How to win

The war goes on, between Israel and Iran. Israel is winning, and Iran is desperately trying to hit back.

Last week a Chabad rabbi in the UAE went missing, and there are suspicions that Iran is behind it.

Sixteen years ago, when terrorists attacked Mumbai, two terrorists went to the Chabad House and killed the Jews there, including the Chabad rabbi and his wife.

Why the rabbis? Why Chabad? Why do terrorists  consider rabbis, who teach people about G-d, to be a threat to them?

The Lubavitcher Rebbe once told an Israeli reporter (forty-four years ago) that the situation had changed. Arab youth had become radically motivated by religion and nationalism, while Israelis were tired of the old pioneering spirit and they wanted to just relax in peace. Therefore, the Rebbe said, it was important to motivate Jewish youth, by awakening them to their bond with their ancestors and with the land of Israel. (A link to the interview is provided below.)

Chabad rabbis are at the forefront of strengthening Jewish identity everywhere. This is what the terrorists are afraid of.

Paradoxically, Hamas’ attack on October 7 actually energized and strengthened Israeli resolve to unite and fight the enemy; and it also awakened Jews to their G-d and their heritage.

There is a song “Eitz Chaim” (Tree of life) composed by Tanchum Portnoy, about fifty years ago, which he released on his record album ‘Tanchumim.’ It’s a beautiful melody set to Hebrew words. (A link is provided below.)

Later, in ‘Uncle Moshe volume 5,’ there is a rendition of the song, with some words in English:

“If only the whole world would see

the sweetness of our living tree

there would be peace, finally

Sholom”