It is challenging to put into words the profound tragedy and sorrow that has engulfed the global Jewish community over the past week. At the same time, I don’t find doing such a thing necessary— the impact is tangible, and the outpour of support speaks louder than words ever could. It has been a whirlwind of a week—a week of sirens, canceled plans, worry, gluing myself to the news, hearing terrifying rumors, calling friends and family, watching friends pack up and go home, and watching as the situation escalates more and more with seemingly no end. It has impacted those who live in Israel, it has offset the experience of many who— like me—are spending the year here to study, and it has even left a profound impact on Jews across the sea, irrespective of prior background or connection.
However, amidst the chaos has emerged one of the most defined, remarkable, and beautiful shows of solidarity that I have ever seen. From Israel to the farthest corners of the globe, Jews and all people of moral character expressed their sympathy and unwavering support for our people and our homeland as we are faced with an existential threat. On Simchat Torah, I was exposed to a painful yet inspiring image as I watched masses of reservists abandoning their holiday tefillah and rushing to the front lines, rushing to support our people. Those of us who are here but unable to join the frontlines have spent the past week helping those on the homefront, providing essential help to households who are now missing a parent—be it through basic things like groceries, babysitting, or even dog walking—people will do anything to help alleviate the immense pressure and stress that these families are now facing. Anything to make a difference and contribute to the beautiful nation that has opened its doors to us.
There have been massive fundraising drives collecting for units and battalions to provide them with even the most basic equipment, thousands of tzitzit being prepared for chayalim who have decided to adopt the mitzvah and have been brought closer to their spirituality through this crisis, essentials being packed and sent to the front lines, and even delivering simple meals and home-baked goods to remind our courageous chayalim and chayalot that we appreciate all that they do, that we’re thinking of them. Tehillim and learning in the zechut of soldiers occupies much of the time of the average student in a yeshiva or seminary. Even beyond Israel, the global response has been overwhelming. Fundraising, rallying, preparing and sending supplies, and so many other efforts that I have seen truly warm my heart and remind me that the Jewish people, no matter where we are, are one and stand together. Messages of hope and perseverance are shared everywhere I look.
The bottom line is this: everyone is eager to get involved, and everyone feels their duty to contribute to the cause. This war is not one waged against some insignificant, distant country across the sea with which we express fleeting solidarity. Maybe the rest of the world will move on in the coming weeks, but not us. And why? Because this war targets not only the Jewish homeland, but Jews worldwide, regardless of personal affiliation. This is our fight; we all have a role to play. We cannot ignore the immense and overwhelming burden that we must proudly shoulder and fight to reaffirm our right to exist. The enemy will not rest until we are all eradicated and as such we cannot rest until they, like those that rose before them, are but a memory.
Yes, it’s a scary time. Many, including myself, have people they care about in the country and its military fearing for their lives. We were caught off guard and tragedy followed. Fear is a natural response, and it is crucial to look out for yourself in difficult times like these, but succumbing to fear and terror means that they win. Passivity is not an option. Those of us in the midst of this crisis understand that we were placed here for a reason, and we are dedicating nearly all of our free time and energy to confront whichever challenges we can. It is time for those that are not here, who do not feel that it is their battle, to open their eyes and realize that they were also placed where they are for a reason, that they must heed the call to battle. Get up! Find a rally, a fundraiser, or any avenue through which you can contribute to our fight against terror, and dedicate yourself to it. Help us ensure eternal security for the Jewish people, that never really means never again this time.
No one saw this coming, it’s certainly not how I envisioned my year in yeshiva. However, this experience is as crucial, if not more so, than it was intended to be as I find an actual impactful role to play and search for more and more ways to make a difference and impact the world around us for good. Only together can we win this war. Rest assured that we will emerge victorious.
Am Yisrael Chai.
David Smigel
New York
