Israel doesn’t need my worry; it needs my solidarity, my support, and my love. It needs me to celebrate its successes, and to believe in its capacity for resilience and renewal.
I stopped worrying only fairly recently. Actually, when the turnaround came (starting with the pagers and subsequent destruction of Hezbollah and subduing Iran). And then the election of Trump which means extra emotional and physical support (which Israel doesn't need, but hey--can't hurt!). I realized that Israel, no matter what, is going to WIN BIG and bring real peace and coexistence to the entire Middle East, and more. I don't feel worried anymore--I feel outrageously PROUD.
You’re a wonderful advocate for Israel. The best she can hope for. It’s hard not to worry in these times but I take breaks (bc news is a downer for everything) or if I read something overtly pessimistic. Takes a toll even if I don’t agree with it. You can overwhelm your mind and yes it’s critical to take a step back celebrate and honor what’s good and decent in Israel (and the world) and believe that Hashem is watching over. Am yisrael chai!
Israel will ultimately do what it has to do to survive. The Jewish communities of the rest of the world are another matter though. Israel can take them in. It cannot protect them where they are though.
Baruch Hashem! I am the Midwestern U.S. representative of the Jewish National Fund Water Task Force. Our donations and work help make Israel green. Supporting and working closely with the people and kibbutzim of the Eshkol Envelope (formerly the Gaza Envelope, but I will never use that term again) and the Upper Galilee were some of our major projects. They will be rebuilt! Join us. Join a Task Force. Donate to JNF. There is much to be done. We do it with a joy in our hearts.
i speak for a lot of Israelis when i say that I'm worried less about our external enemies than our internal ones. the undermining of democracy, and the problem of the haredim, are hugely serious and get blown off by being categorized as anti bibi propaganda, or sidelined bc of the ongoing conflict.
Thank you Joshua for writing this positive and hopeful article. It made me very happy and hopeful for the future of the country we love. We can choose to wallow in despair or smile and know Israel and the Jewish people will survive again. We are a tenacious people. We do not give up. We are filled with humor, joy and curiosity about what will come to us in the future. We make LIFE happen! Am Yisrael and America Chai❤️🇮🇱🇺🇸
"The sheer horror of the attacks, the devastating loss of life, the brutality visited upon civilians — it overwhelmed every framework I had for fretting over Israel."
What a beautiful testament to Israel and its people, Joshua. With every grueling challenge Israel has faced throughout history, it has always confronted it, fought and many times has come out victorious. Even with the horrors of October 7th, Israelis rose up and did what had to be done, whether it was taking care of the aftermath of this massacre, fighting Hamas, Hezbollah, etc. Israel has now become even more astute and aware of preventing October 7th from ever happening again. With the horror of that day, Israelis never lost their love for life, they became pro active in fighting for the release of hostages never allowing anyone to forget them, their creativity blossomed again, and I can go on and on. I truly marvel at the fortitude of Israelis and how they have taught the world how to respond, rebuild, and continue to spread light by not only what they have said, but more importantly, by what they have done. An exemplary example to the world of what we should be striving for in our countries.
I stopped worrying only fairly recently. Actually, when the turnaround came (starting with the pagers and subsequent destruction of Hezbollah and subduing Iran). And then the election of Trump which means extra emotional and physical support (which Israel doesn't need, but hey--can't hurt!). I realized that Israel, no matter what, is going to WIN BIG and bring real peace and coexistence to the entire Middle East, and more. I don't feel worried anymore--I feel outrageously PROUD.
You’re a wonderful advocate for Israel. The best she can hope for. It’s hard not to worry in these times but I take breaks (bc news is a downer for everything) or if I read something overtly pessimistic. Takes a toll even if I don’t agree with it. You can overwhelm your mind and yes it’s critical to take a step back celebrate and honor what’s good and decent in Israel (and the world) and believe that Hashem is watching over. Am yisrael chai!
Thanks for these words, but sorry- I still worry.
Sadly, I agree.
Worrying may not affect outcomes, but faith does.
Thank you, Mr Hoffman, for your articles! I appreciate your writings. Shalom.
Fab!! What a delightful Macabbean-esque Chanukah Gift!
Well put, Joshua. On good days I’m right there with you. Working to have more good days than bad. Thanks for the motivation.
Israel will ultimately do what it has to do to survive. The Jewish communities of the rest of the world are another matter though. Israel can take them in. It cannot protect them where they are though.
Baruch Hashem! I am the Midwestern U.S. representative of the Jewish National Fund Water Task Force. Our donations and work help make Israel green. Supporting and working closely with the people and kibbutzim of the Eshkol Envelope (formerly the Gaza Envelope, but I will never use that term again) and the Upper Galilee were some of our major projects. They will be rebuilt! Join us. Join a Task Force. Donate to JNF. There is much to be done. We do it with a joy in our hearts.
i speak for a lot of Israelis when i say that I'm worried less about our external enemies than our internal ones. the undermining of democracy, and the problem of the haredim, are hugely serious and get blown off by being categorized as anti bibi propaganda, or sidelined bc of the ongoing conflict.
I agree -- worrying does nothing but tire out the worrier.
Oh! How did you ever write this!
Thank you Joshua for writing this positive and hopeful article. It made me very happy and hopeful for the future of the country we love. We can choose to wallow in despair or smile and know Israel and the Jewish people will survive again. We are a tenacious people. We do not give up. We are filled with humor, joy and curiosity about what will come to us in the future. We make LIFE happen! Am Yisrael and America Chai❤️🇮🇱🇺🇸
"The sheer horror of the attacks, the devastating loss of life, the brutality visited upon civilians — it overwhelmed every framework I had for fretting over Israel."
Acts of genocide have a way of doing that.
What a beautiful testament to Israel and its people, Joshua. With every grueling challenge Israel has faced throughout history, it has always confronted it, fought and many times has come out victorious. Even with the horrors of October 7th, Israelis rose up and did what had to be done, whether it was taking care of the aftermath of this massacre, fighting Hamas, Hezbollah, etc. Israel has now become even more astute and aware of preventing October 7th from ever happening again. With the horror of that day, Israelis never lost their love for life, they became pro active in fighting for the release of hostages never allowing anyone to forget them, their creativity blossomed again, and I can go on and on. I truly marvel at the fortitude of Israelis and how they have taught the world how to respond, rebuild, and continue to spread light by not only what they have said, but more importantly, by what they have done. An exemplary example to the world of what we should be striving for in our countries.
Precisely!!! Worries never help! Actions do!