Editorial
Jerusalem Post, Oct. 18, 2023
“Israel will never ask others to fight its battles; it can and will defend itself, by itself. The depth of our partnership and shared destiny also obliges us to recognize each nation’s capacity to make its own decisions.”
Mr. President, when the wheels of Air Force One touch down on the tarmac of Ben-Gurion Airport today, you will encounter a nation torn, in pain, yet proud.
Never in history has the Israeli spirit absorbed such a devastating blow. The sudden and heinous attack by Hamas terrorists on the tranquil communities of Israel’s South – targeting civilians in their homes, even infants in their cribs – has shaken the entire world.
The sheer scale of the carnage, the accounts of the horrors, and the cold-bloodedness of the murderers – who meticulously and cruelly planned the slaughter of innocents – leave no heart unmoved. How can we recover from such a devastating blow, which challenges our basic belief in humanity?
Yet in the days that have passed since, amidst the shock and the pain, the battle-tested Israeli spirit has risen again, reinvigorated and resolute. The entire nation has donned various uniforms, some in the field, others symbolically.
‘We are not alone’
The country is filled with volunteerism and generosity on an unprecedented scale. With bowed heads but unwavering resolve, Israelis stand tall in the face of the immense challenge that this moment in time has thrust upon them. We all know that there can be no room for failure; in this war, we will prevail.
Your arrival today, in this trying hour, reminds us that this is not our war alone.
This unprecedented expression of solidarity – the first wartime visit to Israel by an American president – sends a powerful message to all Israelis and to the nations of the world, friends and foes alike. It is a striking testament to your personal commitment to the Jewish state and to that of your administration and of the American people. We are fortunate to have an ally and a friend like you. … [To read the full article, click here]