The powerful last words of an IDF soldier

Hallel, the fiancée of Nethanel Eitan HY”D, an IDF soldier killed in Gaza on Hanukkah is sharing the following excerpt from his diary to spread his light and love to world.

          Jerusalem is surrounded by mountains.

          Jerusalem is a symbol of life.

          She is so beautiful, and with such unique beauty.

          She does not have the tallest mountain in the world.

          She does not have an impressive mountain glacier either.

          Her mountains, in fact, are average.

          Despite all this, she is the most beautiful city in the world.

          True beauty comes from within and radiates outwards.

          To see the beauty in someone else, you have to look inside.

          A husband who sees the beauty in his wife will always see it, no matter how many years have passed.

          This is the story of Jerusalem — what’s inside makes her the most beautiful city.

          And if I succeed in applying this principle and I succeed in finding my Jerusalem in a woman, I will find the most beautiful woman in the world.  

         — from the diary of Lieutenant Nethanel Menachem Eitan, HY”D

How does the enduring beauty of Jerusalem, a city of peace and life, become a battleground for such deep-rooted conflict and hatred?

In today's world, where headlines often blur the lines between past and present, many questions are stirring up anxiety and fear? Are we on the brink of WW3? Is the rise of antisemitism leading to another Holocaust? Is Hamas the Haman of our era? Is Russia going to start the Gog – Magog war?

How do we, as modern-day Esthers, respond to these questions, how do we put an end to the deadly threats facing our Jewish brothers and sisters?

The Book of Esther is more than a historical account; it's a lesson in courage and divine deliverance. Haman's plot and Esther's bravery remind us of the perpetual battle against those who wish harm upon the Jewish people. Today, this battle is not just fought in the pages of scripture but in the daily lives of Jews around the world, and not just those facing the terror of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

Facing the Fear of World War III

The global stage is fraught with tension, with the war in Ukraine going on its 2nd year. Could the actions of Putin, spreading rumors and fears of Russia attacking other neighboring countries, be the harbinger of a larger war, the biblical Gog and Magog? Where in the world with all of these fears, do we find our footing?

The Bible offers us a blueprint for overcoming fear. Isaiah 41:10, with its commanding reassurance, "So do not fear, for I am with you," provides a cornerstone for building a faith that stands firm in the face of adversity. But how do we apply biblical wisdom to our modern dilemmas?

1. Seeking Strength Beyond Ourselves: Recognizing our limitations is the first step toward overcoming fear. By acknowledging that true strength comes from our faith in God, we can confront even the most daunting challenges with confidence.

2. Embracing the Power of Prayer: Prayer is our direct line to divine support. In moments of fear, it becomes our most potent tool, not just for seeking guidance but for finding peace in God's promises.

3. Acting with Courageous Compassion: Esther's story wasn't just about facing fear; it was about taking action. Today, we're called to do the same, to stand up for justice and peace, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

"Meet your fears with faith," Max Lucado's reminder, are wise words to print on our heart in these unsettling times. With the rising tide of antisemitism and global unrest, our faith offers us hope and resilience.

Are YOU Ready to Be Modern-Day Esthers?

As a Christian Women For Israel, we are reminded of the role we each must play. Are you ready to rise, as Esther did, to overcome evil through faith and strategic action? Are you prepared to put your faith into action, to turn your fear into a force for good?

In the face of threats old and new, our response must be one of unwavering faith and resilient action. Let us draw inspiration from the courage of Esther, the wisdom of scripture, and the strength of our convictions. Together, as a community of Christian Sisters, we can overcome the shadows of fear and stand as beacons of hope and peace in a world that so desperately needs it.

Prayer for Peace and Beauty

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we lift our hearts to You in prayer for the peace of Jerusalem, a city that, like us, is surrounded by both challenges and beauty. We pray for the safety and protection of the IDF soldiers who stand guard, risking their lives for the safety of others. May You comfort and strengthen them and their loved ones.

We pray for all who suffer in war zones around the world, that they may find solace in Your presence and the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. Grant them the vision to see beyond their fears, to recognize the beauty and potential for peace that surrounds them.

Help us, Lord, to embody the resilience and spirit of Jerusalem, finding strength in our faith and spreading Your love and peace in all that we do.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

                     Amen.