(Day 483) Swords of Iron – “ The path of FAITH brought me home”

Chaim starts out by saying that the hostage release mechanism that is part of a broader cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip is difficult to accept, since it includes the release of so many high-profile terrorists from Israeli prisons. It is also difficult to watch the barbaric conditions under which some of the Israeli hostages are being released.

Chaim also asks, rhetorically, why Hamas was still holding Thai nationals. What was their motivation for taking these guys hostage in the first place and why were they held for so long? He mentions that there are still a few non-Israelis being held hostage.

Chaim mentions that Israeli political leaders are warning that the hostages need to be protected from harm and if they’re not, there will be severe consequences. Chaim says he thinks Israel is being “too nice” and there needs to be some changes made to this deal.

He also says that we can see the difference between Israeli and Palestinian society, as Israeli hostages are welcomed home with hugs and tears of joy while Palestinian security prisoners are welcomed home with chaotic scenes of celebration including gunshots in the air and chants calling for violence and vengeance.

 He says the whole world can see this contrast but most governments are ignoring the obvious conclusions that must be drawn.

In this context, he quotes Isaiah 49:15-17; “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me. Your sons shall make haste; your destroyers and those who laid you waste

shall go away from you.”

He concludes by also quoting Agam Berger as she was coming home to Israel and she said she had chosen a path of faith and it had brought her home.