Update (Day 928) Swords of Iron-Lion’s Roar “Sadness + Joy”

It may be hard to imagine what it’s like for someone like me who’s been in this war for over 900 days. There are many others like me—people who have lost loved ones, who stood in cemeteries today and saw their friends, brothers, sisters, and fellow citizens who fell in the line of duty to defend this child of hope, this sword of freedom, this shield of democracy, this outpost of the free world.

Today we honored 25,648 fallen heroes—men and women, civilians and soldiers—who have given their lives to defend this land since 1860. And it’s such a stark transition, because immediately after this, we begin to celebrate Independence Day. As the sun sets, we mark 78 years of the modern State of Israel. We are an ancient people, thousands of years old, but in this modern state, we are 78 years strong—with over 10 million people and a remarkably high level of national resilience and happiness.

Friends, thank you for standing with us—for mourning when we mourn, weeping when we weep, and rejoicing when we rejoice.

There’s so much happening right now. Will the ceasefire hold, or will war resume? Iran has not been idle—they’ve continued stockpiling during this time. Meanwhile, we’ve been preparing humanitarian aid, even for Lebanese civilians near places like Rmeish and Debel, making it clear: we have no issue with the Lebanese people—only with terrorism.

We’ve seen signs calling to “Free Lebanon,” and that’s exactly the goal—to free it from the grip of Iran’s terror network stretching through Gaza and Lebanon.

Hezbollah has done little for its own people, dragging them into conflict on behalf of Iran while targeting Israeli civilians—schools, communities, and more. Their continued presence within the Lebanese government makes them harder to remove.

People are asking about increased U.S. military movement, ships being intercepted, and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The situation is evolving, and we must be ready for what comes next. We’ve come too far not to see this through. Even if agreements are signed, Iran has a history of deception. Real change requires more than words—it requires a shift away from a regime that fuels terror.

Our leaders are honoring the fallen, even as the region remains tense. Across the Middle East, many are feeling the strain.

There was also concern over an incident involving a soldier damaging a Christian statue. Let me be clear: that does not represent Israel. Our leaders condemned it strongly. The soldier has been detained, and steps are being taken to address it. Israel is committed to protecting freedom of worship for all—Jews, Christians, Muslims. Even in war, we strive to uphold that. While Christians face persecution in parts of the region, in Israel their communities are growing and living in safety.

Micah 7:8 says: “Though I fall, I will arise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.”