One, Two, Three, Knockout

Please see my new article in the Times of Israel called "One, Two, Three, Knockout."

Israel has achieved a significant milestone by eliminating Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in a precise airstrike in Beirut. This marks the second phase of Israel’s strategic plan to counter radical Jihadist Iran and its terrorist proxies. Following the defeat of Hamas in Gaza, Israel is now focused on dismantling Hezbollah in Lebanon. The plan includes advancing armored forces to the Litani River to recreate a buffer zone, providing strategic depth and setting the stage for future peace negotiations. Israel aims to maintain control of this zone until a comprehensive peace agreement is reached, similar to the land-for-peace deal with Egypt in 1979. If Lebanon fails to pursue peace, Israel may consider making the demilitarized zone permanent or annexing the territory. The final phase will address the existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with Israel determined to secure its state from further aggression.

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One, Two, Three, Knockout

Israel's Incredible Ingenuity

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's Incredible Ingenuity."

What an extraordinary week it has been for the Mossad, Shin Bet, and IDF. Through meticulous planning and flawless execution, they successfully thwarted an assassination attempt on Israel’s leadership, infiltrated Hezbollah’s supply chain, neutralizing thousands of terrorists equipped with newly acquired pagers and tactical radios, and effectively dismantled the entire leadership of Hezbollah’s Radwan Special Forces.

At its core, this is one of the miracles of modern-day Israel: technology, science, and human ingenuity coexist and thrive alongside tremendous faith in the Almighty. With the literal miracles witnessed this week, I believe more and more people are recognizing the hand of G-d behind it all.

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Israel's Incredible Ingenuity

For Israel: An Ode of Hope and Strength

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "For Israel: An Ode of Hope and Strength."

From north to south, from east to west,
Israel stands, facing the test.
Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's terror might,
Yet in the darkness, shines our light.

With rockets, drones, and missiles’ flight,
We stand strong, we stand to fight.
G-d’s strength within, our hearts ignite,
In this battle of wrong and right.

Falsehoods spread, to cloud the truth,
Hostages taken, tears of youth.
But G-d’s hand guides, through every night,
In this divine, eternal fight.

Global Jihad, Intifada’s call,
Yet we rise, we will not fall.
From tanks to planes, from ships to words,
Our voices soar, our prayers heard.

Few against many, David’s might,
Miracles in the darkest night.
The Mashiach near, redemption’s song,
In Zion’s heart, we all belong.

The war is harsh, the pain is real,
Yet future’s light, we soon will feel.
Blessings, peace, prosperity,
In G-d’s embrace, humanity.

Sacrifice and truth, honor’s way,
Peace will come, a brighter day.
Israel’s light, for all to see,
G-d’s will done, eternally.

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For Israel: An Ode of Hope and Strength

On The Wings of Eagles

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "On The Wings of Eagles."

The importance of making Aliyah may seem counterintuitive given how anti-Zionist not only many Pro-Hamas supporters are, but also some diaspora and even Israeli Jews are. However, it is actually all the more reason for people who understand Israel's holiness and centrality to Jewish life, prayer, and tradition to make the leap. I think in the future, we will look back at this time and the immense pressure to abandon Israel, and we will recognize the strong souls who defied the mob.

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On The Wings of Eagles

Life is Full of Oohs and Ahs

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Life is Full of Oohs and Ahs."

These are collectively the ah-ha moments in life when we realize that oohs are often really ahs, and the ahs are frequently really oohs. As we head towards Rosh Hashanah, this is a good lesson that if we can take a step back to see the consequences of our actions, we need not be surprised by the iced bucket of water in the sauna anymore. We can work to make every moment ultimately meaningful and spiritual ahs in our precious pursuit of life and good.

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Life is Full of Oohs and Ahs

A War of Attrition and We’re Losing

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "A War of Attrition and We're Losing."

Today marks the 33rd anniversary of Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union. However, this milestone is tinged with melancholy, given Russia's occupation of over 20% of Ukraine and its ongoing efforts to expand its influence following the recent invasion on February 24, 2022.

The U.S.'s strategy is a war of attrition, using Ukraine to deplete Russia's military and economic strength. This strategy is reminiscent of the long Iran-Iraq War that wore down both countries. Russia's long game involves alliances with China, Iran, and terrorist proxies, as well as a campaign of divisive propaganda. The US needs to start playing chess rather than checkers to counter Russia's threats.

