Showing posts with label Heroes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heroes. Show all posts
May 7, 2025
June 8, 2024
A Poem for Noa Argamani
Two hundred forty-six days, a story that tears us apart.
Held captive by darkness, by terror’s cruel hand,
Yet hope, a flickering flame, held strong in the sand.
October seventh, a memory etched in our soul,
The image of you, a cry, a story yet untold.
Aboard a Hamas bike, a moment of despair,
But courage in your eyes, a strength beyond compare.
We prayed, oh Noa, with fervor and might,
Tehillim whispered, a beacon in the night.
For you and the others, a hundred and twenty more,
Longing for freedom, yearning to reach our shore.
Today, a miracle unfolds, tears of joy we weep,
Rescue’s embrace, a promise you’d keep.
Reunited with your father, on his birthday so grand,
Coca-Cola in hand, a homecoming unplanned.
Your mother, oh Noa, a fragile thread of life,
But you’re back by her side, no more strife.
Comfort and solace in this sacred embrace,
A family reunited, a love no time erases.
Grateful we are, for Hashem’s watchful eye,
His mercy unending, beneath a clear blue sky.
Noa, an inspiration, your spirit so bright,
Resilience your armor, surviving the night.
We never gave up, the world held its breath,
For you and the others, defying the grip of death.
The Jewish people united, in celebration we stand,
A daughter returned, hope restored to the land.
The IDF, the Yamam, heroes bold and strong,
Their courage unwavering, righting a terrible wrong.
Thank you, oh guardians, for your unwavering might
Bringing our loved ones back to the light.
Noa Argamani, your story etched in time,
A testament to courage, a spirit so sublime.
May peace find its footing, may hatred be quelled
And families forever, forever be held.
(A Reimagination of Rescued Hostage Noa Argamani and Her Father Reunited. Photo transformation by Andy Blumenthal)
February 19, 2023
My Vote of Confidence in Bibi
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "My Vote of Confidence in Bibi."
However, I think there is no better expression of Bibi's core love for his people and Israel than that of his own words in his countless genius arguments and eloquent speeches at the United Nations, Congress, and with world leaders in defense of Israel's legitimacy and right to exist and defend itself.
(Photo Adapted from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Netanyahu#/media/File:Benjamin_Netanyahu,_February_2023.jpg)
October 8, 2021
He Who Saves A Life
We all know the Jewish dictum of “He who save a life, saves the world.” In Judaism, every single life is invaluable, and hence we are even allowed to violate the holy Shabbat for the preservation of human life (“Pikuach Nefesh“). Similarly, when it came to a prisoner exchange for IDF Sargent first Class, Gilad Shalit, who had been held by Hamas terrorists for five years (2006-2011), Israel exchanged1,027 Palestinians in a prisoner exchange for Shalit. Life is truly sacred to the Jewish people.
This week, I had the opportunity to meet and hear from members of Israel Air Force’s Elite Search and Rescue, Unit 669, at Magen David Synagogue in Rockville, Maryland. There I was reminded of the brave Israeli soldiers who not only defend the holy land and people of Israel, but also who are there to search for missing soldiers and rescue them and civilians “regardless of location or conditions” when faced with war, terrorism, or other disaster. Soldiers from unit 669 go into every possible dangerous situation, and under fire, to save lives at whatever cost to themselves.
(Source Photo: Flikr)
June 19, 2021
Menachem Begin, Hero of Independence and Beyond
While David Ben-Gurion was the politically savvy founding father of the modern-day State of Israel, Menachem Begin was the military genius who brought the Jewish people from British subjugation to being a free people in our own land.In the end, the Jewish people’s fight for freedom from oppression and for an independent homeland, even the willingness to accept a partitioned land along with the desire for peace, required both the political fight that Ben-Gurion brought to the world’s governments as well as the military struggle that Begin was expert at against both the British overlords who refused autonomy under the mandate and to the Arabs who refused partition. Further, this underscores the stark contrast between the Jewish struggle and that of the Palestinians who have incessantly rejected negotiation and any opportunities for autonomy and peace, including at Oslo, Camp David, and Taba, as well as after Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 that was followed by Hamas’s terror tunnels, kidnappings, incendiary balloons attacks, and rocket barrages on Israel civilian population centers.
(Credit Photo: Israel Government)
March 11, 2021
Where Have All The Heroes Gone?
When we had heroes in the real world there were also superheroes on television, movies, video games, toys, and more.
But alas leadership in our times has seriously fallen short.
Who is there to really look up to as a model for us to respect and follow?
It seems like everywhere these days we are confronted by:
- Failing leadership
- Poor decision-making
- Party politics
- Obstructionism
- Finger-pointing
- Fraud, waste, and abuse
- Bullying and sexual harassment
- Bribery and kleptocracy
- Big time narcissism
There are few if any heroes these days!
