Day 451 Swords of Iron – “A Deep Breath as we look forward to 2025”
Chaim starts out the video by reminding his viewers that it is the season of Hanukkah and as we light the sixth candle, we’re also about to enter a new year on the Gregorian calender.
Chaim says that he’s also taking a moment to look back on the 451 days that he’s been fighting in this war, in which he’s seen many miracles and been joined by many “modern-day Maccabees” who have been standing in the gap for Israel all over the world.
It’s having an effect, as Israel is moving into a new season of history which is seeing victories against Iran on many fronts. Chaim mentions the Lebanese and Syrian fronts, where the IDF has had tremendous success pushing back the threats to Israel’s homeland.
In Iran, the social fabric of the country is in tatters and the economy is in even worse shape. Chaim wonders if the Ayatollah regime which has led that country into one disaster after another might be about to fall and be replaced by a return of the Shah’s dynasty. Chaim mentions that the heir to this dynasty is an outspoken friend of Israel and it would be a great blessing if he were able to reclaim the mantle of leadership there.
Chaim mentions the terrible brainwashing that Iranian and Palestinian children are subjected to, teaching them that hatred and violence are the best things they can engage in in this life.
But, he says, there’s hope because Hamas has been severely weakened and the more moderate forces in the Palestinian camp are even turning on them now.
Chaim says that this gives the free world a chance to regain the initiative in this new year of 2025, possibly even a continuation of the Abraham Accords that US President Donald Trump shepherded through in his first term. In his new, incoming second term, there is hope for more agreements.
Chaim also mentions the difficulties in fighting terrorists who shamelessly embed themselves in civilian facilities, including hospitals, and use civilians as human shields.
He concludes the video by thanking the supporters of the Aliyah Return Center for their generous donations which have allowed the ARC to distribute NIS 150,000 in grocery store vouchers and other assistance to families in need as well as nearly NIS 8 million worth of badly needed ancilary equipment to IDF soldiers. He lists a few of those things as tactical helmets and body armor, flame-resistant uniforms, tactical vests and other equipment.
At the same time, the ARC’s core mission of assissting new immigrants has also continued, with over 150 new immigrants graduating from Hebrew language classes, planting trees, learning new job skills and otherwise getting a good start on their new life in their ancient homeland.
The video ends with a testimony from a young woman who received assistance from the ARC in her Aliyah journey, thanking the supporters for making it possible.
