In Parshat Matot (Bamidbar 32:5) the tribes of Reuven and Gad
ask Moshe “If we have found favor in your eyes, let this land (the east bank of
the Jordan) be given to your servants as a possession. Do not bring us over the
Jordan.”
Moshe answers: “Should your brothers go out to war while you
settle here?”
When the other tribes go out to conquer the rest of the Land
of Israel do you expect to sit at home?
According to Tiferet Yehonatan, Moshe is asking: “When your
brothers who are living in the
attack
should you remain seated in your comfortable homes in the Diaspora?” The war
that protects Israel is not just for those who live in Israel, it is the fight
for the existence of all of the Jewish people, wherever they may be in the
world.
Since October 7, hundreds of thousands of Israelis have been
called up for Tzav Shmoneh, where they have to report immediately for miluim
(army reserves) due to the dangerous situation that we are currently facing.
Israelis who were on vacation, those living abroad and
others who had just finished the army and were not even called up yet all came
rushing back to Israel to fight in this war. ElAl even allowed soldiers to sit
on the floor on flights that had no seats left in order to bring those who
needed to fight back to Israel as soon as possible.
Since the beginning of the war, Israelis who were not called
up by the army have been lending a helping hand in any way they can including
supporting displaced families from the north and south, miliuim families,
soldiers in active duty and injured soldiers.
Jews living abroad as well have been helping financially by
sending donations and products that have been requested as well as coming on
trips to Israel during this difficult time and volunteering in agriculture,
cooking meals, visiting the hospitals, providing gifts and special programs for
the children and the list can go on and on. They didn’t just sit back and say
“I don’t live there so it isn’t my problem”.
We really appreciate all those who are abroad who have gone
above and beyond during this war to show their love and comfort. It means a lot
to us!
May we hear good news!
