AIPAC Board Chair Betsy Korn and I spent the past 36 hours in Israel, meeting with families of victims and hostages, survivors of the attack, and government officials. To be there amid this crisis was both devastating and inspirational.
The pain is pervasive. Everyone is affected. Everyone knows someone who was killed or kidnapped or injured. You feel it in the air, and you can see it in everyone’s eyes. Deep grieving for the thousands who were in the line of fire, and a profound wound for the millions across the country whose nation is forever changed.
Yet true to the Israeli spirit, there is a resolve that reminds me of the days and months after 9/11. A pride in who they are and what they believe. A collective determination to ensure nothing like this ever happens again. A zeal for life and true compassion for each other. A national unity that is the essence of the Israeli people.
The sentiment Am Yisrael Chai – the people of Israel lives – resonates as I imagine it did in 1948, when the nation first fought for its very existence.
Israel is a vibrant and strong nation. Israel will win this war – and we will win this war!
Everyone I spoke with shared immense gratitude for the outpouring of American support. President Biden’s speeches and his visit this week were deeply powerful, as was the delegation of senators who traveled to Israel this past week: Senators Charles Schumer, Mitt Romney, Jacky Rosen, Bill Cassidy, and Mark Kelly.
The Israeli people feel America’s embrace. They see the congressional statements and the conviction coming from our leaders. They know that they are not alone.
The Israeli leaders we met with conveyed that same appreciation and described what will be very challenging months ahead. The country understands that this war will be long and difficult, but it is absolutely necessary.
Today, the Biden administration submitted a formal request to Congress for an unprecedented and vital security assistance package for Israel.
These past two weeks have been gut wrenching for all of us. Many of us are feeling a constant cycle of fear, sadness, and anger.
But together, as a united pro-Israel community, we can take inspiration from our friends and loved ones in Israel who share great pride in their country and each other, and great conviction that they will prevail.
Included below are some powerful and inspirational videos that I encourage you to watch and share.
I wish you and your family a Shabbat Shalom. May God protect the brave soldiers of the IDF, provide comfort to the people of Israel, and safeguard those kidnapped by Hamas.
A 1.5 minute video showcasing the tremendous unity and spirit of the Israeli people during this most difficult time.
Israeli singer David Broza visited IDF soldiers on the outskirts of the Gaza border. What happened next was beautiful.
In Tel Aviv, a Shabbat table was set with seats for each of the 200+ hostages kidnapped by Hamas.
A special message to the Jewish people from IDF Spokesperson Admiral Daniel Hagari.
Some reminders of what happened on October 7. We can never let the world forget.
A U.S. cargo plane carrying the initial shipment of armored vehicles designated for use by the Israel Defense Forces arrived in Israel this week. They are being transferred to the IDF to replace vehicles damaged during the war.
Allies stand together.
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