Israel's Doctrine of Deterrence and Survival

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's Doctrine of Deterrence and Survival."

Israel, guided by G-d’s divine providence, decisively crushed the Iran-backed Houthis in a precision strike in Sanaa, eliminating their leadership for attacking Israel and strangling Red Sea trade routes. In 2024 and 2025, Israel’s strategic doctrine of deterrence and escalation delivered justice, eliminating Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Muhammad Sinwar, Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah, and 41 key Iranian military and nuclear figures, while dismantling Syria’s military capabilities. Despite being surrounded by adversaries denying its existence, Israel’s unmatched ingenuity and faith ensure its survival, offering enemies a stark choice: be deterred or be removed.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

My Feelings

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Captain America

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

I'm Seeking You Seeking Me

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Beanie Bear

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Strawberry Licorice Wheels

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Seeing Morality Beyond the Hamas Propaganda

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Seeing Morality Beyond the Hamas Propaganda."

We must stand resolutely and with clarity against the moral confusion created by Hamas propaganda, which distorts reality by portraying jihadi terrorists as victims while democratic Israel endures relentless attacks—over 26,000 rockets, missiles, and drones since October 7, 2023, along with bombings, raids, and kidnappings. Against this backdrop, the Torah portion Re’eh reminds us of G-d’s timeless call to “see” clearly and choose between blessing and curse. Though justice is not always visible and the wicked may appear to prosper, the Torah urges us to look deeper, trust that true blessing follows righteousness, and recognize the dignity of free will. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we are called to strengthen our faith, rise above doubt, and return to G-d with humility, courage, and hope.
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Barbie In Town

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Coffee Designs

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
 

Hot Soup

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Halloween Arrived Early

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Egg and Avocado Toast

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)

Humanity Beyond All Differences

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Humanity Beyond All Differences."

Last week, I came across an elderly man collapsed on the sidewalk—disoriented and in distress. With the help of a passing nurse and quick emergency response, he was rushed to the hospital. The experience reminded me that our shared humanity transcends race, faith, and background—we are all fragile, yet deserving of dignity and compassion. But compassion does not mean ignoring evil. True peace requires rejecting terror and protecting the innocent. Only by uniting with good people everywhere can we affirm life over death, dignity over hatred, and build a world that reflects the holiness of our Creator.

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Peeled Banana

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Two Despicables

Hummus Chickpeas

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Mckee-Beshers Wildlife Preserve

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hamas’s Deflection Playbook

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Hamas's Deflection Playbook."

Hamas has shifted its fight with Israel from the battlefield to a coordinated campaign of information and ideological warfare. Since the October 2023 attacks, they have used a strategy of deflection—accusing Israel of the very atrocities they commit—to sway global opinion. Their propaganda playbook includes fabricating an “occupation” narrative, falsely labeling Israel an apartheid and genocidal state, and accusing it of starving Gaza while concealing their own violence and exploitation of aid. The goal is to isolate Israel through international condemnation, economic boycotts, and legal attacks. Beyond the Middle East, Hamas and allied extremists work within Western democracies to erode support for Israel, promote radical agendas, and influence younger generations through education—turning the fight into both a military and a narrative battle for truth and democratic values.

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Children's Imagination

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

David's Cookies Rainbow Cake

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Bowl Eyes

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Oversized Cherries

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Car Pens

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Tisha B’Av: Will the Darkness Ever End?

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Tisha B'Av: Will the Darkness Ever End."

Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, is the most solemn day of Jewish mourning, commemorating a series of tragic historical events—including the destruction of the First and Second Temples and other calamities—that symbolize both profound physical loss and spiritual rupture. Despite this darkness, tradition holds hope through the promise of the Mashiach’s birth on this day and the eventual rebuilding of the Temple. Recent tragedies like the October 7, 2023 attack and rising global antisemitism remind us of ongoing challenges, but faith, kindness, and prayer sustain the Jewish people, empowering them to be active participants in redemption. Miracles continue to unfold with the return to sovereignty in Israel, and the day will one day transform from mourning into celebration.

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Old Time Wagon

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)