Last night the Western Wall in Jerusalem was flooded with worshippers as Selichot prayers drew thousands in a powerful show of faith on the eve of Yom Kippur. The sight of men and women, young and old, packed into the plaza was a reminder that patriotism and piety are alive in the heart of Israel even as enemies circle.
Those gathered offered prayers not just for forgiveness but for the safety and return of hostages and for the protection of IDF soldiers facing relentless threats. This was not some abstract ritual; it was a public act of solidarity with families ripped apart by Islamist terror and with the brave troops doing the hard work of defending civilization.
Jerusalem’s authorities treated the High Holiday as a top security priority, with road closures and reinforced checkpoints protecting worshippers and preserving order in a tense region. Our allies in America should take note: when a nation takes care of its own citizens and sacred spaces, that stability is worth supporting—not punishing with political lectures.
Watching those prayers, one can’t help but feel frustration at the double standard in much of the international media and among certain American elites who rush to lecture Israel while softening on its enemies. Patriots understand that backing our democratic friend against terror is not a controversial lifestyle choice but a moral obligation; political posturing from the Left won’t bring a single hostage home.
If you’re an American who values faith, freedom, and courage, the images from the Western Wall should stir you to action. Pray, write to your representatives, support charities that help victims and veterans, and don’t let the media’s fashionable cynicism drown out the simple truth: Israel is fighting for survival and deserves unwavering support.
Selichot is a time-honored tradition of repentance and plea for mercy, and in this fraught moment those ancient prayers took on modern urgency as tens of thousands united for peace and protection. The resilience shown at the Kotel is a rebuke to those who think strength is optional and a testament to the enduring alliance between free peoples who stand against barbarism.
