Yesterday we were told on the news that 14 year old Benjamin Achimeir went missing. He left his home early in the morning to herd sheep. His home is in the Benjamin region, named after the ancient Jewish tribe of Benjamin who lived more or less in the same area during biblical times. A missing … More What should we learn from Benjamin Achimeir?
Have you ever seen the essential oil in a mandarin burst into the air when you peel it? Taken a deep breath, filling your lungs with the clean smell of citrus fruit, fresh and ripe, asking to be picked off the tree? Last week I went to Be’eri to help the farmers pick their oranges … More I’d rather write about the oranges of Be’eri
He stood by the door, slightly bent over as if recovering from a punch to the gut and yet he had a smile on his face, warm words, and a hug for friends and family. I’ve been to many Shiva houses. This is the first time I’ve seen a grief-stricken father greet those who came … More He commands us to smile
“We are Israeli. We are here to rescue you!” Their captors had repeatedly told them that no one was coming for them. That everyone forgot all about them. One man 60 years old, the other 70, they were at the mercy of terrorists who had butchered their neighbors and taken them hostage – for food, … More We are here to rescue you!
Eliyahu Yossian is a man on a mission – waking up Israelis to the misconceptions that are endangering the survival of the Jewish State. The path to a secure future necessitates changing the mindset that led to the disaster of October 7th. The same mindset that for the past 30 years has led Israel to … More Iran 101: Into the mind of the enemy
I stood where he stood, trying to imagine what it was like. How he made the decisions he made. How he felt. I couldn’t. Aner Shapira deliberately placed himself between the murderous terrorists outside and some 30 people, friends, and strangers. Knowingly, mindfully, he chose to be their shield against death. How do you make … More A candle against the darkness of Hamas
Beautiful rolling plains, clear blue sky, and low unobtrusive houses. Spots of greenery, a step away from the desert. Just enough civilization to not feel lonely with open spaces that give the feeling of air. Freedom. Who wouldn’t imagine they had reached heaven? Residents of “Otef” Gaza, the Israeli communities near the border with Gaza … More 97% heaven
The Hamas massacre happened because many people did not take Hamas at their word. Although Hamas openly declared their intentions and goals and followed up consistently with actions, many people in Israel and around the world pretended they did not see, did not know. It was easier. Less scary. Long before the Hamas massacre of … More 048 is the writing on the wall
No father should have to bury his son. Osheri Moshe Butzchak was just 22 years old. His name means “My joy.” The eldest son, first grandson, the light of his father’s eyes, worshipped by his younger siblings. My camera could not take in a wide enough angle to show all the people who came to … More “Osheri, light of my eyes”
The battlefield of Gaza is unequal. The IDF is stronger, better equipped, and well-trained. And yet Hamas has the advantage. They have knowledge of the terrain that we do not. They know where the openings to their terror tunnels are, where there are weapons caches, and what is booby-trapped. And from what we are hearing, … More Hamas has the advantage
Inspiration from Zion: This is a Love Story 