Shalom all,

Israel Update – Day 7 of the War.  

A volunteer with Zaka (see https://zakaworld.org/), the humanitarian volunteer organization that provides a rapid response to mass casualty disasters, in Israel and throughout the world, was interviewed on one of Israel’s main television news programs, and described what he saw: “A pile of 20 children tied [and] shot, that the terrorists put in one pile and set them on fire.” Various news outlets continue to give a platform to those who try to justify the actions of the terrorists. From what I am able to discern, a lot of people in “western” countries, including in what are supposed to be institutions of “higher learning”, are making an effort to justify what Hamas did and support them in fighting against Israel. This is simply moronic, idiotic and lacking in an understanding of basic morality. There is no reasoning with these terrorists and we should not try to understand them or their actions with a “western mentality”. Such efforts are doomed to failure. They are not subject to “rules of war”, nor does the Geneva Convention apply to them.

Every war has its tragedies. But, one man’s sunset can also be another man’s sunrise. The death of one provided life to others. An IDF Paratrooper, 23 years of age, was gravely wounded during the fierce battles in Kfar Aza, one of the border communities near Gaza. In her eulogy of her son, who was one of six children and a twin, his mother spoke compassionately of his final gift, after hours of life-saving efforts proved unsuccessful. She stated in part: “We were certain that [he] would wish to donate his organs to save others. Although accepting this decision was incredibly challenging, we chose to honor his wish. [He] was not only a cherished son but also the very bedrock of his family. May his memory be blessed”. Amen! In life-saving, transplant procedures, his organs provided life to five others.

At this point, the IDF has mobilized approximately 360,000 reservists – the largest, single call-up in our brief history. To date, the number of killed and fallen is over 1,300, with more that 3,500 wounded. Israel has given 24-hour notice to the residents of Gaza to vacate the northern area of the Strip, in part of preparations for a ground offensive. The above numbers will most certainly rise after the IDF physically enters Gaza. The IDF announcement states: 

“The IDF calls for the evacuation of all civilians of Gaza City from their homes southwards for their own safety and protection and move to the area south of the Wadi Gaza, as shown on the map…The Hamas terrorist organization waged a war against the State of Israel and Gaza City is an area where military operations take place. This evacuation is for your own safety. You will be able to return to Gaza City only when another announcement permitting it is made. Do not approach the area of the security fence with the State of Israel…Hamas terrorists are hiding in Gaza City inside tunnels underneath houses and inside buildings populated with innocent Gazan civilians. Civilians of Gaza City, evacuate south for your own safety and the safety of your families and distance yourself from Hamas terrorists who are using you as human shields. In the following days, the IDF will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians.” The U.N., in its typical attempts to ignore terrorist action from Gaza that generates a response from Israel, tried to get the IDF to cancel its evacuation order, saying that the relocation of the people living in the area affected by the evacuation order would cause “severe humanitarian consequences”. Shame on this organization, that fails to condemn the “severe humanitarian consequences” of the devastating terrorist attack upon civilians living in the south of Israel. Shame on this organization, that fails to acknowledge the pure evil that resulted in over 1,300 deaths and the destruction of entire settlements, including agriculture and farming communities. Shame on this organization that turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to the terrorists who use civilians as human shields to protect themselves. Shame on this organization that fails to condemn the use of civilian facilities and infrastructure to house and to hide weapons and missiles. Shame on this organization that supports, in various ways, terrorism and smiles on countries that encourage and export terrorism, while condemning Israel time and again for defending herself against attempts to destroy her. And what is Hamas’s response to Israel’s warning, that is designed to avoid the deaths and wounding of as many civilians as possible? That the notice to vacate the area was an attempt by Israel “to broadcast and pass on fake propaganda, aiming to sow confusion among citizens and harm our internal cohesion…We urge our citizens not to engage in these attempts.” They are hoping to gain public sympathy for the plight of the people who will die and suffer harm once the 24-hour warning has passed. Woe to the U.N. and woe to Hamas! The blood of the victims of the terrorist attack that began last Saturday will not be wiped off, but will now spill over to include the blood of those who either foolishly, or out of fear, choose to heed the instructions of the murderous Hamas regime.

We know people who have been killed since the terrorist invasion that started the war. But, there are always stories of miracles, answers to prayer and heroism. One month prior to the outbreak of the war, the girlfriend of one of our nephews was a look-out post observer, stationed at the Gaza base that was overrun shortly after the terrorists broke through the border fence. After completing her assignment, she left. But, there were many friends (officers and enlisted personnel), who continued to serve there. When the terrorists entered the base, those who remained were either killed or captured. The terrorists also left bullet holes in furniture, machinery and even photographs, including the the attached photo of our nephew’s girlfriend. 

The major television stations here repeatedly refer to the need for unity. But, Television News Channel 14 is the only one of the major stations that has states: “With God’s help, together we will be victorious”. Amen! and Amen!

For many who have asked, I want to clarify that the ministry of A Future and A Hope <afutureandahope.org.il> continues without a break. Our service to the women and families in crisis has increased since the beginning of the war and we make every effort to encourage them and provide for their special needs during this unprecedented time of crisis. See photo of a few of the boxes of food supplied by our organization that were delivered today. The label says: “With love and with blessings – A Future and A Hope”.

Rockets continue to be launched throughout the day against communities in the south and, as of this writing, sirens were sounded in northern communities of Israel, as a long-distance missile was launched from Gaza and made its way north. The IDF declared parts of Israel’s most northern town, Metula, which is close to the border with Lebanon, as a closed military zone and warned civilians to stay away from the area. 

“But the LORD said to Moses, ‘Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his people and his land; and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon, king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon’.” (Numbers 21:34; Debt. 3:2)

“Joshua then said to them, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies with whom you fight’.” (Joshua 10:25)

Shabbat Shalom! (May you have a peaceful Shabbat!)

Bless, be blessed and be a blessing.

Marvin