Israel at War: Week 5

AFTERMATH

US Jewry to hold vigils remembering those killed and still held hostage, as Hamas still holds 240 captives.

“During the 30-day period known as shloshim, mourners traditionally refrain from some activities such as cutting their hair, listening to music, and attending religious celebrations and social events, but they are permitted to resume many personal and professional activities that were eschewed during the first week. The idea, according to the tradition, is to help mourners ease back into their communities.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

“We’re reaching deeper into Gaza than Hamas ever imagined. No truce before hostages freed.”

TENSIONS CONTINUE

Two barrages of rockets, aimed toward central Israel, occur thirty minutes apart. Most of the first rockets fired fell into the sea. In the north, Hezbollah fired thirty rockets from Lebanon, “IDF shells targets in response.”

Tears, fears, turmoil, and tensions occur across the land of Israel today. Jeremiah’s experience following the destruction of Jerusalem summarizes Israel these thirty days after the Hamas attack.

“All of our enemies have opened their mouths against us. Fear and a snare have come upon us, desolation and destruction. My eyes overflow with rivers of water for the destruction of the daughter of my people” (Lamentations 3:46-48). Continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem in this time.

(Source: The Times of Israel (TOI))