Where There Is Life, There Is Hope
On one of my visits to Eretz Yisrael, I sat and learned Torah together with Mr. Moshe Mirali. Suddenly, we heard a loud explosion. In panic, I cried out, “There’s been a terrorist attack!”
Unfortunately, I was proven correct. Within a few moments, ambulance sirens could be heard. Medical care was rushed to the numerous victims. With the passage of time, the enormity of the disaster was assessed. We learned of several casualties and injuries.
The blow to our nation was huge. But I noticed an interesting phenomenon. In spite of the attack, life continued more or less as usual. People walked the streets, coffee houses did a lively business, and stores were full of customers. Even the buses continued chugging along, carrying more passengers than they could seat.
- In prayer at the Kotel Hama’aravi
The thought surely entered the minds of many who traveled with public transportation that maybe they would never reach their destination, maybe this bus contained a terrorist… but they continued riding. Citizens left the safety of their homes, and life continued in its usual upbeat way.
I could not help but compare the situation to times of crisis in France. After terrorist attacks in that country, people enter a state of panic. They refuse to leave the shelter of their homes, going out only when it is absolutely necessary. When the people heard about an attack in Morocco, they were afraid of attending the annual hilula there.
In contrast, Eretz Yisrael is a land of optimism. Although fifteen people were brought to burial that day, may Hashem avenge their blood, and the injured numbered approximately seventy, life continued as before.
Two days later, I went to pray at the Kotel at a very late hour. How amazed I was to discover the place humming with life. It did not look like anyone was afraid to be out so late, in such a large group.
This is the power of Eretz Yisrael. Hashem promised that the Land will always buzz with joie de vivre. There is an atmosphere of positivity there, as people hope for a better tomorrow. They truly believe that “if Hashem will not guard the city, in vain is the watchman vigilant” (Tehillim 127:1). We have no one on whom to rely except for our Heavenly Father.
