October 7th was a lightning bolt that hit the world. We learned who were the friends and enemies of the Jewish state and the Jewish diaspora. To my horror, I saw what I never dreamed of seeing: systemic Jew hatred and persecution.
I have no social media reach and no expertise. I don't have a clue how many people will even take the time to read this post. But that honestly does not matter to me.
I am but a simple gentile who has sought out anyone and everyone who might appreciate some encouragement and support, along with learning as much as possible as quickly as possible.
I have been listening to Ben Shapiro for several years: my favorite political commentator. His Hebrew prayer live on his podcast that first aired after the October massacre made me weep even though I have no clue what he said to this day. But I do know it felt full of sorrow. I watched his prayer several times. I will never forget it. Music is an international language in itself.
From there, I found Raylan. Minute-by-minute, I am updated on everything happening in cities and towns all the time. I feel I am right there as it's happening. It's not only been a geography lesson for me, but sheds light on how much the Middle East is so full of terrorists that it feels like it's a metastatic cancer that the IDF is constantly trying to stay on top of. Having all of this information makes me respect the IDF so much and at the same time, feel ashamed of my own government for its role in this conflict.
From Raylan, I found Shelley who has systematically ripped open the door to all of the antisemitism coming from the Left. Between her work, listening to Congressional hearings of Ivy League Presidents, and investigative journalists who have exposed the evil ideology of DEI that become today's latest excuse for antisemitism, I understand why the Democrats simply cannot condemn the antisemitic poison in their party: it is because that would require dismantling the DEI infrastructure they have built their empire on. They cannot lose that, even at the cost of Jewish blood.
From Shelley, I found Professor Abrahms, one of the most astute voices in politics I know at least, and expressed in a way I only wish I could without getting overwhelmingly emotional about it. I don't know how he does it.
I have been transported to Israel and found journalists like Eitan along with wonderful organizations like the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who uncover the injustices at the UN/UNRWA, Iran's role and character, cosplaying journalists who are actually Hams terrorists hired by Western media, and other issues that bring me a bird's eye view of all of Israel and what she has to deal with internationally.
I read posts every day from Israeli and American Jewish mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and others whom I will never have the honor to meet. Every day people express anger, frustration, sorrow, fear, requests for prayer, and courage. I learned from these people what living with rockets and missiles flying over your head every day looks like. I barely knew what these weapons were 11 months ago.
I cannot leave out wonderful non-Jews who have advocated for the truth about Israel since this conflict started. People like John Spencer, Douglas Murray, and Mosab Hasan Yosef, along with Christian pastors, podcasters, and other Christians who are vocal in their support for Israel and the Jewish diaspora, and speak out against antisemitism. You may not know they exist or hear of them. But they are speaking out in your defense. My education from everyone I follow, and my personal faith, has given me the information I need to educate others in my social circle about Israel and the specific ways we can support and pray for her.
Today is a tragic day that doesn't need explaining. The pain is indescribable. To anyone who took the time to read this, I want you to know I share in your grief and anger and pray for justice, vindication, victory, and finally, peace.
