War

When two sides fight, victory can depend on many different factors.

Strategy, surprise, logistics, morale, being in the right place at the right time, etc.

Sometimes the more powerful and larger side can lose a battle. Think October 7.

Sometimes a small secret weapon can win. Think of two bombs that ended World War Two.

War is a crazy tricky unknown entity — which side will prevail?

So while we need to try to employ the best weapons and strategies, ultimately the success of our efforts depends on Divine intervention.

I remember when, in the first Gulf War, Iraq launched 39 Scud missiles against Israel, and miraculously there were very few or no lethal casualties. (There are conflicting reports about exact numbers, and whether some of the damage was caused not by Scuds but by defending Patriot missiles.)

I remember seeing a picture of a house that had collapsed over someone, but the person was standing up completely intact.

During that war, the U.S. and their allies defeated Iraq incredibly quickly and with surprisingly few Allied casualties. The Allied commander called it miraculous.

Another miracle that occurred shortly afterwards, was the peaceful collapse of the Soviet Union, ending (for then) the tense Cold War.

Beforehand, the Lubavitcher Rebbe said that the Hebrew year 5750 would be a year of miracles, and 5751 would be a year of wonders. The above events occurred during those years.

And when Iraq first threatened to launch missiles, frightening many, the Rebbe reassured everyone that Israel is the safest place in the world, and G-d constantly watches over it. He quoted the verse: “G-d’s eyes are always focused on the land, from the beginning of the year until the end of the year.” (Deuteronomy 11; 12)

Those were special times, when we saw open miracles.

By remembering those miraculous times, we are able to strengthen our belief and trust that G-d is all powerful, controls everything that happens, and watches over us.

As Israel now battles evil enemies (enemies of civilization) while standing up to hypocritical world condemnation; as we witness antisemitism in many places across the globe, and wonder what will be; as worldwide ideological struggles between left and right intensify, and people try to find equilibrium; we look forward to a miraculous time, when nations will learn how to live in peace with each other. When the difference between right and wrong, and the understanding of proper morals, become clear. When people become more optimistic about life, about how to relate to one another, and about how to relate to G-d.

A time of Redemption with Moshiach, when goodness will flourish, and the entire world will appreciate the Jewish people, and how they are helping the world with wondrous technological discoveries, while also illuminating the darkness, showing how G-d is the source of all wonders. A time that seems very close.

The world is waiting and looking forward to this miraculous time. May it happen very soon.