Shalom all,

Brief Update – Day 4 of the War. On the whole, the news fails to generate a time of rejoicing. As the communities surrounding the Gaza Strip are being cleansed from the presence of terrorists, the horror of what is discovered becomes difficult to express. The corpses of dozens of civilians are found, 100 in one community alone. Antennas in the Gaza Strip are still in place on the tops of buildings, allowing internet capability to Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who continue to broadcast over social media. The cell phones of those taken into captivity serve as information tools to broadcast atrocities to families and friends of the murder and abuse of captives. Women being stripped naked and raped. Seniors being shot point blank in the head. Confirmation of killing, by shooting them point blank to make sure they are dead. Some are beheaded and their fingers burned to prevent easy identification. For obvious reasons, the IDF intentionally does not reveal the names of Israelis taken captive. Some hesitate to say this is a second Holocaust. Others readily proclaim that the killing of innocent women and children, as well as seniors, some who are suffering from age-related conditions and have no idea what is happening to them, and burning people alive in their homes, is unparalleled in our brief history since the end of WWII and must be treated as a 21st century Holocaust against the Jewish people and Israel. Yet, despite the clear violations of international law and war crimes committed by Hamas and Islamic jihad, the Security Council of that infamous institution known as the U.N. (=unscrupulous narrow-minds) has failed to condemn the terrorists. 

I intentionally do not refer to websites or social media sites that public photos and videos of the atrocities being perpetrated by the terrorists. In a speech last night by the Prime Minister of Israel, he referred, among other things, to the establishment of an emergency, unity government. As of this writing, that much-needed entity still has not been established because of politics.If that does not take place immediately, the words of the P.M. will be considered as more political pablum, trying to placate a grieving nation with empty words that are like clouds without water.

Foreign media continue to follow the heart-wrenching stories of the terrorist attack by Hamas. As events unfold, it is discovered that many of the victims and missing are foreign citizens, which increases the interest of the foreign press in what is happening here since the murderous crusade began on Shabbat. Earlier today, the IDF permitted some foreign press to enter Kfar Aza (one of the communities that suffered great loss from the terrorist incursion) accompanied by a contingent of soldiers. Dead bodies were discovered, which were photographed by the foreign press … and publicized. But, the members of that community and the families of the victims were not notified in advance. Some, who were still anxiously waiting to hear the fate of their loved ones, saw their dead relatives through the photos and videos published by the foreign press. This media faux pas only adds to the anguish of relatives and friends of the victims, as well as to the national trauma that we are experiencing.

The IDF spokesman said that the communities in the south are now cleared of terrorists and the few who were killed today were the last remaining contingent of those who entered on 7th October and managed to hide from the IDF until now. Although the communities in the south of the country have been cleared of terrorists, air-raid sirens continue to sound throughout the day in those areas, with missiles still being fired into Israel from Gaza. One death has been reported and two were seriously injured as a result of one missile that landed in mid afternoon. A number of terrorists who attempted to infiltrate the country earlier were immediately dealt with and killed. Also, the Minister of the Economy of Hamas was killed today by the IDF. Hamas is going to have to find someone else who can add 2 and 2 to come up with 7.

It should be pointed out that many of those who were killed and/or taken captive were participating in a nature festival that took place not far from the border fence with Gaza and there were many who came from different countries – migrant workers, vacationers and foreign students. This not the place to discuss that event, but it is mentioned to round out the picture, so that it would not be thought that only Israelis were killed or taken captive.

Dairy farms in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip continued to supply milk under fire. But, the manager of one of the dairy farms was killed when he went to milk the cows, which are now being milked by volunteers. There is also a bright light in the midst of everything that has happened – it was reported this afternoon that 30 people who were reported missing were found alive. Many are seniors, who are assisted by foreign workers, who continued to be with them, speak with them and encourage them during the time that they were in hiding. 

There was also a report of infiltration from Lebanon this morning, which was promptly dealt with by the IDF. Since then, there has been a strange and worrisome silence about happenings in the north. The IDF is on full alert for a situation that we pray will not develop.

This is being sent out now, because there was a Hamas missile barrage to the center of the country. We need prayer coverage (Psalm 91:1-4).

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you.” (Psalm 12:6) Pray for wisdom for the leadership of Israel, for wisdom, discernment, planning and skill for the IDF, as well as for a holy boldness to act  (1 Sam. 30).

Thank you for standing with Israel. Great will be your reward (Gen. 12:3).

Bless, be blessed and be a blessing.

Marvin