Wow. Thanks so much Kell. I didn’t know about the letter that the hostages mother sent to him/his battalion (shock-positive news about Jews not featured in media).
I almost teared up reading that letter. What dignity and class. My lad is military age, and I can’t imagine that level of pain. I know you’ve got young ones too.
It really puts life in perspective. The question to those young people in the UK should have been “how would you feel if Britain were invaded and you HAD to fight”? Superfluous anyway, UK’s enemies are already there.
If only some people could be more open minded. They might realise Israeli society is the yardstick, not the world’s scapegoat.
Agree 100%. Funnily as an adjunct to the first poll they were then asked that very question. A large percentage said they don’t believe war solves anything. Yeah tell that to the people invading your country. I’m sure they will stop.
and yes the letter I think embodies Israeli spirit. Beautiful, empathetic but also pragmatic and real. A testament to their nation.
“Excuse me! Yes, you there, the one with the Kalashnikov. Regret to inform you, gosh this is a bit embarrassing, I don’t actually BELIEVE that what you’re doing is going to solve anything. Awfully sorry. Would you like a lift to the airport?” FFS 🤦♂️
Kelli again you have captured the essence of the Jewish Heart and Soul with this magnificent message from Iris Haim, thank you 💙 This article - https://jewdicious.substack.com/p/mitzvot-the-choice-to-do-good-could - may give further insight into the Jewish Psyche 💙 Am Yisroel Chai
I am also amazed by the courage and spirit of Yuval Raphael, October 7th survivor and Israel's Eurovision entry this year in Basel. Predictably, Pro-Palestine supporters have shown up en masse to intimidate her, one of them even performing a throat-slitting gesture which was caught on camera. I pray they have good security around the entire Israeli contingent and the other contestants make her feel welcome.
The stereotypes perpetrated by antisemites about Jews being cowardly, venal, selfish, and immoral, tend to melt away after people actually get to know us and the best place to do this is Israel, where against all odds there is a corageous, generous, caring, and moral populace.
Thanks for this. Yes, Israelis are the most resilient people on earth, with the biggest hearts. Careful about your wording though. Near the end, land “handed back” is not accurate. Jews bought back as much of their ancestral land as they could, transforming it into a haven. Any proposed sharing of land was based on that Jewish-owned development. Nothing was “given.” It was all earned through blood, sweat, and toil. Thank you for being an ally!
I saw Iris in a brief clip on Instagram when her son was still alive, but in captivity. She spoke to the son of the person who was recording the stories and she told him that he had beautiful blue eyes. I thought to myself, what kind of wonderful person can see the beauty in another human being as her son’s fate hangs in the balance? So I was not surprised by her amazing response to her son’s death. She has a way about her. A quiet joy, a generosity of spirit.
Kelli, you are righteous and clear seeing and thinking. I applaud you and I’m so grateful to you. You’re a blessing to the world and — in times of my own need — to me. Thank you.
Kelli, have you been to Israel? You have the soul and heart to empathize and truly understand the people and the situation Jews face not only in Israel, but throughout the world. What a wonderful world this would be if all people, Jew, Christian, gentile, were like you.
Thanks Kelli, as always, again you have “hit the nail on the head” !!
Very helpful for people who have never been to Israel to understand.
Like Douglas Murray and Erick Stacklebeck said just after October 2023, the young Israeli “social media generation” out did themselves when they were required to stand up.
One little tidbit, I saw Iris Haim in a rare interview after her hostage son broke free in middle of gun battle and mistakenly shot. She said a relative died in the Holocaust and she and her son had talked it over. He told her he would never be led " like a sheep to slaughter' and knew why he had made a wild break for it with 2 others. She was proud of her red haired boy for trying and held no ill will toward the young IDF Soldiers. Went on to say, " it was HAMAS' fault, for abducting him in the first place". Tremendous insight for a grieving mother.
Wow. Thanks so much Kell. I didn’t know about the letter that the hostages mother sent to him/his battalion (shock-positive news about Jews not featured in media).
I almost teared up reading that letter. What dignity and class. My lad is military age, and I can’t imagine that level of pain. I know you’ve got young ones too.
It really puts life in perspective. The question to those young people in the UK should have been “how would you feel if Britain were invaded and you HAD to fight”? Superfluous anyway, UK’s enemies are already there.
If only some people could be more open minded. They might realise Israeli society is the yardstick, not the world’s scapegoat.
Nice one mate.
