The FlyDubai Miracle
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What does it feels like to be in Israel anticipating an Iranian attack?
Iran and its proxies are threatening a multi-front attack on Israel. Our Home Front Command has issued a list of supplies to have in our bomb shelter or protected room: Water and food for at least three days, a transistor radio, a flashlight, our daily medications, cellphone and chargers, etc. And I am wondering what to wear.
You see, we live on the top floor of a 9-story building on a hill in Jerusalem. Our building’s bomb shelter is ten flights down. Once the siren goes off it is forbidden to use the elevator in case the enemy takes out our electric grid. At my age, stairs are my nemesis. Which shoes shall I wear to manage walking down all those steps? My trusty Hoka shoes would do the steps well, but then I’d be stuck wearing them in the bomb shelter for what might be several days and nights. My slippers would be more comfortable for the long haul, but without backs, they’d be dangerous on the stairs. My crocs with backs are probably my best choice…
Several weeks ago, our building committee made improvements in our bomb shelter. Until then, we had the kind of toilets I knew in India 50 years ago: a porcelain hole in the floor straddled by two footrests. Now we have actual sit-on-them toilets. I’m relieved.
We’re not going to give them the victory of letting them control our lives.
As far as I can tell, the people of Israel are not scared. My 36-year-old daughter has a long-standing plan to go to Tel Aviv tonight with two of her high school girlfriends. I told her that it might be wiser to stay home in Jerusalem, because Hezbollah has specifically threatened to target Tel Aviv. She replied, “We’re not going to give them the victory of letting them control our lives.”
Israel does not want an all-out war. Our aerial defenses are capable of taking down at best 90% of enemy missiles. Hezbollah at our northern border has 150,000 advanced Iranian missiles. Even if “only” 10% get through, a thousand Israelis could be killed and vital infrastructure decimated. Despite Hezbollah’s constant rocket attacks over the international border with Lebanon since October 8, Israel has studiously avoided a major retaliation that would set the whole area aflame. Instead, Israel has evacuated 80,000 residents from its northern border cities and towns. They have been living in hotels and temporary residences for nine months. Can you imagine the United States reacting like that if Mexico had fired thousands of rockets over the border?
On the phone last night, my friend Paula in Austin asked me if I’m afraid. I told her I’m not. Our enemies can have their evil designs to destroy us, but what actually happens is in the hands of God. Ultimately He is the One in control.
I was here in Israel for the Gulf War of 1991, when Iraq fired 39 Scud missiles at pre-Iron Dome Israel. Expecting chemical warfare, we retreated not to subterrain bomb shelters but to our plastic-wrapped “sealed rooms” on the upper floors of buildings (i.e. no real protection against conventional missiles). Although one Iraqi Scud missile killed 28 American soldiers in Saudi Arabia that year, the 39 Scuds fired at crowded Israeli cities killed only one Israeli. Even the TV anchormen gushed with the word, “miracle.”
On April 13 of this year, Iran attacked Israel with 330 missiles and drones. Although credit for intercepting the barrage went to Israel’s aerial defenses as well as an American arranged one-night coalition of five countries, nine ballistic missiles did penetrate Israeli airspace. Each ballistic missile was over 15 meters long and carried a warhead of 1100 pounds, enough to decimate a large building and kill dozens of people. Yet, only one person was wounded.
The Talmud warn us not to depend on miracles. Jews are required to expend “normal effort” to accomplish their goals and protect themselves from danger. But the Torah also declares that God’s eye is on the land of Israel constantly. This means that whatever happens in Israel and to Israel is the result of Divine Providence. How much of God’s protection we merit is based on our deeds. We need to merit Divine protection. I am more afraid of the internal discord amongst the Jewish people that drives away the Divine Presence than I am of Iran’s nefarious plans.
Please pray that God will protect Israel and its people.
Praying for you and all Israel from Austria. Was blessed to meet Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach shortly before he passed away. God Almighty is in control!!
Sarah, sending prayers from Akron, OH. May G-d strengthen the righteous!
Praying here too!
I have been and I’m continuing. May HaShem hear and answer our prayers!
Thanks so much for now and for your tips in the past.
Thanks so much Mrs Sara
Thanks to Sara Yoheved Rigler Ma, I was moving to the front and I asked her for a secret prayer point, together with Tehilim 91 and 121, I saw the miracle of Hashem and the G-d of Israel as I survived a dangerous zones and come back home safely.
MANY unfortunately perish from the Islamic Terrorist in the Area.
Shalom.
Thanks to Sara,Thanks to aish.com
I'm in agreement Am Israel will survive long after our enemies are in the "dustbin of history "but no way of predicting how much pain on the way. Be"H it won't be too severe.
Very well put article.
For your safety PLEASE don't wear crocs; they are slippery and unstable. Wear your Hoka shoes in case you're evacuated and have to walk a long distance.
It's a good idea to have a small bag ready with water, tissues, Tehillim and an energy snack to keep you going. Be safe.
May God protect Iran
Are you serious or is that a typo? Or sarcasm?
I doubt it.
Sim, tenho orado por Israel todos os Dias!
Im lo aale.... His words do not go back to Him void. I pray for His protection over His people.
Can you put your slippers in the shelter now, so you will have them down there when you need them?
The only way to garner God's protection is by being righteous.
A beautiful sentiment but if true then righteous people wouldn't have been murdered during the Holocaust, nor would babies have been massacred on Oct 7
Forget about millions if it's your kid just one is enough to ask where is Hashem? It's not an ATM machine where one puts in good deeds snd is granted favorable results in one world or one lifetime. People of faith believe in the ultimate justice of Hashem but it's for certain often hidden in this world
Excellent article. Simply very well expressed. Says it all. It is the enormous internal discord that frightens me too, more than anything. It is enormously disappointing. As HaRav Yisrael Salanter said.... one can only control oneself so it is up to each and everyone one of us to do our best and try and keep the shalom wherever we can.
I lived in French Hill throughout the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Everyone went to the apartment bomb shelter whenever the air raids sounded and it reminded me of the stories my mother told me, of living in London during the Blitz. I remembered what she took with her to their bomb shelter - the Bible, blankets, food and me! First though, she filled her bath, sink and every saucepan with water, and I did the same. Water can easily be cut off in times of war.How sad that this evil continues and that we now have to face this onslaught of hate. But she always prayed, and so did I - and I know that all readers of this fine article will also be praying, for G-d's protection and loving care, and for the defeat of evil.
Amen!
SELAH!
Great arrticle!!
AMEIN!
It's particularly important to make every effort to avoid internal strife and discord between ourselves at this time -- on the eve of The Nine Days.
Praying for Hashem's mercy to shield us from evil enemies' nefarious plans should be accompanied by making strides ben adam l'chaveiro (man and his fellowman).
My typical sign-off on phone calls with my WWII veteran American Dad, when he'd regularly express security concerns about his Israel-based kids and grandkids, was "In God We Trust." I guess that says it all.
May what happens help us all become more grateful people.
Amen!