We are not Alright
This morning, I donated my army boots and uniform.
As a reserve officer in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, I haven’t done reserve duty in over 10 years. I keep my boots and uniform in a friend’s storage closet in Israel on the off chance that I might need them. This morning, my friend informed me that, in his heroic efforts to organize equipment due to severe shortages, he sent my boots and uniform along with his own to others who need them more. Like so many of you, I feel helpless and want to do something, so it was a temporary moment of solidarity, that I could contribute something meaningful.
But I am still devastated, shattered, heartbroken, angry, and bewildered.
That list only begins to capture my feelings. I look at my rambunctious, delightful 5-year-old daughter and know that she would not have been able to sit still and be silent in a pitch-dark safe room for hours. I just heard from a dear friend and colleague, bereft from the news that a close friend of their daughter has been confirmed as being among those who were murdered by these terrorists. All this, while I am talking to my sister who is trying to get out of Tel Aviv to come to our oldest daughter’s upcoming Bat Mitzvah.
I imagine that you share my flood of emotion and have been directly or indirectly affected by this horror.
The feelings of grief and anguish as the details and stories begin to unfold are at times overwhelming. But I take solace in being inundated with messages of comfort and support. Most people have asked, “How can I help?” and “What can we do?”
Today, I am writing with one important answer to that question. Right now, please send an urgent message to the White House and to your representatives in Congress, imploring them to continue to stand with Israel.
SEND YOUR URGENT MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT BIDEN AND CONGRESS TO SUPPORT ISRAEL
Thousands of people have shown up for events – both in person and online – and I can’t thank all of you enough for the outpouring of love and support that we’re receiving. Over the next days and weeks, I will come back to you to share information and other ways that you can help our brothers and sisters in Israel. But today, please take a moment to send a message to President Biden and your senators and representative.
SEND YOUR URGENT MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT BIDEN AND CONGRESS TO SUPPORT ISRAEL
וְיֵשׁ־תִּקְוָ֥ה לְאַחֲרִיתֵ֖ךְ נְאֻם־יְהֹוָ֑ה וְשָׁ֥בוּ בָנִ֖ים לִגְבוּלָֽם׃
And there is hope for your future —declares GOD: Your children shall return to their country. (Jeremiah 31:17)
Todah rabah,
Rabbi Josh Weinberg