Israel’s Enemies Gather

Could the long anticipated Iranian/Hezbollah attack on Israel happen tonight? I pray it doesn’t, but here’s why I am worried. 

Tonight, Jews the world over are observing the fast of the Ninth Day of the Hebrew month of Av. It’s the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, commemorating the destruction of both the first and second Temples in Jerusalem and many other tragic events in the history of the Jewish people.

Not only have Jews never forgotten those tragedies, they mark them during joyous events such as Jewish weddings, where a glass is broken in their memory. On Tisha B’Av itself, Jews spend the day fasting and sitting on the floor like mourners, reading the Book of Lamentations. The radical Islamists often launch their deadly attacks to coincide with such holidays or traditions.

For Jews, out of all this sadness and memory came the very idea of hope. The Hebrew prophets of the Old Testament teach us still that what is lost can be regained, what is destroyed can be rebuilt, and what disappears may one day return. The Jews never gave up hope of returning to the land of their ancestors and restoring Jerusalem, their ancient and eternal capital. For 2600 years, Jews recite the famous Psalm, “I will never forget you, O Jerusalem” each and every day in their morning prayers. Just as that hope has restored Jerusalem and recreated the Jewish state, so too must we keep our hope alive to redeem and deliver our nation.