Iran’s Attack on Israel
9 min read
They’re brightening the world, just in time for Hanukkah.
These are dark times for Jews around the world. But there are also some points of light. Here are another eight non-Jews who are beacons of light to the Jewish Nation.
Living in an apartment with no bomb shelter, with her older children on vacation in Europe when the war broke out, Mindy Rubenstein took refuge in neighbors’ homes when rockets attacked Israel on October 7th. Despite Mindy’s reluctance, her extended family outside of Israel arranged for her to temporary leave Israel.
She took a flight to Athens (the normally short flight took 14 hours) and she booked an Airbnb belonging to Panos, a Greek musician who tours with his band. Panos generously offered Mindy and her family to stay in his family’s other house by the sea at no cost. He also graciously lent them a car, saying it was his privilege to help a Jewish family.
The actress Sharon Stone met with families of hostages in her home. She listened to their gut-wrenching stories and was deeply moved. Stone began to tear up as Ella Shani, a 14 year old from Kibbutz Be’eri told her story. Ella shared that father was murdered by Hamas and her 16-year-old cousin, Amit, was kidnapped.
Stone, a philanthropist who has received special recognition awards from the Red Cross, has vowed to personally reach out, saying “I will do everything I can to help.”
On November 4, 2023 the Washington Wizards Basketball wore shirts displaying pictures of the hostages while coming out onto court. NBA star Kyle Kuzma is a teammate of the Serbian-Israeli player, Deni Avdija. Kuzma posted on X (previously known as Twitter), “Israel (heart prayer emoji) just terrible stuff happening right now and my prayers with them!!”
This was a brave move considering not all mega players are supportive of Israel. Adam Silver, the league’s commissioner who is Jewish posted the following message on X, “The NBA and [the NBA Players’ Association] mourn the horrific loss of life in Israel and condemn these acts of terrorism. We stand with the people of Israel and pray for peace for the entire region.”
The Miami Heat team has also expressed support for Israel and several NBA teams reposted Silver’s message.
Rodan and Fields is a leading skincare brand in America. They specialize in making people's skin more beautiful every day, but the real beauty of the company emerged with their noteworthy act to support Israel.
On October 10th they wrote in their Insider Scoop:
R+F stands in shock with the world at the brutal terrorist invasion against Israel. It is devastating to see the toll this is taking on people who live in this region. Our hearts break for the loss of life of all innocent civilians and abduction of hostages in this unfolding tragedy. Their families are in our thoughts. We stand with all nations calling for an end to the violence and destruction. To support those impacted, we will be making a $50,000 donation to an organization that we are currently working to identify to ensure the funds we donate have the most impact on those affected. We will provide an update on this in next week's Inside Scoop.
Subsequently, Rodan and Fields gave $50K to Magen David Adom, Israel’s official representative to the International Red Cross.
During their recent 2023 convention Dimitri Haloulos, president and CEO of Rodan and Fields condemned Hamas and expressed the belief that they have no justification or legitimacy. The entire corporate team including Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields held a moment of silence for the hostages, even light candles to show support for Israel.
With many thanks to Dina Moses, consultant at Rodan and Fields, who attended the conference and was able to give first hand verification.
At 5:32 AM a man invaded a Jewish home in Studio City, California. Locked in a room with their four children, the family called the police while the thief screamed antisemitic slurs, repeatedly yelled “Free Palestine!” and threatened to kill them because they were Israeli. Turns out that before the invasion, the assailant had questioned the family about their mezuzah.
This stirred fear amongst the neighbors. One neighbor contemplated removing his mezuzah. Some non-Jewish neighbors said they were ready to put up mezuzahs on their doors, thinking that if everyone has a mezuzah, you can't differentiate Jew from non-Jew and everyone would be safe.
Orthodox comedian and rabbi Menachem Silverstein thought their willingness to stand with their Jewish neighbors was incredibly heartwarming, telling the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that the response “gave me goosebumps. I’m tearing up. I’m like, this is the most beautiful thing anybody has ever said to me. It was the inspiration I needed, personally.”
