Trying to Show Support
January 12th, 2009 by Leora
Rally in New York City, January 11, 2009 photo by Elias Friedman
Years ago during the first Gulf War I remember hearing about how my little cousins (the children of my first cousin) were huddled in a room with gas masks. Now those same little cousins are grown ups and are defending their country.
As I originally started this blog as a local, what’s going on in Highland Park and environs blog, I’ll return to those roots and say that my husband, oldest son and father went to community tehillim (Psalms, recited at a time of danger or when someone is sick) last night for the brave soldiers of the IDF (the RPRY gym was packed). Tonight, January 12, there will be a rally at the East Brunswick Jewish Center in support of Israel.
In New York City yesterday Elias Friedman(who was gracious in letting me use his photo), as well as SuperRaizy’s son, my friend H. and her daughter and many others, attended a rally in support of Israel. “Pro-Israel rally was huge,” reported Elias,”filled up 3+ blocks.” Daniel Saunders wrote about a rally in support of Israel in London. A friend on Facebook said she attended a rally in support of Israel in Florida.
Why are these rallies important? Unfortunately, if you follow Pamela Geller of Atlas Shrugs, you will find out why. There are too many anti-Israel, anti-Jew rallies, “Death to the Jews” fests.
To leave this post on a heartening note, I was warmed to the many kind, empathic comments on A Soldier’s Mother. Many were written by mothers with children in the U.S. military. Here’s one:
God bless you, Elie, and the state of Israel.
I went to Israel last summer on a trip with my church. Of all the places I’ve been, it is one of the few I want to go back to. I truly felt a connection to the land and the people like I’ve never felt anywhere.
Israel must do all that it can to stamp out the evil that is Hamas.
Another, a mom of a soldier:
yes, my dear, it is hard to be a soldier’s mom… it is the same the world over for those mothers who hold life sacred and whose hope for the future lives IN their children — and not in their deaths… we pray for the safety of your son and all our “sons” everywhere… and we pray for peace. every day we pray for peace everywhere. (I wonder if our enemies also pray for peace? or do they only pray for death and destruction?)
In 1940 the Jews of Europe had little support. I hope I am correct that this is no longer the case. Thank you to the many members of the U.S. Congress that voted in support of Israel.
A few links for more information:
- A Gaza Chronology That Covers More Than the Past Two Weeks
- What’s Behind Israel’s Condemnation of Hamas?, Prof. Efraim Karsh
- A Video Hamas Doesn’t Want You To See
(warning: disturbing, children being used as pawns of war) - Hamas and Their Many, Many Human Shields
Great post. Wish I had the time to read all the material you provide links for.
Ilana-Davita, I wish I didn’t have to post this. I would rather go back to writing about gardening, art, photos, cooking. But I feel compelled to do my part.
Thanks for emphasizing how important it is that we show our support for Israel. Politicians take notice of the issues that their constituents care about. And because there is so much disinformation out there about Israel and the IDF, it’s important that we counter that however we can.
(And thanks for providing my son with his very first link!)
This is an excellent post, Leora, and I know it is disheartening, to say the least to have to post it. I feel the same way you do about what you wrote.
I remember all we did before the Six Days War. We’re one people.
I too wish I could read all the links you provided..I am with you on this one..it is a time of great concern and worry…