During my trip to Israel this past week, I was able to witness the abundance of kindness, unity, and growth that has come from Am Yisrael’s (nation of Israel) pain. I was able to see that the war that is being fought is not about the land or the people who live in Israel. The war is about all of Am Yisrael and for all of us Jews to feel safe and proud wherever we are.

Parshat Shemot expresses that the Egyptians felt threatened by the Jews, so they decided to inflict them so that they wouldn’t continue to grow. However, despite the pain they were put through (וְכַֽאֲשֶׁר֙ יְעַנּ֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ), the pasuk says כֵּ֥ן יִרְבֶּ֖ה וְכֵ֣ן יִפְרֹ֑ץ (they would increase and spread). This is Am Yisrael today and always! We do not allow the pain to take us down. We use the pain to become greater. We become better people, are more united, and spread the fact that we are Jewish. May we continue to see the kindness, unity, and love of Am Yisrael grow and spread throughout the world. May we protect and help each other whenever one of our siblings needs help. May Hashem bring Mashiach speedily because His favorite nation is getting along.

Shira Sedek is a passionate educator currently working toward a master’s degree at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.