It's sad for us as well as for our children.
I hope we see Batman and Superman and other superheroes again: strong in the physical sense but primarily a symbol for strength of character/integrity and for the fight of good over evil in this world.
The void is painful for our times and is going to impact our near term future as well. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
August 15, 2020
April 29, 2020
Towards Peace and Freedom Among Nations
Natan Sharansky showed tremendous personal strength and integrity to respond with humor and wit while suffering under the Soviets in prison, separated from his wife, deprived of all outside contacts, placed in “punishment cells” cold, hungry, and sleep-deprived, and regularly interrogated to try to get him to incriminate himself and his fellow refuseniks and human rights activists. Sharansky is truly a hero who stood up as a Jew persecuted in the Soviet Union and as a human rights activist leading the way to help other refuseniks to get released, with eventually millions escaping through the “Iron Door” to emigrate to freedom in Israel and the United States.
Yesterday, we celebrated Israel’s 72nd Independence Day, so I will add that for too many years since the founding of the State of Israel that the Soviets armed and supported the Arab League nations in warring against Israel and in seeking its destruction. However now, Israel and Russia not only have an anchoring of social idealism in common, but also Israel has 15% of it citizens from there. Further, as Israel has made peace with Egypt and Jordan decades ago, and has a warming of relations with the Gulf States, perhaps Russia will also continue to come around to growing a mutually beneficial friendship with Israel.
(Free Photo via Pixabay)
January 23, 2020
Help Victims Of Terror (Warning Graphic Content: Not For Children)
Niv Nehemia was the victim of terror in 2017 in this Israeli grocery. He suffered "14 stab wounds to the head, chest, hands, and necks, including a cut in his esophagus."
The article appealing for help to cover his mounting medical costs appeared in the Jerusalem Post last week: Don't leave a hero behind.
I still remember this video from when it happened two years ago. Niv is truly a hero in fighting off his brutal attacker and in saving other store employees and shoppers!
Further, Niv and his wife, Sigal, have 5 beautiful children aged 18 to 4 1/2
If you can kindly open your heart to these victims of terror, here is the link for your donation as listed in the Jerusalem Post:
https://www.jgive.com/new/en/ils/donation-targets/24591.
May Hashem give a full and speedy healing to Niv and may He bless this family and all of us with peace! ;-)
December 8, 2019
Operation Thunderbolt: Fighting Prejudice and Persecution
No people should suffer blatant prejudice and persecution and everyone should be “entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These are part of the foundational values that America and Israel share. We stand as friends and allies for respecting and valuing human rights, always to be underscored by peace and security for our peoples. Isn’t it an amazing “coincidence” that the rescue in Entebbe occurred on America’s 200th anniversary, July 4, 1976!
The raid on Entebbe and the miraculous rescue of the hostages stands as an everlasting symbol of courage and triumph of good over evil. As we continue to work and pray for a genuine peace in the Middle East for all its inhabitants, we also must stand resolutely and say “Never Again.”
(Credit Photo: Government Press Office Israel via Flickr)
November 10, 2019
Harriet And The Underground Railroad
Obviously, it was about Harriet Tubman and her rescuing the slaves through the Underground Railroad of secret routes and safe houses.
She was an amazing heroine that they even called her "Moses" for her rescuing the black slaves from the southern plantation where they were sorely abused in every way.
Even though she herself was a runaway slave who made it though a100 treacherous miles from Maryland to Pennsylvania to Freedom, she went back over and over again to save others.
The movie said she saved 70 other through the underground railroad and then in the civil war led the black troops to free another 750 slaves!
Her courage and faith through it all was truly inspirational.
I was so glad when she carried a gun and shot at her nemesis who enslaved her and her family before he could kill or capture and torture her.
She didn't kill him, but she told him in no uncertain terms that people were not meant by G-d to own and enslave other people!
We need more people like Harriet Tubman in the world who fight for what's right and clearly know the difference between good and evil. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 22, 2019
Rambo Is Back
July 30, 2019
Win Rocky Win
And it arrived, all wrapped up nicely, in the mail yesterday.
Rocky working out and training.
His shirt says:
Win Rocky Win
I posed him with his arms up in the air like after a fight in the ring.
Love his fighting spirit, determination, and integrity.
Overcoming against all odds.
Great inspiration.
Some say we actually look alike. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 17, 2019
Great Spider-Man
Like so many things, this superhero is better in colors (and not just red)!
He's also got two spiders on his chest, and as we know, two are better than one.
I also appreciate how he stares down evil with the tilt of the head and those over-sized eyes.
There is still plenty of evil in this world, and we need every superhero we can find to vanquish it! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 18, 2019
June 10, 2018
Living Life Vicariously
This little figurine made a debut on the counter of the concierge late last week for us to cheer them on!
