October 12, 2000 - More than any other incident, the lynching of two Israeli reserve soldiers in Ramallah transformed the nation's consciousness. The mask had been torn off. If Palestinian mobs could resort to such barbarism, then we were clearly far from the dream of "peaceful coexistence."
I'm a quiet, well-mannered Englishman. One month each year, I drive army jeeps as an IDF reserve soldier. In September 2000, on the holiday of Rosh Hashana, my unit was positioned at Ayosh Junction on the edge of Ramallah. The army's aim was to keep the situation under control and not allow the riots to overflow into endangering the lives of Jewish residents nearby.
At about 9 a.m., about a dozen Palestinians began placing tires on the road, and set them on fire, laying a screen of thick black smoke. This was the way every day was to begin.
I sat in the jeep, tightly gripping the steering wheel, waiting to see what would happen next. Within 10 minutes, hundreds upon hundreds of Palestinians streamed toward the junction, placing me on the front line, as a target for stones, rocks, iron bars, glass bottles, Molotov cocktails, and later, live bullets.
Under bombardment, thoughts of panic raced through my mind: Am I going to die? Who's going to tell my wife? What will be with my kids? I felt utterly hopeless -- a speck in the universe, totally exposed and vulnerable.
On the other hand, I felt a strange power of responsibility. It was my challenge from Above to do what I had to do: help my fellow soldiers, obey orders from the commanding officer, engage in serious soul-searching, and pray like I've never prayed before.
Our Bible is filled with stories of how military strength is a secondary factor in winning the war. Our wars are won in our hearts and in our spirits, and nowhere else. That Rosh Hashana morning, I had a shofar with me, and I fantasized about taking it out, standing on top of the jeep and blowing the shofar to disperse the stone throwers. (I thought better of it, however.)
Out there in the jeep, I felt that my actions could make the difference between life and death. Not just for me, but for the whole of Israel.
With that realization, everything takes on a new dimension. One is more careful with every word of speech. The mind becomes totally alert, aware of the consequences of every move. The senses are fully charged; you see and hear things you never noticed before. You can exist on two hours sleep and minimal food -- and yet remain totally alert. Because your life is at stake.
If only we could maintain this high level of alertness in everyday life.
* * *
The last day of my reserve duty started "normally." I sat in my jeep, waiting for the hundreds of Arabs to throw boulders.
At about 10 a.m. a call came over the army radio. Some soldiers had disappeared into Ramallah. My first response was a downcast shudder of "Oh, no," and I immediately called my colleagues at Aish HaTorah to tell them to drop everything and start praying.
There was ominous silence in our jeep as we awaited news. Our orders were to cordon off Ramallah, not allowing any Arab vehicle in or out, while the army, through air reconnaissance and communication with the PA, attempted to locate the men.
But it all happened too quickly. "We need a doctor... Get a helicopter here now... We have one body and one seriously wounded... Where's the doctor?!"
And then silence. A long, painful silence.
There was a lot more silence, and painful sobbing, as I sat in that jeep for the next 12 hours. Details of the brutal lynchings trickled in. Two Israelis were bludgeoned, thrown from the window, burned, disemboweled, and then dragged through the street.
I sat in the jeep, numb. I saw the tank reinforcements come in. I heard the Apache helicopters whirring in the sky. But it was not until late afternoon that the IDF bombed. And even then, we gave a warning of exactly when and where we were going to bomb, in order to prevent unnecessary loss of life. No other army would do such a thing. But we are a Jewish army, and we place the value of life on the highest pedestal. There were no injuries or deaths as a result of those bombings.
And then, ironically, amidst the horrors, my final image of that day was a stunning sunset -- a deep blue sky, traced with streaks of red, as another Israeli night drew mercifully closer.
Maybe that is the message we should extract from this day of anger, blood and tears. Every day there is a sunset, and every morning there is a sunrise. Sometimes we're not aware of it, but it's there, always, with the Almighty's quiet, guiding hand: "And it was evening and it was morning..." (Genesis 1)
Our Supreme Commander created the world, and sustains it on a daily basis. He knows the complete picture. He is not influenced by anger or repugnance; neither is He swayed by the world media or the UN.
We are God's soldiers, entrusted with 613 commands. We may not always understand them. Some may not be particularly convenient, and others may get us frustrated or embarrassed.
But on a day like this, a soldier must obey orders. Whether he agrees or not; whether it's convenient or not; whether he understands or not. His life, and that of others, is at stake, and he must accept the word of those who see the big picture. Though we seem to lack political and military solutions, we do have a Supreme Commander.
