I wish to be open and candid about my emotions this week: I find myself overcome with a sense of anxiety about our people. I also have to remind myself that it’s ok to struggle and to feel overwhelmed at times; after all, we are human. Here are the matters keeping me up at night (no, the kids are actually sleeping soundly through the night this week):
- I am devastated by the news of the ballistic missile from Yemen’s Houthim that successfully bypassed Israel’s defensive mechanisms, landing in the vicinity of Ben-Gurion airport. The emotional consequences are huge; the economic consequences are utterly devastating. Delta and United Airlines have already suspended flights, joining British Airways, LOT, Lufthansa, and the other European airlines that offered direct routes to Israel. When Gila and I visited Jerusalem a few weeks ago, those we encountered in the tourism industry described below-average demand – both for Easter and Passover. Now that airlines have suspended their direct routes (again), the economic toll will be incredibly difficult to overcome. Taking a step back, it is utterly appalling that any society should have to live with this truly unacceptable threat of near-daily ballistic missiles. How is the world not outraged?
- I am alarmed by the rise of global Jew hatred. You’ve heard of the G7, but have you heard of the J7? The J7 is a partnership between Jewish organizations from the seven countries with the largest Jewish Diaspora populations: Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The J7 appointed a task force to study the rise of Jew hatred since October 7th, 2023. The data overwhelmingly shows that “existing policies against antisemitism, and how they have been implemented, have failed to mitigate the tsunami of hate targeting Jewish individuals, communities, and institutions in the aftermath of 10/7”. Here’s a direct link to the 36-page report for those interested.
- I am heartbroken for the remaining 59 hostages and their families, and the implications of the Israeli government’s priorities. There is much to say on this topic, which can’t all be articulated here. But suffice it to say that the ethos of Israel is that nobody is left behind. Israel demands everything from its citizens, but in return it promises to never forsake them. This is the foundational (dare I say, sacred) ethos upon which the State of Israel was founded. Listen to the Hartman Institute’s “For Heaven’s Sake” podcast this week for a deeper dive into this topic. Yes, there may be legitimate war goals that might require difficult decisions; yes, it is not pleasant to feel the weakness of knowing that members of our family are held captive and we have yet to manage to get them all released. But my goodness, I just feel awful for the families of those still waiting for their loved ones to return (even the return of remains for proper burial would bring immeasurable comfort to a bereaved family).
- I am worried about the tens of thousands of reservists who just this week received their orders to be at the ready to return to war. Beyond the possible physical danger, this will put added strain on Israeli society in numerous ways. From its birth, the leaders of the State of Israel understood that military campaigns needed to be short. In a sea of neighbors wanting its annihilation, Israel would always need to be on guard. But for the country to flourish, war must be kept short. It’s too small a country for any other scenario. Now in its 600th day, this longest war of Israel’s history seems like a never-ending quagmire, and I have serious concerns.
So, my dear congregants, I am struggling this week, and I am holding you all near, and I am praying for better days for our people.
Rabbi Ari Isenberg
