News

Two unforgettable events exactly 200 years apart… completely different, yet magically the same. The “hand” of Hashem evident in both. Tremendously meaningful, historically earth-shattering, with deep significance to the Jewish people. We need to thank Hashem for both of these miracles: the establishment of the United States of America on July 4, 1776, and the Entebbe hostage rescue on July 4, 1976.

I have spoken in 500 Jewish communities across the globe and have heard—countless times—the following line: “I will make Aliyah when Moshiach arrives.” Here’s my one question for anyone who thinks that way: Do you really believe that? Let’s take a closer look.

I love chareidim. I love their simple way of life and modest living. I love the large families they have, their uncompromising dedication to Torah, and the respect they show their elders. I love the people they admire, the music they listen to, and the fact that most of them have never heard of Netflix, ESPN, or the Knicks. I love their chesed, their simple vacations, and their non-extravagant weddings.

I am writing this article on an El Al flight back to Israel, having concluded a two-week visit with family and friends. New York – or at least the few parts that I saw – looked the same to me, with one new addition in the frum community that everyone is excited about: the 24-hour “Minyan Factory,” which allows you to daven any time you want. I must admit that these places are extremely convenient, and I davened in the “Non-Stop Minyanim” in the Five Towns and also in the brand-new one in Monticello on St. John Street. From mikvah to Minchah, and from Kaddish to coffee, these places offer everything am Yisrael needs – except one. Women are not welcomed in these minyan factories.

According to the IDF, 340 women have become widows and 780 children have become orphans since the tragic day known simply as “the 7th of October.” While most of us are trying to put the events of that day and its aftermath behind us, these young people cannot. Their lives have changed and will never be the same. 780 children will not have their father to play with, to learn from, or to walk them down the aisle. 340 women lost their soulmate, their best friend, and their partner in life.