5 Takeaways from the Israel-Iran War

As I write these words, Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire which Iran has broken a few minutes after it started, sending dozens of missiles to Israel, and unfortunately killing 5 holy Jews in the southern city of Beer-Sheva.

For the past 2 weeks, the citizens of Israel have been compelled to seek shelter several times a day, fearing for their lives. As a resident of Jerusalem, I have gone through this difficult period just like every other member of Israeli society. Every nisayon (challenge) is meant to make us grow, and come closer to Hashem. Here are 5 takeaways I carry with me after this period.

1. Hashem Is Our Mamad

Following the Home Front Command guidelines was for me a no brainer during this war. Yet, when I saw that 4 people were killed in a direct missile impact on the shelter they were in, it made me reflect. Yes, we must do our hishtadlut. Yes, we must be responsible individuals. But if Hashem wants you to live you will, and if He wants you to die, you will, even if you hide in a shelter.

2. Anxiety Reducer

You may ask: how could this period be an anxiety reducer?! Isn’t it rather the very opposite? Well, what I mean is that I personally have been able to work extensively on my anxiety throughout this time. I realized that only Hashem is in control, and no one or nothing else. And when you have that in mind, anxiety fades off. When you go into that miklat with all your neighbors, and when you read Tehilim, you realize that you are entirely relying on Him. This also enabled me to realize that I am not in control. Only He is. And it is having a ripple effect on every other area of my life.

3. Am Israel and Medinat Israel are a miracle

For 12 days, we have had over 500 missiles and 1000 drones thrown at us. Guess how many were intercepted? Over 400! Yes 80%! And 99.99% for the drones! We sadly lost 30 lives, and over 1200 people were injured, but this is thank G-d quite a low number in proportion to the amount of missiles sent (without minimizing the lives we lost of course).  If this is not a miracle, then what is? In Jerusalem, not ONE missile fell. If Jerusalem is not the holiest city in the world, with the greatest divine protection, then what is? Additionally, thank G-d, only the city of Beer-Sheva lacked electricity for 3 hours after a missile barrage, but the rest of the country had running water, electricity, and plenty of food throughout this time! Which other country can run like that in the middle of the biggest war it has fought in centuries?

4. The Real Ceasefire Is Amongst Us as Jews

I recently saw a powerful short video that Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi gave on the morning of the ceasefire with Iran. She says: “The real ceasefire is the one that has happened over here during the last 12 days. During this time, we all got along, we had shalom. The left and the right, religious and not religious. Everyone backed Binyamin Netanyahu in his decision. We were all united.” This is crucial for us to remember. Why do we always need war to get along with one another?

5. Focussing on What Really Matters

These past two weeks have also taught me to realize that life is a gift, and to not take anything for granted. I am alive. I am healthy. I am married. I have a job. I have special friends. I have parents. 

I pray for the safety of the Jewish people, and that we merit the coming of the geula shelema speedily in our days.