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A War of Attrition and We’re Losing

My Beloved Zion

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "My Beloved Zion."

Zionism is a tree on the river’s edge,
A shield for our people, through ages of dread.

It’s the ancient homeland, settled anew,
Where deserts bloom, and skies turn blue.

Zionism is G-d’s promise fulfilled,
The land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still.

 (AI generated image via Designer)

My Beloved Zion

The TikTok Candidate

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The TikTok Candidate."

In short, Vice President Harris, who everyone thought was worse than even President Biden and had the lowest net negative ratings of any vice president in history, has now, six weeks later, magically been transformed into arguably a leading candidate for the next president of the United States.

Essentially, she is the TikTok candidate, where the entire purpose of her statements, apparently all scripted, is superficial and solely to generate "hits," buzz, and votes. In fact, her website is blatantly devoid of policy and only has a place for asking for donations. Thus, instead of policy aims for our country, we are given at best platitudes and smirky, sarcastic lines from followers like "it depends on the context."

As an electorate, we must demand more of our candidates than to be glamorous and look the part. Glitz without substance is worthless!

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The TikTok Candidate

Israel Can Prevail Over Iran

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel Can Prevail Over Iran."

Certainly, Iran is a large country and a formidable enemy, and together with its terrorist proxies (Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis), have done some significant damage to Israeli society. Therefore, we are all poised on the precipice of escalating confrontation between the two parties.

Given Israel's incredible finesse at undermining and outmaneuvering its Iranian enemies, what is Iran going to do?

Some say that Iran is a crazy "irrational actor" and is bent on destroying Israel no matter what.

But thinking about this strategically, Iran is weaker than it appears and there are at least five reasons that it should restrain itself from any further escalation with Israel.

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Israel Can Prevail Over Iran

Why Jews Are Concerned About Kamala Harris

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Why Jews Are Concerned About Kamala Harris".

Kamala Harris presents herself as someone who is evenhanded, but her actions raise a lot of questions that must be answered for the sake of the safety of the Jewish community.

In just the past few months, Harris has chastised Israel for defending itself, disrespected Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, normalized terrorism, and legitimized anti-Semitism.

Trump has voiced surprise at how any Jews could still vote for Kamala in 2024, one who favors pro-Hamas terrorists over their longtime ally and friend, Israel. I can tell you from my conversations with other Jewish people that, while many have been skeptical of the far right, they are becoming more concerned than ever about the radical left.

Note: Personal time, opinion, device, premises.

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Why Jews Are Concerned About Kamala Harris

U.S. Secret Service Circles The Wagons

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "U.S. Secret Service Circles The Wagons."

Last week was a devastating disappointment for me (and presumably for the vast majority of our country) when a 20-year-old, high school graduate attempted to assassinate the former (and likely future) president, Donald Trump. I was shocked not only by the obvious failures of today's Secret Service but even more so by the reaction of their leadership.

Aside from Trump who was almost assassinated, and the innocent civilians killed and wounded, and our heart and prayers go out to all of them, I cannot help but wonder what damage all this has done to the trust and respectability of our nation in the eyes of our allies and the fear and deterrence before the ongoing threats from our adversaries.

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U.S. Secret Service Circles The Wagons

More Than "Just" a Magen David

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "More Than 'Just' a Magen David." 

Our response to antiSemitism and hate should be to embrace our Jewish identity all the more. In the words of the singer Benny Friedman:

I'm a Jew and I'm proud
And I'll sing it out loud
'Cuz forever
And ever
That's what I'll be
I'm a Jew and I'm proud
And without a doubt
Hashem is always watching over me

We are truly in the middle of a global attack on the Jewish people, and we cannot give up even one centimeter in our quest for freedom, peace, and security.

(Credit Photo: Virginia Humanities via https://www.flickr.com/photos/vfh/46913689764)

More Than "Just" a Magen David

They Are the Racists

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "They Are the Racists."

This past Independence Day, a disgraceful, vile shadow fell over our celebrations. We witnessed so-called "protests" erupt again in violence, filled with smoke bombs, flag burning, and calls for intifada, "death to America," and violent jihad "by any means necessary." These weren't demonstrations for change; they were hateful displays demanding the overthrow of our nation and its core values.

We are a nation built on inclusion and respect for diverse opinions. But tolerance has its limits. When our communities, campuses, and cities are overrun by those who seek to tear down everything we've built, we must act.

