In Times of Fear: What Is Hashem Asking of Us?

Hashem arranged that the United States, the world’s greatest superpower, would stand alongside Israel in confronting one of the most dangerous enemies of our generation. Not together with Britain, France or Germany, but with Israel alone.

And with remarkable timing, during Purim, events unfolded that echo the ancient story itself. Just as Haman once rose against the Jewish people, so too today we face a Persian enemy. And just as then, Hashem guides the outcome.

It is difficult to grasp how unlikely this picture is.

On one side stands the Land of Israel, a tiny point on the world map, just 22,000 square kilometers, home to about 10 million people, the one place in the world where Jews can live as Jews. Our desire is simple: to live quietly and peacefully among the nations.

On the other side stands Iran, a vast country of approximately 1.5 million square kilometers, with over 90 million residents, located 1,700 kilometers away, with no shared border. Surrounded by dozens of countries that share its religion, rich in resources, including about 3% of the world’s oil supply, Iran could have been a thriving economic power.

And yet, its central focus has become the destruction of Israel.

A Deeper Pattern

From a purely logical perspective, this defies reason. Iran could have chosen growth, stability, and prosperity. Instead, it adopted a goal that threatens its own future.

But this, too, reflects a deeper pattern described long ago. As it says in Megillat Esther:
"And all this is worth nothing to me whenever I see Mordechai the Jew" (Esther 5:13).

There is something beyond logic at play. A force that drives hatred without clear cause.

Preparing for Confrontation

Rather than investing its immense potential in development, Iran has poured resources into building a vast missile arsenal aimed at Israel. It has worked to reshape the region, supporting forces like Hezbollah and Hamas, and advancing toward nuclear capability.

And yet, despite these dangers, we continue to witness Hashem’s protection.

Events unfold in ways that cannot be explained by strategy alone. Alliances form. Threats are exposed. Paths open that no one could have predicted.

Who but Hashem could arrange such a reality?

A Constant Promise

We do not have prophets today to tell us exactly how events will unfold. But one truth remains constant, in every generation and every situation:

"Relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews."

Hashem is always guiding history, preparing the path toward redemption.

An ancient Midrash, written more than 1,500 years ago, describes a great war involving Persia at the end of days, one that will shake the world. And it concludes with a message from Hashem:

"My children, do not fear; everything I did, I did only for you..."
(Yalkut Shimoni, Isaiah, Remez 499).

What Is Asked of Us

Hashem is always with us, leading events with precise providence for our good.

And what does Hashem ask in return?

Our hearts.

As it is written:
"And you will return to Hashem your God and listen to His voice, according to all that I command you today" (Devarim 30:2).

Our role is to strengthen our connection. To deepen our love of Hashem, expressed through mitzvot, through Torah, through honoring those who learn it, and through love for Am Yisrael.

A Love That Endures

Hashem calls to us with a promise that has never changed:
"I have loved you, said Hashem… and your eyes will see" (Malachi 1:2–5).

Through that love, we have witnessed great salvations.

And through that same love, we will continue to see them.