* * *
The timing of these events was no coincidence. On Rosh Hashana, the Books of Life and Death are open in the heavenly court. It was obvious to me why these disturbances began at this crucial time of the year. The Almighty is trying to tell us something.
I left the army a few days before Sukkot, the festival when Jews all over the world leave their comfortable permanent homes and move into flimsy, temporary huts, with only branches as a roof. It's a symbol of trust in God, of total reliance on His protection.
The main theme of Sukkot is simcha, joy. How is it possible to have joy in such perilous times?
Sometimes in the darkest of hours, the brightest light is seen. The entire 18 days, our battalion had only three minor injuries. Should we explain this through the law of averages? Or rather that God performs miracles for us, morning, noon and night?
The Almighty brought us out of Egypt "on eagle's wings," and He has not let us down since. In spite of everything the world has thrown at us -- Crusades, Inquisition, pogroms, Holocaust -- we've survived it all. And I believe we'll pull through this, too. Because the Supreme Commander has promised that we will.
Those 18 days of reserve duty were the most harrowing of my life. And in a strange sense they were among the most satisfying. True "happiness" is knowing you're doing the best you can do, in the circumstances designed precisely for you.
In such situations, God is telling us to figure out what we're here for. We're given tests of extreme stress, to prove to ourselves that we can do it. How many of us know why we are here in this world? When faced with death, life becomes real. You get priorities straight. If you ever get thrown into a war, make good use of the opportunity. Figure out what you're living for.
(24) Anonymous, November 30, 2015 4:47 AM
Peace is not dependent upon acceptance but self-interest
Peaceful coexistence is not the goal. Hezbollah in Lebanon realize they have too much to lose to start up with Israel. The Palestinians however, with a miserable existence have no such concept of having too much to lose. Too bad the Israeli govt just wants to bomb, bomb, bomb instead of helping Palestinians develop a life that's worth not jeapordizing. Yes, we have to take the initiative. Yes, we have to be creative and work around the evil Hamas and PA. Otherwise we're stuck complaining and getting killed.
(23) Anonymous, October 23, 2000 12:00 AM
support from an american jewish student
I am a high school student in the United States. I have been to Israel several times and most of my family lives there. Many of my uncles and aunts are currently fighting to defend the state of Israel. Thank you for making me understand their stuggles and efforts more clearly. I would like to wish you and your family well. May the Lord protect all Jews and the state of Israel. Shalom Marie
(22) Anonymous, October 17, 2000 12:00 AM
AN OUTSTANDING INSIGHT
I am not a Jew however, this message can reach out to all mankind. What a fine, fine human being to walk the earth among us. If only there were millions more like this to walk with us. Surely the Almighty will protect such a man.
(21) Stephen Kurtz, October 17, 2000 12:00 AM
Connection to Am Israel
Your heartfelt thoughts and feelings are reassuring to all of Am Israel especially those of us outside of the land of Israel.
The courage by all of those in the IDF to defend our right to live in a free and peaceful society is amazing!
(20) Rob Nelson, October 17, 2000 12:00 AM
Support from New Zealand
Danny, I just want you to know, that what you wrote has really touched the heart of this New Zealand gentile. I worked on Kibbutz Gadot way back in the Yom Kippur crisis and went bescause of the treachery of the British at that time in denying israel supply of arms and ammunition to defend themselves. I have never lost my love for Israel and it's people and will come again to give help as I am able. Be assured, not every one is fooled by the idiotic biased press that floods the world with it's lies. You do well to ignore. But, also believe, there are some of us out here praying and standing with you and your comrades. may the G-d of Israel continus to work His miracles on behalf of all Israel. Shalom. Rob
(19) , October 16, 2000 12:00 AM
We can & should do "what is in our hands"
Its wonderful to hear how truly moral and ethical the IDF is, from the inside. And while I can't fight along side you, from outside Israel we can pray to Hashem, learn torah & fight the media war (CNN included). (See the AIPAC web site for a good/easy start: http://www.aipac.com/Action1.cfm )
(18) dovid Travers, October 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Kiddush Hashem
Danny, what you are doing and the way you are doing it is a credit to Klal Yisrael, to the Zahal and to all da'ati'im. Kol ha kavod. Your strength and resolve is to be admired, I am sure you were able to raise morale for your colleagues and those around you. There is no question that put in situations of mesirat nefesh (literally putting our lives on the line) brings out the best in us - there is nothing like going out of your comfort zone!! May you go from strength to strength. And may you be home very soon to enjoy the rest of Yom Tov with your family and friends.
(17) Binyamin K, October 16, 2000 12:00 AM
inspiring
Keep up serving our nation through your dedication to both learning our torah and serving tzahal (Israel army) you are an inspiration to us all and other Chayalim (soldiers) chazak viametz, may hashem protect you and all the chayalaim and all the bnay yisrael.
