Burning factory in Sderot, which was hit by a rocket from Gaza, 2014

The nation of Israel is under attack. Since Monday afternoon, terrorists in the Gaza strip have fired more than 1,500 rockets at Israel, specifically aiming at cities in an attempt to kill civilians.

The violence started on Monday as Israelis celebrated Jerusalem Day, the annual anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. As thousands of Israelis joyfully marched through the Holy City, clashes broke out as Arabs began throwing rocks and fireworks at police. Shortly after this, Hamas terrorists began firing barrages of rockets at cities across Israel, with greater range and accuracy than in years past.

Millions of Israeli civilians are running to bomb shelters as sirens sound across the country. pic.twitter.com/GD9ikMuTXl

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 12, 2021

Now, millions of Israelis are having to run to bomb shelters as sirens sound across the country. Seven Israelis—including several children—have lost their lives. Israel has responded with operation “Guardian of the Walls;” precise strikes targeting terrorist leaders and their infrastructure. According to the IDF, nearly 100 senior Hamas officials have been neutralized and many munitions and launching sites have been destroyed.

Thankfully, Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system has been able to intercept many of the rockets before they fall on populated areas, with 85–90% effectiveness. However, Hamas has also increased its ability to launch large barrages of rockets which are more difficult to intercept. Israel has approved a ground invasion, and on May 14 there were reports of IDF forces crossing the border. This has not happened, but some reports suggest Israel used the news as a tactic to send Gazan terrorists to their tunnels, which were subsequently heavily bombed.

RIGHT: Hamas rockets fired from Gaza to kill, injure and terrorize civilians across Israel.

LEFT: Israeli Iron Dome interceptors seeking to bring them down.

This is no blurry "cycle of violence." Hamas terrorists are attacking Israeli civilians. We need to stand with them. pic.twitter.com/UkNihQfwdP

— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) May 14, 2021

Coverage of Israel’s response to this violent attack by Hamas has been typical, as in, negative and hate-filled. Despite Israel’s best efforts to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza, the blame for any deaths is put on Israel and not where it belongs: on Hamas, which places rocket launchers, terrorists and munitions in schools and heavily populated areas.

The United States’ response.

US President Biden has said very little about the situation, except to say he had spoken to Prime Minister Netanyahu and hoped the fighting would end soon. The White House has also affirmed US support for Israel in word, yet Jen Psaki, the WH press secretary, said “We also stand against extremism that has inflicted violence on both communities.” Senator Chris Coons tweeted “I also remain concerned about evictions in East Jerusalem, settlement expansion, and home demolitions, unilateral actions that place a two-state solution further out of reach. I urge all parties to exercise restraint and call on Israeli and Palestinian officials to de-escalate tensions.”

The Biden administration has yet to send any aid to Israel, yet this week they notified Congress of their intent to send new aid to the Palestinians to support the peace process. It’s the policies of the Biden Administration unfortunately that appear to be emboldening the Palestinians in their violence. They have restored aid to the Palestinian Authority, cozied up to Iran (which provides weapons and funding to Hamas), and reverted to many of the failed positions of past Presidents.

Read More: Biden's embrace of an anti-Israel agenda.

Our Response

As Israel faces these real threats from terrorism, condemnation from the international community and mainstream media, and wavering support from its most important ally, lovers of Israel must remain steadfast—indeed we must double-down—in our support for the Jewish State.

Start by praying for peace, for the day when “Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; ~ Isaiah 60:18”

Be vocal in your support for Israel. Fight back against the pervasive false narratives about Israel.

And find ways to give to Israel financially. There are organizations that accept donations to give gifts and show love to Israeli soldiers on the frontlines.

Buy Israeli products, especially those from disputed areas (ie Judea & Samaria, Jerusalem and the Golan). Blessed Buy Israel works directly with the families of Judea and Samaria, giving people the opportunity to invest in the restoration of this beautiful land.

“The Lord will give strength to His people, the Lord will bless His people with peace. ~ Psalm 29”