Shalom all,

The elimination of Yahya Sinwar, the former head of the military wing of the Hamas terrorist organization and mastermind behind the devastating assault on communities in the Gaza Envelope on October 7th, 2023, came with mixed reactions in the Middle East and in the rest of the world.

Israel – Sinwar’s death is an essential element in the war against Hamas, but the war won’t end until all of the hostages are returned.

Hostage families – this is the most opportune time to reach a deal for the release of the hostages; but there is concern that Sinwar’s death will backfire on the welfare of the hostages.

Gazan residents (some) – rejoiced that Sinwar is dead; he brought catastrophe to the people of Gaza.

Other Gazan residents – Sinwar died as a valiant warrior; Hamas will carry on and intensify its militancy against Israel.

United States – Sinwar’s death should lead to a cease fire in both Gaza (against Hamas) and in Lebanon (against Hezbollah); this is the time to renew negotiations to bring about an end to the fighting.

England – Well done, Israel.

Germany – Time for Hamas to surrender and lay down its weapons to end the suffering of the Gazan people.

Australia – Failed to stop a gathering at Hyde Park, in Sidney, where the paraticipants celebrated the life of the slain Hamas leader. Sky News Australia host Sharri Markson: “These are scenes I never imagined we would see in our safe country … it is racism I never imagined would be tolerated by political leaders.”

The rest of the world – good, bad, very bad and indifferent. 

For many, the events in the Middle East have little or no impact on their daily lives. For some, the events in this part of the world, particularly as they involve and affect Israel, are critical to understanding how events in other parts of the world will be played out. Still for others, who don’t understand the dynamics of the region, the mentality of the players, or the clear facts of history, they offer suggestions and even demand certain behavior on the part of Israel.

Let’s think together for a moment: If Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli leadership had listened to the present leadership of the United States and other world leaders not to pursue Hamas in Rafiah (Rafah), Yahya Sinwar (who was killed there) would still be alive, Hamas would still be in control of Rafiah as well as the Philadelphi Corridor on the border between Gaza and Egypt, from which it would continue to smuggle weapons into Gaza. Even worse, however, is the difficult conclusion that could be drawn from a year’s efforts on the part of the United States leadership to help a little, while seeking to curtail and even prevent Israel from accomplishing its goal to eliminate the ability of Hamas to rear its ugly head against Israel again. The message was, essentially: fight to defend yourselves, but don’t go too far in your self-defense. Their concern, like many in the West, was more for the civilian population in Gaza, who suffered because of their own elected leadership, than for the elimination of an evil terrorist entity, with no moral conscience, that was and remains dedicated to the destruction of Israel. It is difficult to forget Kamala Harris’ statement to ABC News, in March of this year: “We have been clear in multiple conversations and in every way that any major military operation in Rafah would be a huge mistake…Let me tell you something. I have studied the maps. There’s nowhere for those folks to go.” (my emphasis) And what about the murder, and the atrocities committed on October 7th and the over 250 people taken hostage, and the maps of the communities of tens of thousands of Israelis who had to vacate their homes because of the thousands of deadly projectiles launched into southern Israel by the leadership of the people whose welfare was the paramount concern of Biden and Harris? Why the double standard and all the pressure, all the time, on Israel? Raphael Shore, writing for aish.com, aptly captioned his article: “The World Against Israel: A Global Alliance of Hostility Disguised as Human Rights”. Evil thrives on people’s ignorance and prejudices, both revealed and concealed! The West’s response to Israel should not only be, “Well done!”, but also, “We apologize for failing to properly understand the situation and are truly thankful that you didn’t listen to us.” Eating a little humble pie would be good for their foreign policy digestion.

Not to be ignored, the Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon also reacted to the killing of Sinwar, but with an attitude of defiance, saying that their confrontations against Israel would be escalated. What has long been understood, but not acted upon, is the simple fact that the actions and abilities of terrorist organizations are financed and in this area of the world, they are financed by the Persian Puppeteer, Iran. If the money stops flowing to the terrorists, their operations will eventually diminish and their leadership will be forced to give up lavish lifestyles in countries that accommodate terrorists and bulging bank accounts that defy detection from taxing authorities. The IDF understands the basic concept: cut off the funds, cut off the ability to finance terrorist activity. And so it targeted dozens of financial sites across Lebanon last night and today. “These funds, which Hezbollah used for terror activities, were stored by the Al-Qard al-Hassan Association, which directly funds Hezbollah’s terror activities, including the purchase of weapons and payments to operatives in Hezbollah’s military wing…The Hezbollah terrorist organization stores billions of dollars in the association’s branches, including money that was directly held under the name of the terrorist organization.” Just think of what the interest on that amount of money could do to feed families and provide jobs and infrastructure that will benefit the nation as a whole. Prior to the actions taken by the IDF, measures were taken by it to minimize civilian casualties, including the issuance of advance warnings by various means. Lebanese civilians are heeding the instructions of the IDF, in contrast to the situation in Gaza, where Hamas terrorists prevent civilians from leaving the area of conflict.

It needs to be emphasized again that the IDF’s actions in the north are not intended to be against the Lebanese people, but against the Hezbollah terrorist organization that has effectively taken control over the country. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said yesterday (Sunday): “Our goal is to completely ‘clean’ the area [of Hezbollah infrastructure] so that Israel’s northern communities may return to their homes and rebuild their lives. I believe that this is very significant—the IDF is conducting operations and we still have missions to complete…We have Hezbollah prisoners who are sharing information. They have informed us of the great fear felt [among Hezbollah terrorists]. Hezbollah is collapsing.” May it be!

And while the IDF pummels terrorist infrastructure in Lebanon, the Hezbollah does not remain silent. In an apparent effort to begin to carry out their threat to attack Haifa and other places in the north of Israel, they activated no fewer than six launches against Haifa yesterday and dozens more throughout the north today. The air rain alarms went off from the rising of the sun until long after its setting. People are wary about traveling long distances by car, so that they won’t be caught out in the open when an air raid siren is activated.

In two days at sunset, Israel will begin the celebration of Shemini Atzeret, the eighth and last day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:39), when the prayer of Psalm 118:25 would be recited by the priests who would make seven circuits around the altar during Temple times. This day is referred to as “the Great Day of the Feast” in the Newer Testament (John 7:37). It was on this day last year that Hamas broke through the fences separating Gaza from the communities in the southwest of Israel, slaughtered 1,200 people, committed unspeakable atrocities and took the hostages, about 40% of whom are still be held by the organization. How will we relate to that day this year? Joy and sorrow will combine and tears that are still able to be shed will flow throughout the land. As Sinwar acted on Succot and was killed on Succot, so may the hostages who were taken on the Great Day of the Feast be released by that time, as well. This is, after all, still a land of miracles.

May our prayers continue for wisdom for the government (we still have to deal with Iran, as we fight on seven fronts); wisdom, strength, courage and boldness, discernment and precision for the IDF – may everyone who wears the uniform go out in peace and return in peace; for the wounded, physical and emotional, speedy and complete healing and wisdom for the medical teams attending them; for the hostages who are still alive, to remain unharmed and be restored to their families; for the families who lost loved ones and await the return of those taken captive, mercy and comfort, with an abundance of grace.

Behold, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:4). He longs to be gracious to us and waits on high to have compassion on us, for the LORD is a God of justice (Isaiah 30:18) and under His wings, we will take refuge (Psalm 57:1).

And so may we bless, be blessed and be a blessing!

Marvin