Gerson: A rabbi's reflection on war in Israel

As I observe Israel's difficult moment right now, the words of the Psalmist comes to mind:  "I lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come? My help comes from God, who made heaven and earth."  (Psalm 121)

It is so very difficult in this situation, Israel's grave danger.  Because it is an adversary that basically has no respect for human life; even of their own people.  To lose many of their own does not matter to them, as long as they inflict terror and death upon Israel.

So, in view of this, my hope is for many different entities.

Above all, my hope is for Israel in this long struggle.  I know, as with the difficult Yom Kippur War 50 years ago this month,  that Israel will prevail.

Also, I look to the Jewish people in this situation.  I want them to be unified in support.  Naturally we have internal differences, but this is not the time for that.

Next, I look to our own country, the United States.  I pray that it will be totally supportive of Israel, giving it the military help and supplies it needs.

And finally my hope is for our Jewish community of Athens here, our Congregation Children of Israel, that we will be strong and comfort each other.  And I add that we deeply appreciate the support and love coming from our Christian and Muslim friends here.

As Franklin Roosevelt movingly and enduringly described Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor Day, as a "Day of Infamy"; Oct. 7, 2023, was for Israel its own Day of Infamy. As the Psalmist said, for Israel, help will come from God, and from us, in this, its darkest hour.

More: What is the IDF? A brief explainer on the Israel Defense Forces.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Rabbi Ronald Gerson speaks on Israel vs. Hamas in West Bank