Reflections on War

As part of the 5th year anniversary of the Second Lebanon War, the Walla Website (a very popular Israeli Hebrew-language website), asked eight well-known Israeli personalities to share their personal recollections of this tumultuous time. Rabbi Eckstein was asked to share his thoughts as President of The Fellowship, which was instrumental in helping needy citizens in war-torn northern Israel during the conflict, and in providing funds to protect the citizens living there.

We’ve reprinted a translation of Rabbi Eckstein’s comments below. As you read them, please remember that — though Israel is not currently at war — the threat of war and terrorism is something that Israel must live with every day. And it is support from faithful friends like you that helps comfort, strengthen, and support Israel’s people during these difficult times — just as you did during the Second Lebanon War.

I have mixed feelings when I reflect on the Second Lebanon War — some positive memories as well as negative ones. On the one hand, as an Israeli citizen, I remember the sense of concern about the ineffectiveness of the authorities in handling civilians who were stranded in shelters for weeks and cried out for help. Israel’s welfare system could not adequately provide for the hundreds of needy citizens whose situation was even more acute during this emergency period. However, I remember my sense of pride and excitement in seeing hundreds of organizations and volunteers working in the field and serving all of those people in distress, often putting their own lives at risk.

During the war The Fellowship assisted in providing thousands of hot meals, diapers, milk for babies and basic consumer goods, and other necessary equipment.  We provided for our reserve soldiers, we purchased bulletproof vests and helmets for employees of local authorities in the north, we purchased hundreds of toy boxes filled with activities for children to help pass the time for those children living in shelters.  We made sure there were air conditioners, fans, and basic equipment for the shelters, and provided extensive individual assistance to thousands of people and families in distress. All the aid that we provided could not have been accomplished without the help of hundreds of organizations, volunteers and social workers operating in the area.

Another thing that I’m proud of and excited by each time I encounter it is the recruitment of millions of Christian supporters of Israel around the world who want to help Israel and the Jewish people, especially during times of emergency and distress. The reports from Israel during the war made hundreds of thousands open their hearts and contribute all that they could to help residents of the north. Thanks to these donations we were able to provide $25 million dollars of assistance during the war as well as after the fighting.  

These contributions allowed us to assist in preparing the home front for times of emergency. Thanks to our Christian friends overseas, we renovated thousands of public and private shelters throughout the North, as well as purchased 8 modern fire-engine vehicles. Even today, we are working in partnership with government and local authorities to strengthen and assist the treatment of civilians during an emergency.