2006-07-23-israell-lebanon

CARLSBAD, Calif.—The suffering of our brothers and sisters in Israel has been enormous over the past week. Hundreds of thousands of them are literally living in bomb shelters or have been forced to flee their homes. Unfortunately, there is a good chance that the situation will get worse before it gets better. The IDF is poised to enter Lebanon on the ground. The subsequent fighting will be bloody, and Jewish soldiers will probably die (G-d forbid).

Despite what you may read/hear this situation is a direct result of Muslim provocation. Iran and Syriaare pulling the strings and should be held completely responsible for what has occurred. In addition, beadvised that Israel continues to urge the Lebanese living in the southern part of the country to leave,but the Hezbollah terrorists are holding them as human
shields. Whatever happens to these people is the responsibility of Israel's enemies. The Lebanese
government has failed to disarm the terrorists (which makes the government complicit in the terrorism), and the terrorists hide behind civilians. Everyone should also know that many of the civilians proactively support terrorist activities. In other words, some of them will die, but a. they are not "so" innocent, and b. it is not Israel's fault nor problem.

It is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL that Israel fights this war to a complete victory! Calls from the UN, European Union, Russia, China, and even American Media and politicians for Israel to show restraint are harmful to Israel's cause and Jewish security. The notion of a
"proportionate response" is beyond ridiculous. Be assured that anyone who calls for this has an
anti-Israel bias (though some may just be painfully naive). The good news is that the President, and even Secretary of State Rice seem to have moral clarity on this question, and thus far have not exerted any detrimental pressure on Israel to stop fighting for her life. The only complaint I would lodge against the US government thus far in this crisis is that their response to Iran and Syria have been far too weak. Remember, Iran is behind all of this and started all
of this to distract the world from their nuclear ambitions.

Although this is a very difficult time for Israel and the free world, it may be the perfect time to effect a regime change both in Iran and Syria. Historically we have seen that decisive action brings positive changes that can affect even Muslim countries. Let's face it; World War III is upon us. It is better to fight it sooner rather than later, for later there is a very good chance our enemies will possess nuclear weapons.

Being that we are at war it is time for Jews worldwide to draw together in love and unity. We will together appeal to the Almighty for His mercy and guidance at this difficult time. We should have no doubt that Israel will again be triumphant in this war against a barbaric enemy who sanctifies death and worships blood. The enemy is a true abomination and needs to be
eradicated before he conquers the civilized world. Don't fool yourself; these are his aims, nothing less.

What can we do about the situation? More than you think! First and foremost we must recognize that everything is in G-d's "hands," and therefore we are all urged to say extra prayers for Israel and for the ongoing war against terror. Add in the amount of Psalms that you recite! We should also add in our Torah study and Tzedakah giving. These measures will undoubtedly help lead Israel to certain victory!

During past crises the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, strongly urged men to put on Tefilin and women to light Shabbat candles (check out www.FridayLight.org).

In addition, it behooves all of us to become 'activists' for Israel's sake. We must write letters
to President Bush (comments@whitehouse.gov) and your local elected officials, urging them to make statements in support of Israel. By the way, saying things like "Both sides must show restraint" is absolutely not helpful to Israel's cause at this time. Showing restraint towards the terrorists is what led up to this crisis. Although war is never pleasant it is sometimes necessary. It may be compared to cancer surgery. The cancer must be excised if the person is to survive. So too in our case, the terrorists must be completely destroyed for freedom to live on.

Rabbi Eilfort is director of Chabad at La Costa, an agent on AskMoses.com, and host of the weekly radio program LeChaim to Life with Rabbi E. Rabbi Eilfort welcomes readers comments via e-mail to Chabad@La-Costa.org.