Israel Under Attack

Today’s update is from a CFOIC staff member living in Jerusalem.  As of the time of this update all CFOIC staff members in Israel are safe.

This past Sabbath will forever remain etched in the memory of the People of Israel and its friends throughout the world. It was not supposed to be a routine Sabbath. The day coincided with the Biblically mandated “Shmini Atzeret” holiday (“8th day of Assembly”) following the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles, a day in which men and women alike including toddlers and babies take part in celebratory dancing to mark a year’s completion of studying the entire Torah (Five Books of Moses). Like any Shmini Azeret, Jews flocked to the synagogues yesterday across Israel, prepared to celebrate and dance.

 The atmosphere was electric as youths, children and adults danced with such excitement and happiness through the morning. However, the mood took an unexpected turn when the Rabbi, at the conclusion of the service, led the congregation in reciting several chapters of psalms that are typically said during times of tragedy. We knew right away that something significantly bad had occurred, but as it was the Sabbath, we had no electronics or connections to the outside world to have any inkling of what happened.

 Leaving synagogue, I went to my cousins’ home to partake in a traditional festive meal for the Holiday. It was at the meal that I was able to hear several details regarding the terror that struck our brethren in the south. One of the attendees of the meal who had walked all the way from the center of Jerusalem was warned by a passing driver that it was unsafe to walk near the highways and thoroughfares because “a war was going on.” All that everyone knew at the table was that a few people were abducted into Gaza by Hamas terrorists. My heart sank, having been overcome with anger, sadness, and concern, all of which was compounded by our inability to check the news due to the restrictions of the Sabbath.

 At the end of the holiday, everyone turned on their phones to get updates. The news was practically unbearable to digest—Over 100 innocent Israelis were murdered in cold blood and dozens more were taken into captivity. Shock overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t think clearly. Concern for the victims, our nation and my family also consumed me. Public transportation was not available for us to return home but our cousins, without hesitation, gave us a car to borrow.

 We drove home through empty streets guarded by police cars at different intersections, which was most unnerving. Still shocked from the news of the day, my wife and I, after getting home, tucked our daughter into bed with us as we imagined the pain of families who have just been torn apart. While tucking her into bed, I looked at my daughter and started crying, knowing that dozens of other families were just ripped apart. Knowing that a father who watched his wife and two daughters taken into captivity was no longer able to tuck his daughter into bed. I started praying for this father and husband to somehow reunite with his family.

 Having read the news of the past day and seeing all the horrifying images, sleep eluded me for a while. After managing to eventually doze off, I woke in the middle night, reminded of the terror that had befallen many in the south. I stayed awake due to a protective instinct to be on guard for my family.

 The next morning brought an eerie silence to Jerusalem’s streets, akin to any Sabbath. The country had come to a standstill, not like the joyous standstill on the weekly Sabbath but rather a somber one. It forced introspection: How could we respond effectively to this terror? How could we best support our brothers and sisters who are suffering?

 Friends of ours were being called up for IDF reserves, all of whom did so with courage and dedication. I decided to donate blood to Magen David Adom, heartened to find that many others had the same idea. It was a reminder of the unity the People of Israel and its dear Christian friends all over the world exhibit in times of tragedy.

 As we face the challenging days ahead, I take solace in the resilience of the People of Israel and the support of our Christian friends around the world. Together, we will endure and overcome these trying times.

 “See, the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps!”—-Psalms 121:4