In this past week's "Schmooze" I expressed to our Talmidim that for the past few days I have often found myself on the verge of tears.
Not out of the fear of what is going on and not because of the sadness of the death of our chayalim, many of whom were ripped from their families in the prime of their lives. I have been crying because I am so proud to be a part of the Jewish people. Since the war began, I have heard stories of great strength and inspiration from all corners.

At Shvilei, I have seen a bunch of young men who in tough economic times raised over $16000 to help other members of their nation in just a few days. The boys were not satisfied with throwing money at a problem but packed bags for the chayalim for hours with tremendous zeal and kavanah. Each package not only had food and clothing but a letter of support from a young man telling the chayal who received the package how proud they were of him and thanking the chayal for protecting them. It was such a beautiful sight. But then the Chayalim who we intended to "Mechazek" were "mechazek" to us!
They spoke to the yeshiva and described how we are actually on the front lines with them through our saying of tehillim, giving us the feeling that although they were protecting us, we in turn were protecting them. They then grabbed the Rosh Yeshiva and described how before they went into combat they sang in a circle "ayn lanu leheshaen ela al avinu shebashamayim" Two non kippah wearing chayalim who are giving a lesson in emunah to a Yeshiva. How can one not be proud to be a part of such a nation – Me KeAmcha Yisrael – Who is like you Nation of Israel?

I cried when I heard the story of a mother whose son was killed by friendly fire telling the President of Israel that she wants to speak with the chayalim that fired the shell. She wants to tell them that she is mochel them (she forgives them) and that they do not have to live with this horrible event on their minds and that they should understand that she does not bear a grudge against them. What inner strength for a mother. What a nation…

I cried when I heard the story of two Rabbanim of the army who the Shabbat before the ground forces went in were discussing whether they should be mechallel Shabbat to go on the bus with their chayalim.They went and took a Sefer Torah with them. They got off the bus and asked the chayalim to pass the Sefer Torah to them and could not understand what was taking so long. They went unto the bus and saw the sefer being passed from Chayal to Chayal – each of them was hugging and kissing the sefer – even those who were not "dati". When the Chayalim got off the bus, one asked for a bracha and the rabbanim offered to bless them with a Bracha that they give their children on Friday night. One after another each chayal asked to receive a bracha until finally they needed to put a talit over the chayalim as we do on Simchat Torah and give a bracha to the group as a whole. Me KeAmcha Yisrael…

I cried when I thought about my community who opened their homes to families from the south who needed a break from the constant sirens. And so on my block a whole house was donated and the community was asked to bring mattresses, pillows toys and the like. On Friday, I went to the house and there was so much stuff there it was like Bnei Yisrael donating to the Mishkan – there was so much Moshe had to say enough. What a beautiful nation…

I cried over all the ads on the radio giving different ways to help the people in the south and the chayalim, but especially when I heard that the people of Sderot after 8 years of receiving help were finally able to give instead of receive and they were doing chesed with the chayalim.

I cried because I am so proud to be a part of this nation, this family. We have such goodness and such strength when we are together and united. My hope and prayer is that we remain a strong and united nation a proud nation even when we are not fighting an enemy.

May Hashem collect all the tears of sorrow and pride of Klal Yisrael and bezchutam bring us a much needed Geulah Bimherah Beyamenu!