Ari M. Solomont
Trying to change the world, one revolution at a time

A Just War, a Necessary Moment

If there were ever any doubt that this is a just war, look at the destruction, death and devastation one Iranian missile can cause. And remember the 1,200 innocent civilians murdered on October 7, the hundreds who were kidnapped, and the countless victims of terror attacks over decades across the globe—long before this war began.
The Iranian regime—and the terror proxies it funds and directs—has spent decades openly preaching hatred toward Israel and the West. As Menachem Begin famously said: “When your enemy says they plan to kill you, believe them.”
Ali Khamenei, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and their minions have been remarkably consistent—steadily building weapons designed to kill Jews, destroy Israel, and attack America. Did anyone honestly believe their pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles was ever for peaceful purposes, or that their rhetoric was merely symbolic?
Like Benjamin Netanyahu or not, he has warned the world about this threat for years. Popular opinion aside, many world leaders chose appeasement over confrontation. That policy failure is precisely what brought us to this moment—making it now or never.
As an Israeli and a U.S. citizen, I commend Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump for decisive action. You may dislike one or both of them—but do not allow personal dislike, or even hatred, to obscure the significance of leadership and what striking Iran and degrading or destroying its nuclear and ballistic capabilities will mean for our future. As my daughter’s commander powerfully said: “We are doing this for our children, our grandchildren, and all future generations.”
My father used to say that debriding an ulcer is one of the most painful processes a person can endure—but it is necessary for healing. War is brutal. It is never pretty. But avoiding painful action does not make a threat disappear.
In 1981, Israel was widely condemned for destroying Iraq’s Osirak reactor—later understood to be part of Saddam Hussein’s nuclear weapons ambitions. In 2007, Israel destroyed a secret Syrian nuclear facility built in collaboration with North Korea and hidden from international inspectors. In both cases, Israel acted alone when others hesitated, was criticized in real time, and later vindicated when the full facts emerged. This will be no different. The Jewish people have stared down existential threats for more than 3,300 years—and endured. We don’t need history lessons.
Now the world can show its true colors. Stand with the Iranian people who yearn for freedom. Stand with democracy. Stand against tyranny. Stand with Israel.
About the Author
Rabbi Ari Solomont is the Director of International Admissions for Yeshiva University in New York. Prior to making aliyah twenty-three years ago, he served as a licensed nursing home administrator and as Executive Director of New England NCSY (National Conference of Synagogue Youth). Widely recognized as an expert in informal Jewish education, Rabbi Solomont has been a sought-after consultant for numerous national and international educational initiatives. His warmth, humor, love of people, and deep compassion have inspired generations of Jewish youth. An avid off-road cycling enthusiast, and volunteer EMT with United Hatzalah, Rabbi Solomont can often be found riding through the hills of the Holy Land and along trails across the globe. He and his wife, Sarah Beth, live in Ashkelon and are the proud parents of four children and nine grandchildren. Since October 7, their children and sons-in-law have collectively served more than 1,700 days of miluim (reserve duty) [The views and opinions expressed by Rabbi Solomont on this blog are his own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or institution to which he is affiliated]
Related Topics
Related Posts
Sign in or Register
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Or Continue with
By registering you agree to the terms and conditions
Register to continue
Or Continue with
Log in to continue
Sign in or Register
Or Continue with
check your email
Check your email
We sent an email to you at .
It has a link that will sign you in.