Defeating “The Giants” of Iran With Tikkun

Recently, during an interview regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran and the remarkable achievements of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly attributed these successes to “BeSiyata DeShmaya”—with the help of Heaven. This profound acknowledgment reflects a rare humility and leadership, recognizing that ultimate authority and guidance rest with the Divine.

This perspective stands in striking contrast to the narrative in this week’s Torah portion, Shelach, which recounts the mission of the twelve spies sent to survey the Land of Canaan. While Joshua and Caleb returned with faith in G-d’s promises, the other ten spies succumbed to fear, describing the land as inhabited by giants and warriors far more powerful than themselves. Their lack of faith prevented them from seeing that, with G-d’s help, no obstacle is insurmountable and victory is always possible.

As Rabbi Ari Sassoun reminded us in synagogue today, the Amidah prayer specifically asks that G-d open our eyes to His miracles, praying, “May our eyes behold Your return to Zion in mercy.” This is a powerful call for awareness—not only to witness redemption but to recognize and understand the miracles unfolding before us.

Too often, as individuals, we place excessive trust in our own confidence and conceit, convinced that we alone shape the course of events. However, by stepping back and viewing the broader context, we come to recognize that although courage and determined action are essential, it is ultimately G-d who directs the unfolding of history and determines the outcome.

As we witness miracle after miracle in Israel’s current struggle against Iran, including the interception of barrages of missiles targeting Israeli cities, it is natural to praise the meticulous planning, skillful execution, and exceptional intelligence that have led to these achievements. We owe immense gratitude to the brave men and women of the IDF who put their lives on the line. However, let us never forget that, much like the giants the spies once feared, Iran presents a formidable challenge in the region. Only through faith in the Master of the Universe can we truly understand that our victories are part of a greater, divine plan—a merciful redemption promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Today, as Israel faces its most threatening enemies and their dangerous weapons, demonstrating faith in G-d is a powerful act of spiritual rectification, correcting the mistakes of the past, like with the spies. Similarly, Israel, in defeating the tyrannical regime of the Ayatollah and hopefully freeing the people of Iran, is repaying the good deed that was done by King Cyrus of ancient Persia (now Iran), who provided for the Jewish people to return to Israel and rebuild our holy Temple.