Sochi: Living with Terror

by Rabbi Yaakov Salomon

A taste of what it’s like to live in some Israeli cities.

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Published: February 1, 2014

About the Author

Rabbi Yaakov Salomon

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Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, C.S.W. is a noted psychotherapist, in private practice in Brooklyn, N.Y. for over 25 years. He is a Senior Lecturer and the Creative Director of Aish Hatorah's Discovery Productions. He is also an editor and author for the Artscroll Publishing Series and a member of the Kollel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath.

Rabbi Salomon is co-author, with Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of the best selling book "What the Angel Taught You; Seven Keys to Life Fulfillment," (Mesorah), and is also the co-producer of the highly-acclaimed film, "Inspired."

Click here to order Yaakov Salomon's new book, Salomon Says: 50 Stirring and Stimulating Stories.

In these marvelous stories -- brimming with wit, understanding, a touch of irony and a large helping of authentic Torah perspective -- we will walk with a renowned and experienced psychotherapist and popular author through the pathways of contemporary life: its crowded sidewalks, its pedestrian malls, and the occasional dead end street. This is a walk through our lives that will be fun, entertaining -- and eye-opening. In our full -- sometimes overfull -- and complex lives, Yaakov Salomon is a welcome and much-needed voice of sanity and reason.

His speaking, writing and musical talents have delighted audiences from Harvard to Broadway and everything in between. Rabbi Salomon shares his life with his wife, Temmy, and their unpredictable family.

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Visitor Comments: 16

(16) Jerry Pollock, February 9, 2014 9:15 AM

I was very disappointed to see the video of the Socchi olympics and that it suggested that the people of Israel live under constant fear. Bering a Canadian who has lived in israel for over 31 years I must state vehemently that you are entirely wrong. Saying that there is fear in Israel conveys an incorrect message that may deter others frfom wanting to visit or move to Israel, a very damaging message. Since coming here I have never felt in danger, even during the 1991 Gulf War, because although we are surrounded by enemies we have the IDF and possibly the world's best security service to protect us. My concern arises only when I leave Isael to visit Canada or in Europe, where I feel much less secure. I appreciate your good intentions, but please consider the implications of your statements before making such a video.

(15) Aliza, February 8, 2014 4:50 PM

I agree; no fear

I'm another one who lives in Israel but does not live in constant fear. Even when I visit "dangerous" places like sderot or the territories,I am not afraid. Just vigilant. The Olympics won't make anyone think of Israel or make the comparison between terrorism in Sochi and terrorism in Israel. It's a nice thought, but not realistic.

(14) Steven Dzubow, February 7, 2014 4:10 AM

Perception is Reality

Arab propaganda has convinced the world that Israel is an oppressive evil country which is the sole reason there is no peace in the Middle East. This perception fueled by anti-Semitism prevents the world from seeing things clearly.

(13) Moriah, February 7, 2014 1:50 AM

What ever happens to Israel

eventually happens to the rest of the world. Too bad for the world they have to learn the hard way, "Those who bless Israel are blessed and, well, you know the rest...

(12) David, February 7, 2014 1:10 AM

Give me a Break, Please

Do Israeli's live in perpetual fear? I don't know how many Israelis you spoke with on your last visit to Israel, but apparently not too many. Sure, it's unpleasant if you have to run to a shelter. And you will want to avoid certain areas - just like you will want to avoid certain areas of New York. But constant fear? I don't feel fear in Israel. My wife and kids living there ton't feel fear. And people shouldn't feel fear in Sochi, either. Don't believe everything that you see in the newspapers.

(11) Mati, February 6, 2014 5:54 PM

You have quite an imagination, rabbi.

Since my aliyah in '08, I have not had fear here in Israel. People tell me that they are more fearful of their children playing/walking outside in the States than here. You obviously don't live in Israel, rabbi, or maybe are just a very paranoid individual. I am not saying that there is not an awareness of the suicide bomb potential or attacks from our surrounding enemies, I'm just saying that we live our lives everyday without fear. I tramp (hitchhike) every day since three years ago and so do many women and young men. It is my opinion that it is safer here than you lead the world to believe.

