Chaim starts the video by telling his viewers that he is filming it at the Rafah Crossing in southern Gaza, adding that it’s very important to remember the brave soldiers who gave their lives for the freedom that Israelis enjoy today. This process is continuing, as Chaim mentions that just a short while before he started filming some soldiers near him were wounded.
Chaim quotes John 15:13; Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
He says that even as we remember the heroes who have sacrificed in the past, we still have many sacrifices ahead of us. He mentions that there are many tunnels running under the ground he’s standing on that the IDF will have to find and demolish in order to return peace and security to the people of Israel.
But he also says that soon we will be marking 76 years since Israel’s founding. Those have been years of resilience and growth, and that will continue. He quotes Amos 9:14; I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them.
He says that he wants to remember and cherish the memories of those who have given their lives to keep Israel safe and free, and also their families.
He also wants to remind people that there used to be several Jewish communities in this part of Gaza. In 2005 they were all evacuated and uprooted, leaving behind beautiful homes, farms, factories, and much else that could have and should have been used to build a strong economy for the Palestinian residents of the Strip. But Hamas had other plans.
Chaim says that there’s a future to look forward to, even as we remember the just over 25,000 Israeli soldiers and police officers who have been killed in the line of duty over the decades, keeping this country safe. He says more heroes will be needed who will safeguard and steward these prophetic promises.
He concludes by counting the Omer for day 20.