Today, we await the storm

Today, we await the storm. Figuratively. Realistically. Inevitably. Just off our shores, rushing in, is a large storm that will hit Israel in the coming days. In most countries, they look at it and think of the inconvenience...we think of the water it will bring to our land and though we fret, we still say, Baruch Hashem - blessed is God, thank You for the much needed rain. 

That's the realistic part.

And figuratively? A storm is brewing in Lebanon. Despite warnings from Israel and the western world, Hezbollah is rearming and approaching the border. Israel has stated another round is inevitable. What would you have us do? They dig tunnels under the ground attempting to launch another October 7. Would you allow this from your neighbors?

And inevitably? A storm is brewing with Iran. They are raising the rhetoric, rearming the defense system we destroyed last time. They are a nation fast running out of water and yet the hatred that runs through their veins is more important to them.

And, a storm is brewing in Gaza, or what's left of it. You see, they are playing games with the last hostage. We always knew there would be one. His name is Ran Gvili. He ran into danger on October 7 from the comfort of his parents' home. 

Ran told them he was needed, grabbed his rifle and left. He was a police officer, a defender. The US is pressuring Israel to begin the next phase of negotiations. 

The first phrase had to be completed before the second began...so stipulated the agreement. The first phase was the release of all hostages. Alive. Dead. 

It took weeks to complete instead of the "immediate" that was agreed upon. The US can pressure. The answer is no. We do not leave anyone behind. We are not whole until we are all out. 

For 12 years, we did not forget Hadar Goldin. Now he is home but Ran is not. If they can return Hadar Goldin, they can return Ran. They will return Ran.

And so the storm threatens...the storms our enemies are planning; the storm we will rage if Ran doesn't come home. The storm promised by the clouds now blowing into our land.

We are a tired nation. But we are also a nation that has weathered more storms than, perhaps, any other. 

As the storms wash our streets; we will wash away those who threaten us.

ברוך אתה ה' אלוקינו מלך העולם שכוחו וגבורתו מלא עולם