In this Parasha Chaye Sarah, we read a brief summary about the life of our first matriarch, Sarah. The first 100 years of Sarah’s life were extremely difficult. For a long time, she longed to become a mother, but it was not until she reached the age of 90 that she finally gave birth to her son Isaac. However, the joy of her motherhood was overshadowed by a conflict that lasted for almost 10 years. Ishmael, the son of Abraham’s concubine, tormented Isaac and even threatened his life. This torment caused deep suffering for Sarah, who longed for security and peace for her son.
Finally, there came a time when Sarah was forced to ask Abraham to take Ishmael away from her beloved son Isaac. Following Ishmael and Isaac’s separation, Sarah was able to enjoy the last 27 years of her life in peace and joy, freed from the constant fear for the physical safety of her son Isaac.
Ishmael’s persecution of Isaac dating back 4,000 years was just an early manifestation of a larger story in which we, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have experienced throughout the centuries. Anti-Semitism has evolved over generations and has endured from empire to empire. The Roman Empire, 2,000 years ago, destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem, marking the beginning of our exile to all parts of the world, (9th of Av, remember?). In these times, anti-Semitism has mutated into hatred towards the modern state of Israel.
Unfortunately, many people fall for the false and malicious narrative without realizing that, ultimately, they too will be harmed. Acts of evil, such as those perpetrated by Hamas terrorists and the Islamic Jihad, first target the Jewish people, but then threaten all those who support the terrorists today. Fortunately, we have a defense army that acts with exceptional humanitarian principles, protecting all of us Jews and doing the work for all of humanity. Israel is not the problem; The state of Israel is the solution to defeating evil and darkness.
After a struggle that has lasted more than 4,000 years, we find ourselves in the final stage. We have no choice but to use the necessary tools and weapons to eradicate evil and save the world from the dictatorship of terrorist extremism embodied by groups like Hamas – ISIS, along with their Jihad allies.
May God give us good news and may all those kidnapped be released alive, safe and sound. May all the wounded and sick make a full recovery and may our brave soldiers of the IDF be completely successful in their mission.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Refael Cohen