The Jewish Response to Terrorism

THE LAND WAS FILLED WITH ‘HAMAS,’ AS STATED EARLY IN PARASHAH NOAH, “KI MALEAH HARETZ CHAMAS.” MEANING, THE DISRUPTION OF CIVILIZED CO-EXISTENCE. DOES IT STRIKE YOU HOW THIS STATEMENT CORRELATES WITH THE HAUNTINGLY SIMILAR CAMPAIGN OF TERROR AND THREATS TO JEWS IN ISRAEL AND AROUND THE GLOBE?

From the highest seats of government, including controversial figures like Omar and Tlaib, to renowned universities like Harvard, to influential business leaders and even leaders of countries, and, unsurprisingly, the media (#Liars), this violence and hatred against Jews is being justified or glorified. Their objective? To instill terror. What are you to do?

Against this backdrop of incitement, equivocation, hate and antisemitism with threats of more violence, each one of us is compelled to ask: “What can I do amidst this crisis? How can I offer solace and guidance to my children, colleagues, and friends?”

Know this; the fear is real, but we will prevail. 

The abruptness of these tragic events was deeply unsettling. As we basked in the embrace of the Almighty during Simchat Torah, distressing news from Eretz Yisrael began trickling in. From joy and jubilation, we were suddenly plunged into concern and fear.

Navigating this whirlwind of emotions requires recognition. We must first acknowledge and then validate our feelings, which primes us to assist ourselves and those around us. Simple yet profound tools include grounding, pausing, breathing, reframing, and resourcing.

It was reminiscent of the traumatic events of 9/11/01 which also shook the world, and showcased the resilience of the human spirit. From it, I learned and later taught techniques in trauma response and resilience skills. Jews, over a staggering 2,000 year history of galus (exile), have faced relentless persecution. Yet, time and again, we survived and thrived. How? By staying connected with tefillah, teshuva, tzedaka and Siyata Dishmaya (Divine Assistance). By holding onto our mesorah (Jewish tradition) and rebuilding Torah communities and being world class leaders in tzedaka and hesed.

Your arsenal of emotional regulation tools has an unparalleled weapon: prayer. Especially Tehillim (Psalms), composed by Dovid Hamelech, echoing life’s trials and guiding us to entrust our anxieties to Hashem’s care. Reflect on a moment of stress or struggle in your life. How did a paragraph or prayer bring you solace and relief during that time?

The Bais Hamikdash was destroyed because of Sinas Chinam (senseless animosity among Jews). The global Jewish response has been overwhelming, rallying against these recent heinous acts of terror. This manifestation of unparalleled unity among Jews is a shield against potent adversities. We are a vast interconnected family, with a heart that, though wounded, is on a path to healing.

Fear not the terrorist, because darkness will be overpowered! Not by more darkness, but by our nuclear family coming together with love, unity, and shining our bright light. We will prevail, not by might, rather, because we are light. Our power is within. Your neshama (soul) and mine are interconnected spiritual parts of a whole. Together we are stronger than any army or bombs because of our spiritual power within.

Here’s a profound observation. The Torah concludes with the word “Yisrael,” ending with the letter “lamed.” Then we immediately loop back to Bereshit, starting with the letter “bait.” Together, these letters spell “lev” – heart.

Our collective heart might be fragmented, but it’s coming together, in performing vast acts of hesed, praying for one another with fervent compassion, and making heartfelt amends. This is how we win!

Remember, while you have a personal responsibility to protect and care for yourself, your immediate family, and extended family, you’re not alone. We stand shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart. Together as one with Siyata Dishmaya (the help of Heaven), we will prevail. As we navigate these tumultuous times, let’s acknowledge the pivotal role each one of us plays. Through compassion, unity and resilience, we tap into our collective superpower and beam a bright shining light of goodness into the world. Unity is our strongest asset. Let us come closer together, drawing strength from and supporting each other. Blessing you with clarity and strength, and may your prayers be answered.

An Invitation: In light of the current events, I'm offering and inviting you to join a “brain-trust” aka mastermind focused on stress management, trauma response and developing resilience. These are now critical skills and tools we require as leaders and parents. This initiative is designed to help you plug into a support system that will collectively harness our strengths, give and get ideas and support from each other, in order to navigate these trying times with grace and resilience. Please click here to apply

Recognizing and understanding the stress and uncertainty many (including me) are feeling, we are ready to facilitate custom mini-trainings for your groups on "Managing Stress/Trauma and Building Resilience". If you or anyone you know would benefit from this, please contact me (use subject: group mini-training")