Martin H. van den Bergh

The ceasefire comes after Israel has been targeted with rockets and drones. In only one day over 200 rockets were fired by Hezbollah at Israel. In addition, Hamas continues its psychological war. Israelis are being murdered in countries around the world including Rabbi Zvi Kogan, the Chabad emissary in Dubai. And to top it all the ICC has issued arrest warrants against Bibi Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, only because they have led the defence of Israel against the onslaught. Those countries which have indicated they will accede to the ICC call should know better. Indeed, this all points to the fact that the world has gone crazy in blaming Israel, the victim of October 7th and further attacks since then.

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It seems that history is repeating itself, in that Jews throughout the centuries have had to contend with hostilities of many different types, from pogroms in Europe to the Spanish Expulsion and Inquisition; from anti-Semitism to anti- Jewish laws; and the ultimate of targeted treatment of Jews in the Holocaust when 6 million Jews were murdered. Perhaps the destiny of Jews being targeted was already predicted by Jacob, who had to deal with the animosity of his twin brother Esau and his wrestling with the Angel on his return from Haran. Jacob was strengthened to confront his challenges with the blessings he received from Isaac and from God.

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And today we continue to not allow our suffering to overwhelm us. And we continue to be one of the most innovative people in the world, contributing to advances in many fields. And even in the line of fire Israel continues to save lives, including Gazan children who have been transferred to Israeli hospital to receive expert medical attention.  And we the Jewish People have never lost our faith or our sense of human dignity and sanctity of life. And as we enter the ceasefire, we must never lose our positivity and confidence, and we must pray that it will lead to the  release of our hostages, and that the displaced can return home.