Adonis Garcia is a firefighter for the Miami Beach fire rescue team. He and seven other team members flew to Israel to be of service on November 6th for a two-week mission to help Israel.
Eight Local 1510 members traveling to Israel to aid fire crews called in for military service. Courtesy Miami Beach Fire Department Facebook page
Garcia approached the mayor to see if they would be supportive of such a mission. “I’m proud to be part of something that’s bigger than all of us.” Mayor Dan Gelber explained that “these men watched as Israeli forces came to help us in Champagne Towers [in Surfside] after that terrible collapse. They felt like this was the place they needed to be.”
A beautiful send off from the Miami community included a parade of Jewish children waving Israeli flags in gratitude. These eight men filled in for some of Israel’s first responders who had been called to fight the war against Hamas.
During the two weeks of volunteering, the firefighters received special training upon arrival and responded to various emergencies like house fires, vehicle accidents, and even to homes hit by rockets. They returned November 19 and were warmly welcomed by the community who were praying for their continued safety. The firefighters have responded to other countries in times of crisis but this was the first time they traveled to a country in the midst of war.
Sophia Salma Khalifa is an Arab-Israeli Muslim born in Israel who makes her voice loud in support for Israel. She attends and speaks out at rallies and posts pro-Israel content on social media. She is not being paid by the Israeli government; she is simply grateful for Israel and wants to share the truth about Israel with the world.
“If I am the one who lived the truth and that reality, then I am obligated to speak up.”
Sophia talks about what growing up with a single mom in Israel was like. Her mother was illiterate because her parents did not believe in women’s education. Sophia went to school because Israeli law mandates that all children be educated. Today she has an electrical engineering degree from Tel Aviv University and a Master’s degree in business administration from Stanford University.
She noted that the university in Israel went above and beyond to accommodate her. “Israel makes it easier for Arabs to get into university… The university automatically offered me 15% extra time on all exams automatically because they knew Hebrew was not my first language. When I went to Stanford, I didn't get extra time.”
The Israeli government also ensured their financial survival as her family lived off welfare for some time. “My mom was a single mom so we depended on welfare.”
“Israel is not an apartheid state, but rather a strong beautiful multi ethnic democracy that provides its 20% Arab citizens, full rights just as they give the Jewish people. I as an Arab citizen receive full rights education, healthcare.”
She explains that the reason Palestinians in Gaza aren’t fighting or protesting against Hamas is because they know they will be executed. “We saw what Hamas is capable of. They will kill you. They have no regard for human life.”
NBA legend LeBron James and Maverick Carter, his business partner, released a joint statement on X:
“The devastation in Israel is tragic and unacceptable. The murder and violence against innocent people by Hamas is terrorism. The SpringHill Company family sends our deepest condolences to Israel and the Jewish community. We pray for peace in the region and reiterate our continued commitment to fight hate in all its forms.”
LeBron has made a sharp turn in support of the Jewish people. Back in 2018 he expressed regret and apologized after posting an offensive phrase that quoted song lyrics, “getting that Jewish money.”
His newfound support for Israel seems sincere. Especially considering his recent comments were met with tremendous backlash from followers. Unlike other celebrities, LeBron didn’t erase or revoke his post.
He also recently openly disagreed with Kyrie Irving stating that although he loves Irving he “caused some harm to a lot of people.”
LeBron made another bold move when he and his production company decided not to air an episode in which Kanye West used hate speech and other antisemitic stereotypes, explaining, “Because it was hate conversation going on there. And I don’t represent that. There’s no place in this world for it. Nobody can benefit from that.”
If you know a righteous gentile who bravely stands with Israel, thank them in the comment section below. Every act of support, big or small deserves recognition.
Thank you Paulie New York for giving that terrorist the New York Treatment
May Hashem bless and keep all of these heroes!
It is especially heartening to see this compassion and sympathy from the gentiles when hundreds, if not thousands, of "Jews" wrapped in arab rags joined anti-Israel demonstrations. They should be stripped of their Jewishness.
