Strength and Resilience in the Face of Terror

July 28, 2014

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Dear Friends of The Fellowship,

The news from Israel has been heartbreaking. More IDF soldiers were killed yesterday, who died protecting the country they love.

What Israel has discovered in her efforts to destroy the network of terror tunnels that reach into Israeli towns and neighbourhoods has been truly shocking – including a plot by Hamas to send terrorists through the tunnels to launch a murderous attack in September on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Despite the sobering realities, I have been heartened and touched by our strength and resilience in the face of terror. The people of Israel have really come together, more so than I’ve seen in any other war. No nation concerned for the welfare of its people would shirk its duty by simply sitting back and letting those cowardly attacks happen.

One moment stays in my mind: Last week, as I came back from my visit to towns along the Gaza border that have taken the brunt of Hamas’ ruthless terrorist war, I passed an IDF patrol that checks on people and cars coming in and out of Israel. There was a soldier passing out flowers to each passenger car, thanking us for our solidarity with Israel. People are coming out of the woodwork, bringing everything -- food, candy, flowers, chocolates, toiletries -- to help the soldiers who are out in the field.

It’s a sombre time as we are seeing the funerals of so many young men. We’re such a small country to be experiencing so much loss. And yet, we are truly hopeful. Even as we fight against terrorists, we know we’re fighting for the free world – for the values of liberty, freedom, and Judeo-Christian values that are the cornerstones of democracy. All the while, we’re praying together that this war will end soon.

Thank God that during this crisis we have had our Christian and Jewish friends with us, helping Israelis in their time of need by supporting the work of The Fellowship with overwhelming generosity and prayers.

In this staunch, unfailing support I see the embodiment of the biblical verses that tell us “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Thank you for being by our side during this time of crisis – how good and pleasant it is, indeed, when brothers live together in unity.

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein
President and Founder, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews® of Canada

 

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