Agree 100%. Funnily as an adjunct to the first poll they were then asked that very question. A large percentage said they don’t believe war solves anything. Yeah tell that to the people invading your country. I’m sure they will stop.
and yes the letter I think embodies Israeli spirit. Beautiful, empathetic but also pragmatic and real. A testament to their nation.
“Excuse me! Yes, you there, the one with the Kalashnikov. Regret to inform you, gosh this is a bit embarrassing, I don’t actually BELIEVE that what you’re doing is going to solve anything. Awfully sorry. Would you like a lift to the airport?” FFS 🤦♂️
I know right! Living in La La land, with queers for Palestine.
New question. “What would you do if an invading army was coming for your iPhone? And your mom was stuck at work?”
😂😂😂
Kelli again you have captured the essence of the Jewish Heart and Soul with this magnificent message from Iris Haim, thank you 💙 This article - https://jewdicious.substack.com/p/mitzvot-the-choice-to-do-good-could - may give further insight into the Jewish Psyche 💙 Am Yisroel Chai
I am also amazed by the courage and spirit of Yuval Raphael, October 7th survivor and Israel's Eurovision entry this year in Basel. Predictably, Pro-Palestine supporters have shown up en masse to intimidate her, one of them even performing a throat-slitting gesture which was caught on camera. I pray they have good security around the entire Israeli contingent and the other contestants make her feel welcome.
I’m sure she has more self belief than all those protesters added together. She is Israeli 🇮🇱
The stereotypes perpetrated by antisemites about Jews being cowardly, venal, selfish, and immoral, tend to melt away after people actually get to know us and the best place to do this is Israel, where against all odds there is a corageous, generous, caring, and moral populace.
🤍🎗️☺️ 🇮🇱
What a magic piece, my dear friend. Thanks wholeheartedly. I love it. So deeply. Am Yisrael Chai!
Thank you Al 🙏🏻🎗️
Thanks for this. Yes, Israelis are the most resilient people on earth, with the biggest hearts. Careful about your wording though. Near the end, land “handed back” is not accurate. Jews bought back as much of their ancestral land as they could, transforming it into a haven. Any proposed sharing of land was based on that Jewish-owned development. Nothing was “given.” It was all earned through blood, sweat, and toil. Thank you for being an ally!
Noted. Thank you Elliot.
I saw Iris in a brief clip on Instagram when her son was still alive, but in captivity. She spoke to the son of the person who was recording the stories and she told him that he had beautiful blue eyes. I thought to myself, what kind of wonderful person can see the beauty in another human being as her son’s fate hangs in the balance? So I was not surprised by her amazing response to her son’s death. She has a way about her. A quiet joy, a generosity of spirit.
A woman to be admired. What grace!
Truly.
Kelli, you are righteous and clear seeing and thinking. I applaud you and I’m so grateful to you. You’re a blessing to the world and — in times of my own need — to me. Thank you.
Thank you so much Kathy 🙏🏻
Kelli, have you been to Israel? You have the soul and heart to empathize and truly understand the people and the situation Jews face not only in Israel, but throughout the world. What a wonderful world this would be if all people, Jew, Christian, gentile, were like you.
I have not Steve. I desperately want to go. But funds don’t allow. 😢
I loved reading this! Thank you for being so righteous.
Thank you Nancy 🎗️🤍
I agree with you totally Kelli. This is a brilliant summary of what I have also come to believe
Thank you Karen.
Thanks Kelli, as always, again you have “hit the nail on the head” !!
Very helpful for people who have never been to Israel to understand.
Like Douglas Murray and Erick Stacklebeck said just after October 2023, the young Israeli “social media generation” out did themselves when they were required to stand up.
Yea. In his book he describes the young men and women of Israel as “magnificent” and I agree with him.
Something elite US universities had already demonstrated with their Hamasshole encampments and micro-aggression trigger warnings.
This generation of Israelis is showing the world how a small country builds a great nation.
Yes, 100%!
That was beautiful. Thank you.
Shelah 🤍🤍
Thank you for a passionate, truthful and beautiful essay. I hope it is widely read and shared.
Thank you so much Richard.
One little tidbit, I saw Iris Haim in a rare interview after her hostage son broke free in middle of gun battle and mistakenly shot. She said a relative died in the Holocaust and she and her son had talked it over. He told her he would never be led " like a sheep to slaughter' and knew why he had made a wild break for it with 2 others. She was proud of her red haired boy for trying and held no ill will toward the young IDF Soldiers. Went on to say, " it was HAMAS' fault, for abducting him in the first place". Tremendous insight for a grieving mother.