Thank you to all these people and everyone who has the strength, intelligence and fortitude to stand up for Israel in the face of a world gone crazy fueled by Arab lies. As history (and present day) shows, it is the easy to sink to the depths of anti-Semitism based on ridiculous notions and lies. Most people do it at the drop of a hat, eager to condemn Jewish people or commit violence against them for whatever nonsensical reason they see fit. There are only a few who have strength and intelligence enough to stand up to it and the mob violence that is sure to follow. Good on all of you.
This was heartwarming to read. One very important person not mentioned, but definitely should be, is Yoseph Haddad. He is an Arab/Israeli who speaks out, posts and travels to educate those who are either naive or ignorant regarding Israel's plight against Hamas and world haters.
I agree!! I have been following him on Instagram throughout this entire process because he is someone whom I can trust for accurate information. He and his fiance Emily really are courageous to proclaim the truth!
Who changed the name of the land of Israel to Philistine? Why does this lie remain unchallenged?
Congresswoman Elise Stefancik : grilled three elite university presidents into public humiliation for their refusal to properly handle the rise of antisemetism on their campuses ( New York 21st district) watch the clips , you have never seen anything like it in a congressional hearing
I would suggest that you don’t get too excited and do your research. She also promotes white supremacists who claim that Jews are responsible for the so called great replacement (remember the chants? Jews will not replace us).
As opposed to your wonderful squad.
I am sorry if you feel that the only choice available is between two types of extremism. You may find yourself quite isolated when she turns on you because her agenda has shifted. I am pretty grateful for Biden’s stance, in particular in a divided party/country/West.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend has proven repeatedly to be an ineffective strategy in addition to being questionable morally.
I pray that G-D blesses all those who support us. I also pray that - though we're enthralled - with warm fuzzy feelings - for the support they're giving - that - WE - don't let our guard down - and not seek out from G-D - WHY - has this happened AGAIN - to our Jewish Nation People and our Converts. Since the C.E. started - there have been 87 RECORDED MAJOR POGROMS against us. That's not counting the hundreds of SMALLER POGROMS - our leaders - who were being POLITICALLY CORRECT - FEARING RETRIBUTION - that they diminished. We need to open our hearts and minds - accept our responsibility - to make whatever changes we need to make in our lives - our fellow Jews/Converts lives - and our relationship with G-D. Maybe then - G-D will bring PEACE TO THE WORLD - FOREVER!
Dear Libron and Salma - You warm the heart - you are light in the darkness - may G-d bless you.
One of the reasons I joined Rodan + Fields was the chance to partner with our world renowned doctors, Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, proud Jews and supporters of their beloved Israel. This culture extends to the entire company led by our beloved President and CEO Dimitri Haloulos.
Author/journalist Douglas Murray, Senators John Kennedy and Ted Cruz who have voiced full-throated condemnation for Hamas and support for the Jewish People,
It is notable that people supportive of Israel condemn violence and terrorism and express positive sentiments.
So called pro-Palestinian people only spew hatred and wish harm to all Jews.
Great article, always nice to see non jews who support us in our time of need.
Not sure about LaBron, let's not forget BLM is pure antisemitism. Just a thought. A tweet doesn't make you a fruend.
Lets be honest, though, those on the Anti-BLM side are the ones consistently praising Hitler and the Nazis. And if we're being %100 honest the philosophy advocating for the total eradication of the Jewish population represents a phenomenon emerging from Europe and Asia.
Joe you're one of the last few Jewish Democrats left. Everyone else has woken up since Oct 7. While every politician and legacy media outlet kept pushing a fake right wing threat or the threat of white supremacy we saw the real threat was from the far left in media, politics, NGO's, academia eyc
Oh right, I forgot its left-wingers like Elon Musk are accusing Jews of "White Genocide"
There is a great, great hero named Dalia Ziada. She is an Egyptian Muslim. See what has been written about her: "During the 2023 conflict between Hamas and Israel, Ziada expressed strong support for Israel's military actions against Hamas. Her public stance led to significant backlash in Egypt, resulting in threats to her safety and accusations of espionage and incitement of war crimes."
She has had to go into hiding and to leave Egypt due to her stance in support of Israel's war on Hamas. See this interview with with her: https://youtu.be/en7Z_jvMbSY?si=EANqFzq9K-MriLdz
Thank you all!