Dear Citizens of Israel – We Love You!

An Open Letter to the People of Israel:

Dearest Citizens of Israel,

The last 628 days have been an unmitigated nightmare. The past 12 have been intense and agonizing. Each sunset has been fraught with sleepless nights, shuttered portals of entry and exit, the inhibited ability to commune amongst others and all hands-on deck for child and convalescent care.

The emotional and physical toll this war is wreaking is incalculable, even if necessary.

I wish I could fly to Israel and spell you. I want to tap you on the shoulder and give you a deserved break. I want to take your dogs for a walk, give you a date night with your beloved while I babysit, run errands for your aging parent, let you sleep through the sirens, and I’ll run to the bunker in your stead. I want to help.

I wish I could set up a station to give hugs, offer words of hizzuk to any ear that needed and free donuts, because, hey…..donuts.

Sadly, any of the above are physically and practically impossible, for the time being.

You might be watching the television and worried this nightmare will only intensify. The media can sure stoke fear. I hope it doesn’t.

You might be surfing social media sites and be incensed by sophomoric memes and dogmatic punditry that do not consider the seriousness and dangers of warfare and the price it demands.

You might just be longing for a spouse, a child, a sibling or a friend to secure a flight and be able to walk through the door and give you the help and partnership you deserve.

Whatever it is you feel, I want you to know you are not alone.

You are in the bunkers at 3 AM and pulling double-duty with family care not just for Israel, but for the safety and security of Jews worldwide. For today and forever.

Until I can give those hugs, serve up those desserts and relieve the post you are handling, know that you are loved. Regardless of your heritage, religion, gender, orientation, observance or address, you matter, and this moment of your sacrifice is not lost on me or others.

I was trained to never speak for more than myself. However, I’m pretty positive my words represent throngs of individuals who share the same sentiments.

Stay strong. Stay vigilant. Stay focused. This will be over soon and it will be better when it is. We are with you in spirit until we can be with you in person. And when we can join you, we will be ready with hugs, support, help and loads of  donuts to nourish your bellies and your souls.

With much love,

David Seth Kirshner
Along with the  Diasporic Jewish Community.