Special Message from NJOP Director Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald on the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel:
These are epical times for the Jewish people.
Would any other sovereign state or nation tolerate the number and intensity of attacks that Israel has endured since October 7th, with 20,000+ missiles being directed for purposes of destroying Israel? If not for the remarkable and, at times, miraculous, interception of these missiles, and, of course, God’s hand directing all this, much of Israel would have been entirely leveled by now, and many thousands, if not tens of thousands of Israeli citizens, Jews and non-Jews, would be dead. It’s absolutely incredible that the world is indifferent to this attempted massacre, that has been thwarted only because Israel has been spending billions of dollars to protect its citizens. All the while, the cowardly Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists are hiding in their tunnels and/or behind civilians, praying for more civilian Palestinian victims, in order to enhance their public relations campaign against Israel. Is this going to be the new normal?
It’s hard to believe that so long after the murderous attack on October 7, 2023, this most challenging situation in Israel continues. Israel continues to face many murderous attacks from Iran and its nefarious proxies, as well as pro-Palestinian demonstrations in many parts of the U.S. and the world. Now, following the return of many of the hostages, and the heartbreaking return of the bodies of those hostages who were murdered while in captivity in Gaza, ceasefires have come and gone and the fighting in Gaza continues. NJOP urges all to continue to pray for peace, for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties.
If possible, please recite Psalm 121  (Hebrew/English ArtScroll Siddur, p. 534-535) and Psalm 130 (p. 540-541) and the prayer “Acheinu,” (p. 146-147) for the safety of all Jews, at least once a day.  Please also try to perform additional mitzvot, send funds to help the needy and grieving families and attend the rallies that are being organized in support of Israel.
May the Almighty protect the State of Israel, its citizens and bless it with peace!