Since October 7th, we’ve been living in a state of rupture — torn between grief, anger, urgency, and determination. While we’re still deep in it, the escalation with Iran marks a turning point that can’t be ignored.
For decades, Iran has made its goal clear: the destruction of Israel. And in that time, it backed its intentions with action: arming Hezbollah in Lebanon, supporting Assad in Syria, funding Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen, and pursuing nuclear weapons.
If we learned anything from the events on October 7th, it’s that we can’t dismiss threats as just words. And so, in recent days, Israel has responded to years of threat, opening the first ever direct war with Iran. And while we’re seeing signs of strength and success, this is far from a moment of celebration. It’s a moment for reflection and responsibility.
While we fight, the hostages remain. Their families still can’t breathe, and neither can we. If we fail to bring them home, no military success will matter. We won’t be the society we believe we are: one rooted in mutual responsibility, where no one is left behind. That same sense of responsibility is what sends our soldiers to the front lines, and what keeps civilians showing up to rebuild, again and again. Even as they move in and out of safe rooms, fearing the next direct hit, the people of Israel continue to work, volunteer, build, and hold onto hope for change.
And I believe change is possible.
We are standing at a historic crossroads. This moment carries with it the potential not just to end a war, but to build something lasting: new alliances, long-term agreements, a different kind of future. But for that, we need leadership. Real leadership. The kind that sees peace not just as a hope, but as a strategy.
Do we have that kind of leadership today? I’m not sure we do.
Just as it was clear on October 7th that we needed a unified government to go to war, it is now just as clear that we need a leadership that can end this war, and build what comes after. We cannot afford to miss this moment. Because what we do now will shape the lives of our children and grandchildren.
This week’s Torah portion, Sh’lach Lecha, tells the story of Moses sending scouts to survey the land of Israel. “Is the land good or bad? Fat or lean?” Ten came back afraid. “It is a land that devours its inhabitants,” they said. But two, Joshua and Caleb, responded with courage: “We can do this. We can inherit the land.”
Today, we’re not talking about conquest. We’re talking about the borders we draw and the partnerships we build. Some say it will never happen. That peace is impossible. That this region will always “devour its inhabitants.” But like Joshua and Caleb, we believe: We can do this. We can build a future of security, stability, and yes, even peace.
That belief stays with me, even now. Especially now.
I pray for the safe return of our hostages. For the healing of the wounded. For strength and comfort for grieving families. For the safe return of every soldier. And for this war to end and for something better to begin.
