Day 19 - Israel's war to defend herself

Report From Day 19 Of Israel's War To Defend Her People
Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The people of Israel woke up to the disturbing news that in addition to the sixteen rockets that were fired on southern Israel today, three rockets fired from Lebanon had struck an open area in the north, near the city of Kiryat Shmona. The Israeli army launched a counter strike, firing artillery shells at the assumed location of the Lebanese rocket launchers. Israelis are deeply worried about the prospect of a war opening on a second front. We were, however, relieved to hear that today the Lebanese army took action to dismantle three rocket launchers used in the attack. We pray that the Lebanese government continues to act responsibly, and inhibit the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorist group from igniting the situation.

Reports from Egypt indicate that Hamas has accepted ceasefire terms - with reservations. Ironically, this war began when Hamas refused to extend the last temporary truce (which they had been continuously violating). As of this time, the terrorist organization has said that they will agree to a one year cease fire if Israel withdraws from Gaza and if the border to Gaza remains open. But there is no one in Israel who would be happy with a temporary ceasefire without an end to the rocket attacks as well as the smuggling of weapons into Gaza.

The people of Israel feel that this is a just war, and that it represents the only way to bring an end to the indiscriminate rocket fire of Hamas. Images of wounded Gaza citizens on television do not make Israelis happy. However, we remember that it is Hamas that uses their own people as human shields. It is Hamas that attacks Israel from schools, mosques, and residential areas. The IDF, in turn, must respond with their defensive operations.

As Operation Cast Lead continues, the mood and unity of the people remains strong. In every synagogue in Israel, the daily service is concluded with the recital of Psalms on behalf of the IDF soldiers and the innocent Israeli civilians threatened by Hamas terrorists. And we, at The Fellowship, continue to do our part by traveling through the war-torn areas and trying to fill the emergency needs of the people.

We continue to be in awe of the outpouring of love and support from our Fellowship donors who have helped renovate the bomb shelters that many Israelis are now living in, provided food coupons for the poor who cannot get to soup kitchens and food pantries, increased support for trauma centers, provided transportation to medical treatments for the elderly and infirm, and so much more. Your continuous support and love for Israel and her people during their time of need is truly making a difference during this most difficult time.

Today I want to leave you with the words of Moshe, a simple man who resides in the southern city of Netivot, an area continuously hit by Hamas rockets. In his words of thanks, he expresses the feelings of so many Israelis who now know they have Christian friends they can count on.

"It's good to know we are not alone," Moshe told Fellowship staff. "The Jewish people have gone through the worst of times again and again, but we always survive. We’ll survive this time as well because God protects us. There are a lot of needs in Netivot. If this war lasts a long time the needs are only going to get greater. Knowing that we have friends who are willing to help makes it a lot easier. Let everyone know that we appreciate them."