The next two days

Ever since Israel began eliminating senior Hamas and Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon and Iran, less than two weeks ago, the threat of imminent reprisals, culminating in a full-scale war, have been hovering over our heads. As each day approached, some believed that an attack would be forthcoming that same night. 

Former President Trump, even stated he’d heard that the evening of the 5th of August would bring such an attack. It did not happen, but yesterday, at 6:30 p.m., a government text stated that, according to senior American and Israeli officials, an attack, initiated by Hezbollah, would occur within the next couple of days. 

As the annual observance of Tisha B’Av approaches, beginning at sundown this Monday, it seems to be the optimal time for a full-scale attack, given that it is the day that commemorates many disasters in Jewish history, the most renowned being the destruction of both Solomon’s Temple as well as the Second Temple. The solemn day is accompanied by fasting, mourning and prayer as the biblical book of Lamentations is read.

So, what better day could be chosen by the enemies of Israel to execute a massive attack which would be added to the many tragedies that have already taken place throughout Jewish history? It is this kind of psychological warfare, which is being waged upon Israel day in and day out, taking its toll upon our people who have already prepared their bomb shelters for extended periods of attack, knowing that constant barrages of missiles could be launched from the estimated 150,000 stockpile of long-range rockets, which is said to be in the possession of Hezbollah, alone.

In their aspiration to overwhelm our Iron Dome interception system of defense, their hope is to wreak destruction, the likes of which has not been seen since the inception of the Jewish nation, 76 years ago. So how are we supposed to respond to this latest news which is, based on intelligence, predicting a preemptive attack?

Believe it or not, most Israelis are not in panic mode. People are still driving on the roads, doing their usual shopping and booking events as if nothing will happen. While some may be staying a bit closer to home, slightly reluctant to find themselves in a more open and precarious situation, especially at night, it is not true of everyone.

As Tisha B’Av is just two days away, perhaps, the August 2nd report, published in the Jerusalem Post, titled, “Iran plans to attack Israel on Tisha B’Av, the Jewish day of disaster,” is accurate. According to the article, the reliance of Western intelligence is the source of these rumors, stating that “Iran’s attack will be coordinated with Hezbollah.”

But while Israel, as well as the rest of the civilized world is expected to respect and honor all Muslim holy days, no such consideration is afforded to Israel, which was attacked on October 7th, coinciding with Simchat Torah, the day which observes and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings. Of course, who can forget the Yom Kippur War of 1973, which began on the most holy observance of the Jewish calendar? 

Consequently, no one would be shocked if yet another attack were to occur on a Jewish holy day, marking other catastrophes which befell our people. Because it is only the religion of Islam, per its more radical adherents, that proper respect is due, and woe to those who think otherwise by daring to enact any type of offensive or assault at a time when their religious devotees are worshipping, fasting or otherwise observing the customs required by their faith.

It is this type of hypocrisy and intolerance, regarding the religious belief of others, which is an automatic disqualifier of any claim to spiritual or moral high ground, because it wholly disregards the sensitivities and sacred devotion held dear by anyone else, exhibiting contempt towards those who reject Islam as the “one true religion.”

That is the principle and central reason that it cannot co-exist within a diverse and pluralistic society existing in most countries, allowing for freedom of expression as it relates to one’s individual, preferred creed. There is simply no possibility of living in peaceful harmony, tolerance or acceptance with unyielding fanatics whose ideology makes no room for the free choices of others. Nothing short of embracing their world view, interpretation of the divine or forced coercion of full surrender will ever satisfy their uncompromising demands. 

Theirs is a world which has two roles – master and servant, nothing in between. And for any born outside the fold, only complete subservience and non-resistance will do. Regrettably, these characteristics have not been internalized by much of the world’s population who reside far away from the Middle East, and that is much to their disadvantage. Because as much as they would like to believe that this is a contained battle between Jews and Arabs, it is far from that!

It aims to seek out all of the world’s inhabitants as expeditiously as possible, forcing all to comply, whether through means of terrorism or otherwise. The goal is clear. All must submit, defer to and obey the caliphate.

Israel stands first in line, ready to take on the seeming Goliath of well-armed hostile nations and terror proxies who are foolish enough to believe that they have the edge when it comes to winning this war against humanity. So, while tiny Israel may appear to be at the same deficiencies, when it comes to size, armor or fearsome façade, the one and most important asset possessed by Israel is the One who goes before her to battle the enemy. It is God Almighty who promised to fight on our behalf, assuring that we would never cease to be a people before Him. 

We will, consequently, prevail, despite what could end up being our greatest military challenge as a modern-day nation. After all, if a small boy named David could triumph with just five smooth stones and a sling over the fearsome giant who mocked Israel, convinced that he would win, just due to his stature and preparedness, how will God’s chosen, in the nation He gave to them, not also finish victoriously?

In these next two days, whether attacked or not, Israel remains in the protective palm of God’s hand, the safest place of all, because although 3,000 years have passed since that showdown in the Valley of Elah, today known as Emek HaElah, nothing has changed for the Almighty who still warns the nations that “whoever touches Israel, touches the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8)