(10) Carolyn, February 6, 2014 5:28 PM

When we refuse to learn, nothing changes

How many acts of violence does it take to know or learn that it is a bad way to live? The only thing terror and violence does is give power over us, by the creation of fear in order to accomplish an agenda. Israel is like no other place in the world, and that is hard to understand. Israel is the heart of all that is spiritual and sacred. That should be respected, protected and of course, free from terror. Fear is counter productive and does not co-exist with love. We should be evolved enough to know this and be able to live in a manner conducive to a "good" life, which makes more sense and is what Our Creator wants for us.

(9) Richard Catt, February 6, 2014 4:02 PM

I pray daily.

I pray every day for the people of Israel and hope beyond hope that one day (before it's too) late that the eyes and the hearts of the world will be opened to the truth. Blessings and Shalom.

(8) Rabbi Jeffery Feinstein, February 6, 2014 3:58 PM

Does the world care

The world is focused on Sochi. Why? because it is the Olympic games. The world community wants to protect its precious asset - their athletes. The rabbi's video asks if this will spill over and create empathy for Israel. Unfortunately, I believe the answer is NO! Athletes, YES, Jews NO. There was no focus following Munich and there will be none following Sochi.

(7) DAVID DRANKEL, February 6, 2014 3:54 PM

NOTHING WILL CHANGE

I BELIVE NOTHING WILL CHANGEBECAUSE OF ANTI SEMITIZIM IN THE WORLD THE USA SAY THEY EXERINCED TERROR TRUE BUT NOTHING LIKE ISRAEL ALSO IN ISRAEL PEOPLE DONT TALK ABOUT TERROR BECAUSE THE GOVERMENT TOOK THIER WRIGHT OF FREEDOM SPEACH ITS CALLED POLLITICLY CORRECT

(6) Rosemary young, February 6, 2014 3:50 PM

I go to Israel most every year and feel is safety and never been afraid even I volunteer for SAR-El
I love Israel is most wonderful nation andis
safety to go any time
The IDF defend you.

(5) Lisa, February 6, 2014 12:30 AM

Nothing will change their understanding of life in Israel

I visit Israel often, have kids learning there, have close relatives there & of course friends there & I still will never understand what it's like to live in fear!!
I was there last year to hear & feel the fear of the air raid siren in Jerusalem. But my fear & uncertainty maybe lasted for a day or two.
If I can't feel the fear...how will the world?

(4) Ari Blum, February 4, 2014 8:15 PM

We've already experienced this feeling post 9/11. If that tragic day didn't help the world understand what was going on at the time, then I doubt the experiences at Sochi will change anything.
Bottom line: G-D is in control and we need to daven to Him for our protection.

(3) ross, February 4, 2014 3:51 PM

You're not serious

The world will always see the terror in Israel as a 'political situation' (translate: Israel's own fault.) The land was stolen, no peace since then, etc. Black and white, don't bother me with details (or archeology, or other proofs to the contrary.)

Heart strings are pulled for other people in the world, but Israelis aren't quite people, so who cares? (Just ask the Red Cross.) Sounds harsh?

Even so, we shouldn't comment about other terrorist actions, 'See how Israelis feel?' We should feel distressed, and always daven for peace in the world.

(2) Sidney, February 3, 2014 4:27 AM

"Eisav hates Yaakov" is in a Midrash

"Eisav hates Yaakov" is articulated by Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in the Midrash (see Rashi Genesis 33:4) it is not in TN"K (the Jewish Scriptures).

(1) Anonymous, February 2, 2014 2:38 PM

Will not change

What goes on in Russia will not carryover into Israel. There is and will, most probably, always be a disconnect due to "Aisev hates Yaakov" (the Biblical statement that it is ingrained in the non-Jews to hate the Jews). As long as the media continues to portray the Arabs as the victims and the Jews as the instigators this will not change.

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Sochi: Living with Terror

A taste of what it’s like to live in some Israeli cities.

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