America – and world – must rally around Israel
Last weekend Jews around the world began to pray for rain. Not because we want it to rain where we live, but because it is the beginning of the rainy season in Israel. Israel is so important, so close to our hearts, that we pray on behalf of the nation’s agricultural health.
But instead of raindrops, horror and death rained down on Israel this past weekend. Terrorists from Gaza attacked Israel both with rockets in the air and people on the ground. Did they seek out military targets? No. They went door to door in quiet neighborhoods, killing and kidnapping civilians. Families. Moms, dads and children. Old and young. Babies. This is not war. This is terrorism.
There are those who will say it was provoked by Israel. Nonsense. There is no excuse for attacking people in their homes, for targeting civilians, for trying to kill as many people as possible. This is not war. This is terrorism.
The closest we Americans can come is to compare it to 9/11. But how can you compare? The numbers don’t equate. The experience is not parallel. What’s happening in Israel is unprecedented. For hours, there were relentless rocket attacks on Israel, and the violence inflicted upon it will not end anytime soon.
Like so many American Jews, I know people in Israel. Many of us have family there. We are terrified for them. We are angry. And we feel helpless.
As I watched the news during the hours after the senseless and brutal attack on Israel, I was struck by the words of former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. “Knowing that the good people of the United States of America stand behind the good people of Israel means the world to us,” Bennett said. “We thank you.”
What can you and I do? Gather together in solidarity. Support reputable charities that support Israel. Pray. Continue to go about our lives, in defiance of hatred and prejudice. Stand up to hatred and prejudice wherever it rears its ugly head. Buy Israeli goods and support Israeli companies.
And when this is over, go to Israel.
Rabbi Jennifer Singer is the interim rabbi of the Jewish Congregation of Venice and the dean of Liberal Yeshiva. She is also the rabbi emerita of Kol HaNeshama in Sarasota.