Day 178

Chaim starts by quoting Psalms 44:5; Through You we will push down our enemies; Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us.

Next he mentions the suicide drone attacks launched against the city of Eilat by Iranian-backed terrorist groups from Iraq. He also takes a moment to honor IDF soldiers who have fallen in battle in recent days.

Next he mentions the fact that a High Court of Justice ruling has officially ended the exemptions of Ultra-Orthodox young men from serving in the IDF. It’s yet to be seen how this will play out, but one more step has been taken in the process. At the same time, there are large-scale protests in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv against the current government and their handling of the negotiations over the release of hostages and their general handling of the situation.

We will have to see how the Ultra-Orthodox will react to this new situation. In the past, they’ve aggressively refused to cooperate with government efforts they didn’t agree with. One of the most senior Ultra-Orthodox rabbis in the country said that if they are forced to serve in the IDF, they’ll respond by leaving the country en masse (although it’s unclear where he thinks they might go.)

At the same time, large numbers of Jewish people all over the world continue to express intest in making Aliyah, and many more have actually done so on the last year. Chaim mentions a story about an Aliyah fair recently held in Paris, France, which attracted hundreds of Jewish medical professionals who are interested in making Aliyah because of the deteriorating situation in France for Jews (and everyone else.)

Chaim concludes by saying these are indeed very wild times we’re living in, and it can be scary. But he encourages his viewers to stand firm in the face of these challenges. He quotes Deuteronomy 31:6; Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”