We all woke up Saturday to the horrifying news that the nation of Israel had suffered a vicious terrorist attack launched by the Hamas terrorist group. The Wall Street Journal is reporting Iran helped plan the attack for weeks. The number of casualties continues to escalate.
Dr. James Dobson and the entire team at JDFI stand with and are praying for Israel and the Jewish people during this time of suffering and war.
Interestingly, the timing of the attack is revealing about those who launched it. Israel had observed Sukkot, also known as the Feast of the Tabernacles. They were marking Simchat Torah, a time when they are called to draw closer to God. It was also the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, launched by Israel’s enemies on a high Holy Day.
We also noted that the purpose of the radical jihadists in Hamas was to intentionally kill women, children and the elderly. Israeli women were raped. Children were killed in front of their parents. An unknown number of Israelis, perhaps in the hundreds, were kidnapped and paraded through the streets of Gaza to cheering crowds. The most vile, animalistic, demonic attacks were recorded by their perpetrators and proudly posted on social media accounts.
The latest figures indicate Israel has suffered at least 1,100 known casualties. That would be equivalent to the U.S. suffering 20,000 dead on one day since our population is so much larger.
In addition to asking all Americans to stand with Israel, we also urge the Biden Administration to reverse ill-conceived policies that are strengthening Iran, the major funding source for Hamas.
One month ago, President Biden released $6 billion of funds to Iran in a hostage deal. The money is supposed to be used only for humanitarian purposes, but, obviously, the availability of the funds allows other money to be redeployed for Iran’s terror policies. In the aftermath of the attack, Iran’s parliament and state-run news outlets celebrated the carnage while chanting, “Death to America, death to Israel.” Numerous Americans were among those killed in the Hamas attacks.
Sadly, danger to free people is increasing across the globe. Times like these are a reminder for the American people to turn their hearts back to the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Jesus.
Now is the time to pray heartily to our powerful and sovereign God for help and healing for the people of Israel.
