In this week’s Torah portion, the tribes of Reuven and Gad approach Moses with a request to settle in the land already conquered on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Moses replies expressing his concern: “Your brothers will go to war and you will stay here?!” The two tribes reply with a firm commitment to fight alongside their brothers until the conquest of the entire land is completed – and indeed, this is just what they did.
Today, when our brothers and sisters have been forced to go to war to protect their families from murderous missile attack, we, too, feel the obligation to help out. We can participate by speaking up for Israel in the media and among our friends and acquaintances, contributing material support, and praying, giving Tzedakah and doing an extra Mitzvah on their behalf.
May G-d bless the People of Israel, keep them safe and grant them success!