Those who are here illegally or are on visas and cannot live peacefully forfeit the right to remain here. Deportation is a necessary conversation, a way to protect our nation from those who threaten its very core.

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They Are the Racists

Axis of Jihad

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Axis of Jihad."

Deport the terrorists, halt their vile ways,
Before darkness consumes our brightest days.
Iran’s threat looms large, Yemen’s shore cries,
The Axis of Evil seeks its prize.

Russia, China, and Iran—psyops behind it all,
Undermining the West with terror and chaos, oh the gall!
Their geopolitical dance, a cunning ballet,
While the world trembles, caught in their dangerous strategic sway.

 (AI generated image via Designer)

Axis of Jihad

Israel Victory: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel Victory: A Marathon, Not a Sprint."

We've been going on almost 9 months since October 7, and exhaustion is setting in. Many of us are wondering when the war will be won and the hostages will be home so that life can return to normal. However, what many of us aren't seeing is that the terrorists are playing a much longer game. They are willing to endure near-endless suffering and loss of life to achieve the goal of not only a "Palestine" but also a much broader terrorist caliphate. And to that end, they have interwoven a series of intricate false narratives and victimhood.

For us to succeed, we need to dig in our heels and embrace the kind of long-term commitment and unyielding dedication not only to defeating Hamas today but also to the terrorist threat in the long term. Our enemies have a vision of dominion over the West, and we must be committed and united to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to ensure they are completely and utterly defeated and that we are safe and secure forever.

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Israel Victory: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Israel's Allies Must Speak Out

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's Allies Must Speak Out."

It seems like the world has turned on Israel, but they are truly not alone, and good people from around the world stand with Israel despite the actions and rhetoric of the vile extremists that support terrorism.

Israel's allies rely on her to fight terror while they keep a "good face" on relations with the Arab community at large. But quiet support is no longer enough. Those who oppose terror must be bold.

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Israel's Allies Must Speak Out

The Biggest Threat to Western Civilization

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Biggest Threat to Western Civilization."

In short, radical jihadists are not only using everything from terrorism to the pursuit of nuclear weapons to achieve their goals of domination and a caliphate, but they are also employing a dangerous strategy of subterfuge and subversion of our democratic institutions and society. As long as we continue to focus almost exclusively on threats from China and Russia and attempt to downplay the significant danger of a radical terrorist caliphate, we ignore the "revolution," the ideology of martyrdom, and the pursuit of Jihad that is a threat to freedom and human rights not only to the people in their own countries but to those around the world.

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The Biggest Threat to Western Civilization

Don't Be So Humble; You're Not That Great

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Don't Be So Humble; You're Not That Great."

In short, Judaism teaches that our mission in life is to connect to Hashem, the source of all. In connecting to the source, we are supposed to empty ourselves of vanity and materialism so that we can be filled with the Divine holiness.

G-d is the source of everything, and the greatest opportunity for human beings is to connect to the source and fulfill G-d's commandments to make the mundane into the holy and the worldly into the heavenly. Just as G-d is the creator, He created humans so that we have the ability to reach out to the source and perfect ourselves in His image. This is the ultimate good that G-d gives to humanity: the capacity to connect with and be close to the creator through our own choices and actions.

(AI generated image via Designer)

Don't Be So Humble; You're Not That Great

Time to Take the Masks Off

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Time to Take the Masks Off."

People who aren't ashamed of what they are doing do not need to hide themselves. It's when they want to act out like animals and try to get away with it that they want to be incognito!

Good, decent people speak up and advocate for what they believe every day, and they do it openly, honestly, ethically, and lawfully. But those who seek to create anarchy and chaos, violate others' rights, act immorally, and illegally hide their identities like thieves in the night.

Whether it's the KKK looking to lynch their next victim or pro-Hamas terrorist protesters wanting to murder "Zionists," let's ban nationwide the full face covering and allow law enforcement and the Justice Department to do their jobs in holding criminals accountable. We shouldn't have to live afraid of masked men on our streets and campuses who act out with malign intent and impunity.

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Time to Take the Masks Off

Faith and Prayer in the Battle of Good Over Evil

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Faith and Prayer in the Battle of Good Over Evil."

As we fight the forces of darkness and evil in the world—from the haters to the terrorists—we need to strengthen our faith in the One Above because only from Him can come the answers to our most difficult questions, our uplifting in trying times, and the ultimate victory of light and good over darkness and evil.

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Faith and Prayer in the Battle of Good Over Evil