Day 217 Swords of Iron –  “Remembering the Fallen Heroes”

Chaim starts by saying that hearts are heavy in Israel as we just passed through Holocaust Remembrance Day and we’re about to enter into Remembrance Day for those who were killed in action during Israel’s wars as well as those who were killed in terrorist attacks. Chaim mentions that the Aliyah Return Center will have an online event on Monday evening to commemorate those who have fallen in battle for the defense of the State of Israel and for freedom.

He says that Israel is standing in the gap for the entire civilized world against an onslaught of barbarism.

He also mentions that right after Remembrance Day for Fallen Heroes is Israel’s Independence Day, when we rejoice, remembering Isaiah 66:8; Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children.

Chaim says that although we will rejoice on Independence Day, we must first deal with the trauma of losing so many of our friends and loved ones. He says that he himself has buried friends who were killed in this war, and there are over 600 IDF soldiers who have been killed in action, adding to the total since the first casualties in this conflict who fell all the way back in 1860.

He also mentions that he will soon be watching the film compilation of the atrocities of October 7th, to give a witness to history. He is also looking forward to watching a movie called “Why Stand With Israel” made by a friend, documenting the work of the Aliyah Return Center over several years.

Chaim says that Aliyah is God’s idea and the Enemy hates it.

He also mentions the anti-Israel demonstrations that are happening with increasing frequency and intensity all over the world, including in Western Europe, Canada and the US. He says that now is the time to push back against this rising tide of anti-Semitism and barbarism because Israel MUST NOT be left to stand alone defending civilization.

Next Chaim mentions a bomb that was found at Joshua’s alter in Samaria, where tradition says is the location of the speech made in Joshua 24:15; “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

He says that we can see where this is going and we need to gird up our loins and prepare for difficult days ahead. He also says that the IDF must go into Rafah and completely destroy the remnants of Hamas that are there.

The focus shifts to the testimony of a man who is telling a Knesset committee about the conditions of the hostages in Gaza, and he says that there is no choice but to go into the Strip hard and utterly destroy this enemy because they have no mercy and are really deranged in the way they’re treating the hostages. There can be no deal made and no compromise.

Chaim quotes Exodus 15:13; “You in Your mercy have led forth the people whom You have redeemed; You have guided them in Your strength to Your holy habitation.”

He says he believes miracles are coming in the days ahead, and he concludes by counting day 17 of the Omer.