THANK YOU TO MY NON-JEWISH MILITARY COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS-
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote these powerful words-
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
Many in the Jewish community are feeling very alone right now, abandoned by friends and watching the State of Israel be vilified for responding to defend its people.
As a reminder, if Hamas had not initiated an incursion unprecedented in its horror and cruelty, Israel and her neighbors would be living with a cold peace. Not ideal, but the many thousands who have been killed, wounded, and captured, on both sides, would be going about their normal lives.
I have been comforted by the overwhelming love and outreach from so many of my military colleagues and friends.
I had the incredible privilege of serving in the US military as a chaplain for 38 years.
The words below are all written by individuals with whom I served, some still in uniform, some retired.
May they bring you strength and comfort as they have brought to me.
Hey, Rabbi! I think you posted something but could you recommend a good organization to help the folks in Israel? I figure you have an inside track on the most helpful group. I guess I am amazed but not surprised at what is happening. Alarmed at the support Hamas is getting in this country.
(I shared with this person the link below- one of many, many worthwhile organizations working hard right now.)
All these (commenting on those killed/captured) are heartbreaking.
We are praying for the peace of Israel.
Prayers for a safe return
Bonnie , this has broken our hearts . We are praying .
Bonnie we have been reading the tributes to families and soldiers in Israel who have been kidnapped and murdered . (John wishes he could go over there) we are praying for all . God bless us . Shalom
Praying for you, your family, your community, and the entire nation of Israel. Shalom.
I totally agree and every person I’ve talked to agrees- that Israel is not responsible for anything that happened- it’s all on hamas.
We are talking to everyone we know and those in the church to openly support Israel. And we will continue.
Why? What possible purpose could those animals have hoped to achieve by murdering this child other than to cause grief and pain? Senseless!
I’m so sorry for your loss. We will not forget who she is and the sacrifice she made helping others. In our prayers.
It sickens me to see how woman and children are being treated as war prizes in 2023. It warms my heart knowing that the difference between the Nazis of 75 years ago and the ones today (Hamas), the Jewish people have the means and the will to defend themselves.
FYI. Bonnie, Our community up here in Northwestern WI is standing with Israel. Our senators and congress representatives are also.
One of my fav authors posted this in goodreads and I re posted on my fb page A Time To Speak, by Lynn Austin. After World War II and the deaths of 6 million Jews, there was a worldwide outcry to allow the Jews to resettle in their homeland, Israel. Those Jews who had managed to survive the holocaust had nowhere else to go. Many of their homes had been looted and stolen, and many of their former neighbors had been complicit in handing them over to the Nazis. So, they made Israel their new home. The day after the United Nations declared Israel a nation, their surrounding neighbors declared war. Seventy-five years after the Nazis were defeated, anti-Semitism is still alive and growing in the world. I’ve heard people say that this current war in Israel is a political issue, but I believe it is much more than that. How else can the long succession of hatred and persecution of Jews throughout the centuries be explained? I think of Haman. Herod. Hitler. And now Hamas and Hezbollah. Political aims can never justify the terrorizing and slaughter of innocent Jewish men, women, and children. It’s time to stand up and speak out. I’ve asked my Jewish friends what Christians can do. Here is their response: “Gather in your churches and pray for Israel and for Jewish communities. Post about it. Voice support for Israel. We need to see Corrie Ten Booms.” “This is the time for all Christians to stand up for the Jewish people. Speak to your mayor, speak to any leaders that you know in your community and encourage them to pray and reach out to the Jewish communities.” “Let us see and hear from Christian communities that they care and are praying for us.” Psalm 94 pleads: “Rise up, O judge of the earth . . . How long will the wicked, O Lord, how long will the wicked be jubilant?” Then it asks God’s people this question: “Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?” Here I am, Lord. I want to use my platform as a bestselling author to take a stand and speak up.
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