All politics aside, when Israel is attacked, the world Jewish community is called to unite with the State of Israel as it seeks to protect its people, defend its borders, and eliminate Hamas military installations and terrorism that pose a threat to the people of Israel and the Jewish state.

Israel characteristically comes together in times of war. There is no left or right. There is only a united nation in defense of its people. The Talmud reminds us “Kol Yisrael aravim zeh ba-zeh – All Israel is responsible one for another.” It was true centuries ago when this statement was first uttered, and it is true now. Political divisions ought to be set aside.

Fifty years ago at this time, I was in Israel during the Yom Kippur War, and I remember as clearly as if it was yesterday not only how the entirety of the Jewish state and people came together in common cause, but how Diaspora Jewry responded. That sense of unity has been repeated time and again since.

As one Jew, one Zionist, and one lover of the people, Land and State of Israel, I pray for the success of Israel’s defensive campaign in this war and that peace is restored as quickly as possible, that Israelis captured by Hamas terrorists are returned to their families and homes unharmed, that those who have lost loved ones find comfort amongst all who mourn in Zion and Jerusalem, and those who have been injured amongst our people are healed.