Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the two holiest days on the Jewish calendar, will now forever be linked as the two most crucial moments in Israel's military history--one for a surrender to foreign pressure, one for a bold defiance of foreign pressure.

In the days leading up to the 1973 Yom Kippur War, both the United States and Israel became aware that Egypt and Syria were planning to attack. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger telephoned Israel's acting ambassador in Washington, Mordechai Shalev, and relayed to him a "presidential entreaty" --that is, a direct demand by the White House-- that Israel refrain from launching a preemptive strike.

news source: idfblog.com

Israel Security Agency has reported that a Hamas cell from Ramallah planned a terror attack that was to take place in Jerusalem over the Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur holidays in September. The attack was thwarted by a Givati Brigade soldiers. The Hamas cell had also been producing rockets.

A joint effort between the Israel Police, Border Police, IDF and the ISA resulted in the arrest last month of several members of Hamas’ military infrastructure. The terrorists were from the Jerusalem and Ramallah branches of Hamas’ military wing. They were apprehended during advanced stages of planning a bomb attack in Jerusalem, which they intended to carry out during the Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur Holidays.

What's happening here in the staging area [area where soldiers prepare to enter Gaza] is beyond comprehension, not rationally, not emotionally and beggars the imagination. 

Almost every hour a car shows up overflowing with food, snacks, cold drinks, socks, underwear, undershirts, hygiene supplies, wipes, cigarettes, backgammon and more. They're coming from the North and the Center, from manufacturers, from companies and private businesses, from prisons, Chareidim and Settlers, from Tel Aviv and even Saviyon. 

This needs to be seen by a much wider audience than just Hebrew-speakers. It has totally left me stunned and with tears in my eyes.
With love to all, as well as prayers for a safe and healthy return of
all our soldiers, and a secure future for the State of Israel.

Analysis of the Situation: The State of Israel was facing an existential threat for the first time since the War of Independence.
By their deaths, the three youths saved the State of Israel.

(The authors are members of the board of the Religious Zionists of America. This is the eighth in a series. To view previous installments, please visit www.phillyreligiouszionists.org/lessons-from-the-gaza-war/.)

With Hamas reeling from Israel's military strikes, Secretary of State John Kerry is rushing to the Middle East--to try to get Israel to cease firing. 
Bad move. Rescuing Hamas should not be on America's agenda.
The vaguely pro-Israel rhetoric emanating from the White House in the first days of the war helped keep Congress and the American Jewish community from criticizing the Obama administration. But it did not reflect the administration's true feelings.
 

news source: Arutzsheva

Shocking testimony from hospitalized soldiers reveals extent of Hamas’ use of children as human shields.

Children in Gaza

news source: TheYeshivaWorld

(Monday, July 21st, 2014)

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Above Image: Yoni Oberstein with his mother,  Mrs. Faige Oberstein]

For budgetary and logistical reasons,  some of the brave soldiers of the IDF are lacking proper or optimal safety equipment. Sadly, the casualties are far too high already, and we want to do all that we can to provide protection that could avoid further loss of life R’L.

We have been in direct contact with Yoni, the son of Rabbi & Mrs. Oberstein of the Baltimore community, who is actively in service in Gaza. His answer to the offers for help from overseas  was clear, they need more bullet proof vests.

news source: Jerusalem Online

IDF spokesperson published the name of staff sergeant Evyatar Turjeman, 20 year old from Beit Shea’an, killed in a fight with militants in Gaza.

Staff sergeant Evyatar Turjeman

The authors are members of the board of the Religious Zionists of America. This is the seventh in a series. To view previous installments, please visit www.phillyreligiouszionists.org/lessons-from-the-gaza-war/.)

A simple cease-fire in Gaza would give Hamas time to re-arm and renew its terrorist activities.
The demilitarization of Gaza would put an end to Hamas's terrorist activities.
Which goal makes more sense?