Shalom all.

This is a short update of the situation. My efforts to send a Blog Update have proven fruitless for technical reasons that I can’t understand, so this email is being sent instead.

Around 06:30 this morning, scores of Hamas terrorists broke through the wire fence barrier separating Gaza from the City of Shderot and entered Israel by truckloads. There was also entry from the sea and, undoubtedly, from tunnels, as well as single-seat kites. They infiltrated every community in the south, killing, injuring and taking individuals captive and taking some from their homes into Gaza. As of this writing, at least 40 civilians are reported killed and over 740 are wounded. The numbers across the board are expected to increase considerably as confirmation is received. Apparently, the numbers taken captive is also not small.

Incidents have been reported in and around Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, as well as in some areas in the north. There has been a widespread call-up of reservists. The Israeli Air Force also began hitting specific targets in Gaza. The Security Cabinet still yet hasn’t issued a formal declaration of war (which is necessary), in all likelihood over the concern of the number of captives taken into Gaza.

There is also concern over internal unrest and attacks in different areas, which may result in official closure later today, causing people remain in their homes. This is the Great Day of the Feast of Tabernacles – a time of joy, and one day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War (Day of Atonement War – 1973). Celebrations have been cancelled throughout the country. Travel advisories have been issued.

Questions of how the terrorists were able to infiltrate, and in such large numbers and to take captives to Gaza without be stopped, will have to be answered when this assault is over. For now, we need prayer for wisdom for the government and the IDF, for strength and courage to do what needs to be done.

That’s it for the moment. 

With blessings and thanks for your prayers.

Marvin