It’s an incredibly difficult time for the Jewish people. We all acutely feel everything that happens in Israel, especially a tragedy of this magnitude.

What was supposed to be the most joyous holiday of the Jewish calendar, Simchat Torah, was converted into one of fear, tension and pain for everyone in Israel, and all of us in the Diaspora.

The news, the stories, and the images coming out of Israel are surreal. Like a bad dream, except when we wake up, it is a reality. Everyone has family or friends that are directly impacted. One hostage, one death or one injury is too many, never mind hundreds! The mind boggles and the heart aches. 

It is at times like this I am so grateful to be a Zionist and to be part of a Zionistic community and school. 

I think the only thing more challenging than defending and fighting for Israel yourself, is sitting back as your children do so. And as challenging as it is, being the parent of two active soldiers in the war, I couldn’t be more proud. 

At times like these, we need to ask and answer questions to help us make sense of the reality. To help us comprehend and process what is happening. Our children are also asking questions, and we can help them make sense of things by processing what is happening, as a family.

We might be asking ‘how’ could this have happened? How could the Hamas terrorists have circumvented Israeli intelligence, security personnel and measures?

We might be asking ‘what’ is happening? What’s the death toll, or the captive numbers – Hashem Yerachem? What is the latest news? As we keep checking for updates. 

But the real and helpful questions are; what can I do to help? How can I strengthen my family, my friends and community? How can I stay strong myself? How can I let those in Israel know that we stand behind them? How can I explain what is going on to my children so they are not scared and they are strengthened as proud Jews and Zionists?

Here are a few simple facts and suggestions inspired by Rabbi Hagai Lundin from Sderot, located less than 2km from the Gaza Strip:

At present, Israel is at war. A surprising and painful war. The IDF has called many soldiers back from leave, and has also called up tens of thousands of reservists. Many Israeli families, especially in the south, near Gaza, have friends or family who have been killed or wounded. It is a scary time, and it is also time for us to activate our minds, our hearts, and our souls.

The pain we feel for the dead and wounded, the fear we experience for the hostages and when we see the violence on the Israeli streets, is immense. But we have to be mindful, this is not the Holocaust when there was an existential threat to the Jewish People; this is not the Yom Kippur War when there was an existential threat to the State of Israel. We are talking about a terrorist organisation that the IDF will defeat, with Hashem’s help. It is not a matter of if, but of when we will be victorious. 

Despite the media depiction of Israel and the violence occurring therein; despite the temptation to give in to despair and to addictively watch the news; it would be better for each of us to stay updated to the extent that is comfortable for us, and to keep our children and families informed as well. Rather watch the thousands of soldiers sing Hatikvah, our national anthem of hope, before going out to defend their brethren. Watch the IDF heroically capture back a kibbutz etc. 

Try not to simply pass on negativity, rumours, or videos that may only serve to create hysteria. We must try to reinforce positive and uplifting messages.

It is at a time like this that our children need us as parents the most. They need us to help filter reality. To help them honestly understand the news, and see what is happening through our world view and any perspective we want them to have. To talk with them, pray with them, and mainly radiate faith and confidence in the challenging days to come. To accept and help them to process their feelings, and to allow them to express their fears and dreams. 

It is helpful to remember that the story of the Jewish people and the State of Israel did not begin yesterday and it will not end today. We have survived much more difficult things. In the end, with Hashem’s help, the Jewish People and State of Israel will triumph over evil. 

We also need to remember, and remind our children, that we are safe here in Australia. We are blessed to live in a benevolent country, and we work closely with the CSG, police, and security personnel to ensure we can continue to live as free, safe, and proud Jews. It is encouraging to see the Sydney Opera House lit up in Blue and White in solidarity with Israel.

Our Tefillot are with the injured and those who have lost loved ones, and we will continue to petition the heavenly court and our political arena to get our captives back. 

May we hear only good news.

Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler, College Principal.