You can ring the bell for help and while your waiting, get excited about the game.
While these types of sports are not my thing per se, I do like watching a good Rocky movie or action flick where the good guys beat the sh*t out of the bad guys.
Whether you'watching your favorite sports team, your Hollywood dream stars, or even an occasional do (something) good politician, we are living vicariously through them.
It's not our success we are seeing, but somehow we temporarily suspend our own selves and live through others (their eyes, their actions) and we partake just for a second of what it's like to be them winning or doing something really significant in life.
We all can't be superstars in the center ring duking it out (all the time) and so we take a step back to see others that we relate to face up to the challenge, fight and hopefully win big.
We don't walk away with the trophy, prize money, or fame, but we congratulate ourselves somehow for being on the winning team.
Heck, I didn't do anything but have faith, go along for the ride, and then take pleasure in seeing my guy(s) win.
Yet, from the humdrumness of perhaps some of our own everyday lives, we fantasize and garner the courage and strength to do our own great things.
We can't be the strongest, smartest, most good-looking, personable, and talented in the world, but we can see parts of ourselves in others and we can try to model the best of them in ourselves and leverage what we got going on!
I don't really like spending a lot of precious time living like this through others--I don't mind getting inspiration when I see something amazing, but really I just want to try my hardest to be the best that I can be. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 4, 2018
THE MIGHTY MERKAVA IV
A model of the awesome Merkava IV battle tank from Israel.
They know how much I love this tank which the brave soldiers of the IDF use to protect the Holy Land of Israel.
As a son of Holocaust survivors, this gift left me so emotional and literally brought tears to my eyes.
One of the real tributes of the Merkava is that unlike almost every other tank in the entire world which has its engine in the rear to protect it from enemy fire...
The Merkava IV has the engine in the front to protect the lives of the Israeli soldiers who man it.
To the Jewish people, it's not the tank that is important in and of itself, but it is its ability to protect each and every sacred life behind it.
That is the noble creed of the Israelite people--nothing is more valuable than human life.
70-years after the founding of the State of Israel--established from the very ashes of the 6,000,000 murdered in the Holocaust--I am so proud to say that IDF, despite being under almost constant threat from enemies near and far, protects the people and country with the utmost bravery, human dignity, and as a true light unto the nations.
They are true heroes! May G-d Almighty bless each and every defender who stands watch over the Holy Land, and may He speedily bring a true and lasting peace to us all.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 5, 2018
My First Article in the TOI - The Samson Dilemma
"The Samson Dilemma"
I was struggling with what to say.
And then the words came pouring to me when I awoke at 4 am.
It comes from my heart, and I am grateful to G-d for bringing me to this time.
Hope you enjoy the article.
Andy
(Source Photo of Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 15, 2018
Purpose Is To Help People
I don't get impressed by others easily.
But one thing that does immediately get my respect and admiration are people who sincerely believe in and are there to help others.
Of course, there are some professions like soldiers and first responders who put their lives on the line to safeguard others that come to mind.
But then there are the people we sometimes meet in everyday real life--people that live for doing good for others.
Yes, not many people are so unselfish and giving, and that is why it is an incredible person who lives this.
One person that I have had the honor to meet recently is such a person.
Months ago, in a stressful situation, I watched them get up and get someone a bottle of water who was choked up and just needed a sip of relief.
Then again, I saw that whenever they were asked a question or for some assistance, they almost immediately dropped whatever they were doing--and without any resentment--to do whatever they can to help, anytime, anyplace.
When I heard them talk recently about their philosophy on what life is all about--they confirmed exactly as I had been seeing, they said:
"I want to help people!"
And they went on to explain how that is the greatest job we can do--whatever our role is--simply, to help others.
Someone doesn't have to be wounded or dying on the battlefield or in urban warfare to merit that help.
Just being another human being with a heart and soul--that itself is enough to jump to their aid and help, help, help.
To me, this person really encapsulates the essence of what life is all about.
It's not I, I, I.
It's about what I can do for others.
We were created by the Almighty to learn to live beyond our meager selves and serve the greater good, our Creator and his children.
All I can say is that these people who live and breath this loving, caring, and giving lifestyle are totally awesome to me and my personal role model and heroes. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 11, 2018
Bringing Down The House
And one of my favorite stories and Biblical characters.
Samson was dedicated to G-d from birth and was an enormous warrior.
Even when he was betrayed, blinded, and bound, he maintained his ultimate faith in G-d.
He prayed that he be given the strength one more time to bring justice to G-d's enemies.
And that's when he pushed against the pillars and brought the house down on them.
On one hand, a tragic figure that trusted and was fooled by the beautiful Delilah, but a completely heroic man of great integrity, who believed in G-d and in vanquishing his enemies.
Look to the Heavens for your strength and G-d can grant you the ultimate strength to achieve your mission in life and even in death. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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