Tikva, is pictured on the left, her name means “Hope.” I’m Mati on the right. My Hebrew name is Matisyahu and it means “Gift from G-d.” Normally, these two meaningful names would lift us up and we’d feel strong, but now we feel emotionally caught up in a war zone. Maintaining hope, faith, and positive thoughts is absolutely necessary. Yet, since the horrible massacre of October 7th, we don’t feel safe… we just want this war to end soon…
We’re appalled that the enemy attacked us on Shabbat – our sacred day of rest. We are not surprised after 1,000’s of years of persecution to see that even when we are attacked, tortured, our women raped, kidnapped, and children murdered – that we are disgustingly blamed, as eternal scapegoats for this bloody atrocity! It happened with the Romans, the Spanish Inquisition, the Holocaust in Germany, and the Pogroms of Russia. It’s back now with a vengeance on U.S. soil plus college campuses, and it surfaces worldwide as hatred against Jews.
In order to fend off this dirge of FEAR we have found that just helping others in our communities to cope can be the best medicine for overcoming our personal fears.
This is accomplished little by little each week in our hometown of Nahariya. We ask people in the know to find those who are alone or in need of any kind of friendship and support. I regularly play social non-competitive chess with retired and disabled men. 
This really lifts their spirits and even though chess is usually all about winning, none of us care because we are bonding. We learn patience, and positive strategic thought, build confidence, and forget our worries, mostly.
As well, Tikva meets and visits elderly Israelis from Nahariya, through Haifa to as far as Tel Aviv. All of the Israelis remember a better time of life. Many are suffering from aches and pains, loneliness, and sadly some with terminal illnesses like cancer. So, we mostly listen, and they love to talk. What we say is not so important as long as we smile a lot, and give patience and love. What you give you get back 10-fold. It’s really true and everyone benefits.
Occasionally, we are introduced to someone who is a real anomaly. For example, a young man or woman who just made Aliyah, a new first-time citizen of Israel. Only they jumped into the middle of a war zone! Arriving because of a long-time dream to be a part of life in Israel. But the risks are so much greater during any war as many medical and municipal offices are closed. And, if they need a good job here, finding such a well-paying gig can be nearly impossible. What if they don’t speak Hebrew? So, in this case, Tikva and I find a way to introduce them to other English speakers who have settled in Nahariya. Our community is full of people who have succeeded in overcoming the challenges of Israel – they have found a way to fit in. Our newest friends are now capable of “seeing the forest through the trees!” It’s wonderful when we are able to lower their fears and raise their faith in times like these!
So from this point forward, Tikva and Mati don’t know what is ahead. However, along with others in our local community and around Israel, with our soldiers who defend us, we all want a life of PEACE. What we do know, is that we are collectively responsible for each other’s personal well-being and sanity. We have all heard the saying “It takes a village to make a difference…” In the photo below are local citizens of Nahariya currently helping soldiers and ordinary Israelis in need.
As Rabbi Kushner said eloquently, “One man alone cannot defeat the forces of evil, but many good people can.” Our Anglo community is such a unified force…
We also know that Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the Change You Want To See in the World!” When we work together, we live within this phrase, thus our homes become our primary villages, with collective peace in our homes, this truly enables us to participate in changing our world. Once we step outside and start helping those who are struggling, alone, and sick – we may begin to see real change in our villages, cities, countries, and the entire world.
Don’t expect anything to come from nothing. Einstein said that the definition of insanity is “doing the same things over and over and expecting different results…”
DON’T REPEAT PAST ACTIONS!
Join us by sharing LIGHT – The war is horrible, so let’s try helping others to feel better!
