In Israel, giving thanks amid the darkness
During these difficult times, I know that you join with me and thousands of Israelis in thanking God, for the abundant blessings he has sent our way.
During these difficult times, I know that you join with me and thousands of Israelis in thanking God, for the abundant blessings he has sent our way.
This isn’t just about Israel. It’s also about all of the other nations in the region.
It’s been more than 150 days, and enough is enough. The world must wake up and realize that in this conflict there is only one nation that values life, cherishes freedom, and promotes peace.
Am I scared for the future of Israel? I look around me, and the answer is a definitive no.
This High Holy Day season, may we not only help shine light in other people’s lives, but may we experience the hope, care, togetherness, blessings, and charity that we all need.
I recently talked about this to some of our staff members and realized there’s something powerful about helping others in crisis — so powerful, in fact, that it actually gives you strength in return.
Everyone spoke Hebrew around me. But I remember as soon as I started speaking English, instead of feeling out of place, I was met with appreciation. People would say things, like “Wow, you're American and you moved to Israel! The U.S. is our greatest ally and greatest friend,” and “America is our example of how to build a land of freedom and diversity.”
As Israel celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, we celebrate the fact that so many people who either began their lives as refugees, or became refugees later in life, have found their home.
As I celebrate Passover this year with my children, I’ll teach them of the Exodus story of the Bible, but I’ll also tell them the stories of Jewish people today — Jewish families like Svitlana’s—who teach us that God’s people can always turn to Him for rescue.
The war raging in Ukraine doesn’t take a break for celebrations of Hanukkah and Christmas. Many Ukrainians are living in dire conditions, including no power, no clean water, no roof over their heads, and with food sources running out. Most are focused on survival, not celebration.