Responding to Terrorism

As I write this entry the world is still coming to grips with the horrible terrorist attacks in Paris, France. More than 100 people were brutally murder at locales in and around the great city. In Israel terrorists continue to assault Jews in stores, on streets even in places of prayer. One is tempted to ask, "Is there anywhere that is safe to go? Is anyone - Jew or gentile, religious or not, liberal or conservative - free from the danger of being attacked or killed, G-d forbid." In years gone by, one could tell who the enemy was and where he was likely to be encountered. Nowadays the most innocent looking child standing on a street corner might be wearing a vest-bomb and willingly sacrifice his or her life in the name of "god." How can a Jew live in such a world?

Don't do it alone

In times of fear and uncertainty, banding together as a community is essential. While numbers alone are not a guarantee of safety (ask the survivors of the Parisian soccer game) coming together to support one another, to daven together, to share life together builds the inner strength one needs to go about the daily tasks with a feeling of confidence. Let us not forget that Hashem is with us. Nothing can come against us without G-d's knowledge. Of course we should plan, make appropriate security arrangements, be aware of our surroundings and report suspicious activity to civil authorities. But ultimately it is G-d who rules and watches over His people.

Do not allow fear to keep you from living your life.

If we lock ourselves in our homes and give up doing our daily tasks, the terrorist gain another victory. Will cowering make us safer? Will hiding our Jewish identity bring security? The answer is obvious: Certainly not! I actually heard someone suggest that we have a moral obligation to remove our kipot when we leave the synagogue! What foolishness! Imagine the rejoicing in the terrorists' camp when they see us abandoning our faith, hiding our identity. On the contrary, we should reaffirm our Jewish pride. Wear that kipah everywhere! Continue to perform mitzvot even if doing so makes you "look" Jewish. Go to the supermarket and buy kosher. The very best way to fight back is to keep doing what the Torah tells us to do.

Do an extra mitzvah.

Our rabbis tell us that each mitzvah bring the light of holiness into the world. In this time of darkness the world needs this light all the more. Ladies, light extra candles this Shabbos. Gentlemen, put on tefilin. If you have never laid tefilin before contact your local rabbi to learn how. Give extra tzedakah. Express your love for your fellow Jew. Attend services at your local shul. Have you mezzuzot check to ensure they are kosher. "A tiny light expels much darkness!"


But one might object, isn't all this a bit naïve? What of the impact on my family? Am I not putting them at risk by being so open in a hostile world? As David Ha'melech has written, "Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil. For You (Hashem) are with me!" We must continue to live our lives with confidence and trust in G-d. Whatever may come His Will will be done. Our trust is in Hashem. Our confidence comes from performing His mitzvot. Again to quote from Tehillim, "From whence comes my help? My help comes from the L-rd, Maker of heaven and earth!"


Related links:
How to Talk to your Kids about Paris Attacks
How Jews Respond to Terror (Video)