(16) Ann Rasmussen, October 16, 2000 12:00 AM
we know the news is slanted
Thank you for sharing your thoughts of the last few days. Americans, through alternative news sources, can now find out the real news as it happens. It is very disappointing to have to sift through the "journalistic integrity" to find the truth these days. I am praying for your safety and peace - I like to see the faces of people I am praying for. It makes it so much more personal. Keep writing - we are behind Israel!
(15) Anonymous, October 16, 2000 12:00 AM
We think of you and all the Israeli soldiers.Thank you for everything.
(14) Susan Burns, October 15, 2000 12:00 AM
inspiring!
We need to read more of this. It puts so much into perspective. Praying for the peace of Jerusalem and all of Israel.
(13) , October 15, 2000 12:00 AM
Thanks and keep it up
Thank you for reminding us what is really important at this difficult time. We are all praying for you and for Eretz Yisrael. I just hope that other Jews get your message and take it to heart. May Hashem continue to watch over us.
(12) Laureen Zisa, October 15, 2000 12:00 AM
Grateful
I am praying for Klal Yisrael. Thank you Danny for sharing your heart and for telling us what to do. May HaShem give us all the strength to do His Will now!
(11) Jacqueline Tomamsini, October 14, 2000 12:00 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for reminding us in the Diaspora of that which we can do for you all ie "pray" more earnestly, learn more Torah and "do more mitzvot and encourage others to do so too".
(10) Anonymous, October 14, 2000 12:00 AM
Beautiful
Thank you, Danny. I'm one of those people in Israel who obsess with listening to the news and reading everything related on the internet. Thanks to your article, I'll try to spend more time saying tehillim and doing mitzvot.
(9) Holly White, October 13, 2000 12:00 AM
Your words are so touching.
Dear Danny,
I am a young non-Jewish girl in Britain, and while reading your words i was touched by how positive and brave you are. My heart goes out to you and all those that are fighting, all the best. Holly White.
(8) michael jacob, October 13, 2000 12:00 AM
we love you danny
it is mike jacob writing from copenhagen. if you can remember i\m a good friend of your brother simon. you will be in our thoughts and tefillos until this madness stops bekarov beyameinu. i will print your letter and read to the members of my community, blineder. all the best, chag sameach, mike jacob
(7) Anonymous, October 13, 2000 12:00 AM
Thanks for this letter. Your sincerity touched me deeply. You are an inspiration to us all!
(6) June Vance, October 13, 2000 12:00 AM
Continue to be brave & faithful
Danny, thank you for conveying your profound experience...it is very valuable to us who are watching very anxiously from afar (in my case, Canada). Even though we are far off geographically, please know that you are in the hearts and prayers of many...I have written "Israel" of the back of my hand. Every time it catches my eye I pray to the Lord for an end to this hostility for the sake of both Israelis and Palestinians. May God further continue to bless you with a closeness to Him that you have never known before.
(5) Anonymous, October 13, 2000 12:00 AM
Excellent and moving
Our prayers are with you from New Zealand too.
Shalom.
(4) Ann Habenicht, October 13, 2000 12:00 AM
deeply touched
Danny, I am deeply touched by your letter. I have visited Israel two times and have long considered it my spiritual home. My family and I pray daily for the peace of Jerusalem. We know that He who keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps and I have always felt safer in Israel than in my home town.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
(3) Jesse Salomon, October 13, 2000 12:00 AM
Keep up the struggle
Dear Danny,
Thank you for your sacrifice. I lived in Jerusalem for 9 months, and have some idea of what you are going through. While I do not think the Palestinians are inherently bad people, I think their activist's tactics are often misguided. I want you to know that I think everyone of you fighting for the continued existance of Israel is a hero, automatically. I feel I should be there too, but as an American Citizen, I am not sure what I can do.
(2) Kathleen Hazelton, October 12, 2000 12:00 AM
Israel will win
Dear Danny,
I am a Gentile Christian. Your letter made me cry but it was refreshing to hear your thoughts--thoughts that as you say the biased US press will never express. I hope that maybe you will get these comments somehow. I just want to encourage you that you are right. G-d, Blessed be His Name, does love you. The Tanakh says He, Blessed be His Name, watches Israel all the time. I believe with all my heart, mind and soul that Israel will win her struggle over her enenmies and will get all her land and peace! May He, Blessed be His Name, protect you and return you (and all the Israeli fighters) to your family in good health.
(1) Leslie Thomas, October 12, 2000 12:00 AM
AM YISHRAEL CHAI!
The media worried me, but this letter has reassured me of a truth I always knew.