Anger. Fear. Bewilderment. Shock. Desperation. Grief. Jewish brethren everywhere are crying out to G-d. Save our People!
Loved ones have been snatched from their homes. Children butchered. Family members, friends, soldiers, first responders, and the like—victims.
What can we do? I myself do not have all the answers. Christian friends have reached out to me saying they are worried about their Jewish brothers and sisters. They are so incredibly sad and that they have no words. I tell them that this is a normal and appropriate emotional response.
I participated in a Jewish vigil last Sunday, at our local Jewish synagogue, in order to “stand with Israel”. It was a beautiful, heartfelt, and mournful service with songs, prayers, and stories of loved ones so far away in the Holy Land.
Debbie Dingell, a Michigan congresswoman and long-time supporter of our Jewish community, shared that she hasn’t stopped crying for three days. Debbie is a staunch Catholic that stands beside us in our grief and sadness.
There was a gut-wrenching story, told by a beautiful woman cantor, of her brother whose dream was to live in Israel. His four sons have joined the Israeli armed forces to fight for their country. She described herself as “vibrating with fear.”
There is so much uncertainty. So many unknowns. How long will the war go on? Will hostages be released?
Already the death toll has reached 1,200 in Israel. A doctor in Gaza said: “The smell of death is all around."
Being a spiritual person, I am at a loss for words, but I have been praying unceasingly. When I wake up in the morning. When I go to sleep and when I wake up in the middle of the night, I remember my people.
There is a scripture passage in the Book of Isaiah (verse 62:6-7): “You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.”
This is a prayer of urgency and a call to pray fervently to G-d, that He may hear the relentless cries of His people and fulfill His promise to protect and preserve them.
Like so many of you, I am consumed with grief, worry, and anger. I’m finding it hard to focus and to complete tasks. I’m trying to find brief moments of respite (through writing, art, music, and service to others) to keep up my strength and energy.
But, then it occurred to me—the Israeli people don’t have the luxury of rest. They have no escape from the horrors of war. As an American Jew, I have resources available, to help in their time of need. I can donate to the many organizations providing medical assistance, equipment, and other necessities for innocent civilians and soldiers alike.
I can join in solidarity with the Jewish community, reach out to friends who have loved ones in Israel, and share news with those who need to be educated about these atrocities. Won’t you stand with me and pray?
Am Yisrael Chai!
