When the war with Iran began and the airspace over Israel closed, tens of thousands of Israelis were stuck overseas. Even though deadly Iranian ballistic missiles were raining down on Israeli cities, as soon as El Al opened their website, within the first hour, over 60,000 passengers applied to return to Israel as quickly as possible.
Running into the fire when our country is under attack is the purest expression of patriotism that I have ever seen, reminiscent of the song, “Ein li eretz acheret, gam im admati bo’eret – I have no other country, even if the land is burning.”
There is something profoundly spiritual about Israeli patriotism. We are not merely defending a piece of land – we are protecting the eternal inheritance promised to our forefathers. Defending our homeland is not only a patriotic duty, it is a holy mitzvah.
War brings pain, suffering, and fear. But it also reveals the deepest layers of national unity and collective strength. In Israel, patriotism is not just about waving flags or singing anthems – it is about extraordinary acts of bravery and sacrifice. I think of the young soldiers who put their lives on the line so that my children can sleep safely. I think of the mothers who send their sons to Gaza with trembling hearts and tearful prayers. This is patriotism: the quiet, everyday heroism of choosing hope over despair.
As I write this, sirens continue to echo across the country. There is uncertainty in the air, and the weight of loss is heavy. And yet, I would not want to be anywhere else.
