A. In the past year and a quarter, we have experienced many downfalls, starting with the massacre on Simchat Torah, through the frozen strategy of the General Staff, to the revitalization of Hamas due to ongoing provision of supplies that helped it get back on its feet, and more. Alongside this, we have experienced great ups and downs, supreme unprecedented heroism, great victories in the north, and more. Recently darkness and light have been mixed together. Deals with the devil, the release of a thousand terrorists, giving up on the destruction of those who rise up to wipe us out and military retreats are difficult low points that greatly detract from the joy of saving lives. But the great forces that have appeared and grown here in the last year are here to stay. They will find their way to the military and political leadership in one way or another. It is right to be angry, but not to despair. We will not go back. What we bought with blood, sweat, tears and a great Israeli spirit is now completely embedded in our souls for the continuation of our path.
B. After all that, here's what's missing:
We know how to feel for the life, pulse and freedom of one Jew who was kidnapped by the most cruel people on earth. Also of dozens of such Jews. But we did not feel enough for the life and the pulse and the freedom of an entire people, of the generations that were and will be. We felt the trouble of the moment, but we didn't sufficiently feel the deep troubles that will take shape a moment after the hostages return. We felt the salvation of a few, but we were distracted from the value of victory of an entire people over the evil spreading in the world. And as with an exile mindset – we felt the responsibility for a Jew in trouble, but we missed the possibility of redemption for a whole people.
Our national consciousness is still dozing between sleep and wakefulness.
Another vision for the time when we will know how to hold onto these things not only in brief flashes with ups and downs, but over time.
Even many people who today oppose an irresponsible deal failed to maintain a commitment to striving for long term victory in the last year, and instead of being focused and concentrated on national resilience fell into the weaknesses and distress of the moment, and now remembered to wake up when the expected difficult result is laid before them.
Our war to ensure the security of everyone in Israel is linked in a chain with the existence, freedom and upright stature of the people of Israel as a whole, and these are linked in a chain with our destiny and mission to fight for the good in the world, for our sake and for the sake of the world. This whole chain needs to be strong to withstand the severe trials that evil puts before us.
C. Throughout the generations, from the first entry into the land of Israel in ancient times, through the first immigrations of renewed Zionism, and until 20 years ago, it was clear to the people of Israel that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of ourselves and our flesh. This was one of the first destinations of the first Aliyah immigrants the end of the 19th century. They built prosperous settlements in the entire Gaza Strip, which lasted until the 1928 riots. This is also the place where we developed a prosperous and ideal region of land even in the previous generation, until the destruction of Gush Katif.
The sense of national belonging to this place is the basis and condition for the strategic change that we expect both in the way the IDF fights and in the deterrence ability against our enemies. These are things that are not only correct on their own, but can also create an alternative to rescuing more hostages. And not only our brothers and sisters are held hostage. This entire strip of land, which is really an integral part of ourselves and our flesh, is held hostage by vile evil. There is a connection between things. It's up to us to and only up to us to transform the Gaza strip from hell to paradise. And we can totally do it, if we want to.
D. Human agreements are a very deceptive thing. The near future is shrouded in fog, tomorrow and the days after are unknown to us. Reality can be reversed again and again. We do not know everything that is behind the scenes, and human intentions are also a very limited thing.
The gates of intrigue have not been locked and the mercy of heaven has not been locked. There is still have power in our hands, in our prayers and in our actions. On the contrary, everything is for the best. So after the difficult feelings, you have to hold your head high for the next struggle and to continue down the path.
'Path pavers'
