The secret is not to fear

 The Secret Is Not To Fear

 

During a week of unintentional downtime following my return from the South Bay Leadership mission to Israel I have spent hours ruminating of the important issues that were highlighted during our war time visit to Israel.  During this time my mind continued to return to a well-known aphorism attributed to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, albeit with a twist.  “The world,” the rabbi said, “is like a narrow bridge, and the main thing is to have no fear at all.”  The statement of the rabbi is easy to say, and even easier to sing, and yet it does not ring entirely true.  This seemingly simple phrase reminds me of the Bene Gesserit mantra found in Dune, that “fear is a mind killer.”  Hebert, however, adds, “Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”  Unlike Rabbi Nachman, the Bene Gesserit realize that fear is an unavoidable human emotion.  Saying don’t have any fear is almost like saying don’t love or even don’t breathe.  It just is not possible.  Yet Herbert reminds us that it is essential that we don’t allow fear to control us and our actions.  I suspect that even Rabbi Nachman would not disagree with this caveat to his seemingly simple adage. 

 

During our visit it quickly became obvious that everyone in Israel is suffering in some way from PTSD.  Just like the events of September 11^th continue to replay in many American’s minds, so too, the horrors of October 7^th have marked everyone, creating a sense of fear and distrust.  It will be something no Israeli, and perhaps no Jew can forget.  The fact that the world already largely seems to be forgetting, ignoring or denying October 7^th just adds to the horror and fear.  It was harrowing for us, even after all these months, to visit the site Nova concert. Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Sderot and Ofakim. 

 

There was, some evidence of the power of fear.  During our stay, one extreme right politician suggested that Israeli Arabs be barred from the El Aksa Mosque during Ramadan (thankfully rejected by the Security Cabinet), while another rejected the importance of the hostages, suggesting that their continuing captivity should not influence government policy.  It is also clear that the far right (especially the messianic Orthodox Zionists, centered in the West Back Settler Movement) will most likely gain votes in a future election.  Some politicians are also playing the blame game, rather than taking responsibility.

 

One strong message we experienced was the call by the families for the government to accept responsibility to bring home the remaining hostages kept by Hamas in Gaza.  Here there was indeed fear, as families worry about the fate of their loved ones, but there also was an embrace of the Jewish respect for life, and our ancient obligation to redeem captives.  For the families, the Israeli government and the IDF were absent on October 7^th, failing in their responsibility to the people living in the border communities, and there was a continuing failure by the Government to work for the hostages’ freedom.  This became especially palpable during our first visit to “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv.  As we left the square we heard an impassioned speech by bereft father, as he demanded that the Government take up their obligation value and seek the freedom of the hostages, reiterating “akshav, akshav – now, now” again and again.

 

I quickly realized, however, that, for the most part, the Israelis we met with were not letting their fear and horror control them, instead they were utilizing these emotions as a call to action for their families, communities and country.   Among some there was even hope for the future, mixed with sadness and fear. They were not blind to the challenges, instead they saw what was needed to be done, where the government was absent, and went to work.  We also saw evidence, especially in the nightlife of Tel Aviv, that many people are working to regain a sense of normality, again rejecting the idea that fear and horror should rule their lives.

 

This movement from fear to positive action was especially visible within individuals and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) with whom we interacted. One moving story of courage was that of Rachel in Ofakim.  Her house was invaded by terrorists, yet she did not give in to fear, and instead offered them tea and cookies.  Amazingly they accepted, and she was able to keep them occupied for many hours until she was rescued.  As to civil society, one NGO, Achim l’Neshek  (Brothers and Sisters in Arms) was especially striking.  Founded as a part of the massive protests against Judicial reform, Achim L’Nesehek following October 3made a dramatic switch.  It, and other NGOs, have identified the many areas where the Government is absent, and has worked to fill in the gaps.  It now provides for families displaced by the violence and supports the IDF with equipment and even meals as necessitated by the massive call-up of reservists (these are but a few of its activities).  Its volunteers even worked to rescue civilians caught up in the violence.  Another NGO, that we visited serves as a forum for the hostages and their families, working tirelessly to support the families, and to call to bring the hostages home.  We also spent a morning packing, cooking and cleaning at a restaurant (Hapundak Shel Jack), which everyday cooks and packs hundreds of meals for the IDF both in the North and in the South.  A task necessitated again by the extraordinary call up of reservists, in numbers that overwhelm the logistical capability of the IDF.

 

Our last evening in Israel, before our very early morning flights (12:45 AM), was particularly moving and inspiring.  We went for Havdalah at the “Hostage Square,” joining more than hundred people, including hostage families, as we said goodbye to Shabbat.  There are services at the square everyday, providing spiritual calm, comfort, connection and support.  Then, we walked to Democracy Square, where there was a massive protest of 10,000 people, demanding that the government take responsibility for their failures, and for the hostages.  To me this was inspiring, as I think it should be even for people who disagree.  It demonstrated the health of Israeli democracy, even after October 7^th.  No where else in the Middle East would such a protest be possible.  It also demonstrated the commitment of thousands of Israelis to stand up to reject fear.  Despite the horror they realized that Rabbi Nachman was right, “the secret is not to fear.”