No doubt, we Jews are often saying Hallel in praise of Hashem’s goodness on our behalf. We do so on every Yom Tov. Many say Hallel on Yom HaAtzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim – all in thanks to Hashem for showing His Divine Providence over the Jewish people.
But I have never seen Jews singing Hallel due to salvation performed by a non-Jew. Yet this is what we have witnessed these days: Jews singing Hallel, some with a brachah – all in response to President Trump’s successful bombardment of the Iranian nuclear facilities. I don’t know if I necessarily agree with saying Hallel, but I can understand those who do.
The entire mission of “Operation Rising Lion” has been miraculous: from the speed of the first mission, to the taking out of critical Iranian military leaders, to the successful raids that followed. Yes, every Jewish life is precious, but we are very fortunate that “only” 28 have been killed, half of them not Jewish, by the barrage of Iranian missiles. The resilience of the Israelis is remarkable. A country essentially closed down for a month, and yet life goes on.
A proclamation was issued by a large group of Satmar-aligned rabbanim, imploring people not to speak with any praise or admiration for the accomplishments of the Zionists. Apparently, they must have felt the drive to do so, because, obviously, the IDF does deserve a lot of praise and admiration.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he came twice to the Kosel in the last week. The first time, he placed a note, in Hebrew, saying to Hashem, “A lion will rise from the People of Israel.” His second note reads: “A lion has risen.” In a speech to the nation, the Prime Minister mentioned how this campaign is thanks to the brave pilots and soldiers, but also thanks to “siyata diShmaya” – great assistance from HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
President Trump’s move to hit the Iranian nuclear facilities is another part of the miracle that bound the interests of the two countries together. Just pause for a moment and think what would have happened if we were led by a President Harris.
Yes, we do have a lot of Hallel to say – or at least to think about.
Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld is the Rabbi Emeritus of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, President of the Coalition for Jewish Values, former President of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, and the Rabbinic Consultant for the Queens Jewish Link.
