking lot to secure the area for me to attend services. This should serve as a wake up call that all is not well in the diaspora. I got used to the extra security in Atlanta, but Columbia? I grew up here and felt safe here. Now I wonder what people think when they see my kippah... While not afraid, I do have to think about it daily.

While I loathe the violence and the hatred, I do see this unfortunate situation helping to awaken the desire in people to make aliyah. People returning to Israel, making her stronger and better equipped to be the eternal homeland promised to us by G-d, is a good thing that can come out of this terrible situation.

May G-d continue to bless Israel and the members of the IDF/IAF that protect her.