Hear O Israel

Sh’ma Yis’ra’eil, Hear O Israel:

We loved you, because you were the plucky underdog, building a nation in the desert. We wished you well, because over the centuries, so many had wished you ill.

After generations of persecution, of horrors beyond belief, we wished for you what we wish ourselves: peace. We wished you what you wished for: “Rain to your land, the early and the late rains, that you may gather in your grain, your wine and your oil.” “Grass in your fields for your cattle.”

Sh’ma Yis’ra’eil, Hear O Israel:

These things cannot be bought with missiles. These cannot be won with the deaths of children.

You will win this war. You have the power, the strength to extinguish those who stand in your path.

What you will also win for your children and their children and their children is the opposite of peace.

You will bequeath them fear, anger, terror. They will inherit sleepless nights.

Those you have bereaved won’t turn the other cheek. Those you have made homeless will not forsake revenge.

Sh’ma Yis’ra'eil, Hear O Israel:

We wish you peace. We wish you life. Don’t take them from others.

Y’hei sh’lama raba min sh’maya v’chayim aleinu v’al kol yis’ra’eil.

V’im’ru: Amein.

May there be abundant peace from Heaven and life upon us and upon all Israel.

Now say: Amein.

Oseh shalom bim’romav hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu v’al kol Yis’ra’eil.

V’im’ru: Amein

He Who makes peace in His heights, may He make peace, upon us and upon all Israel.

Now say: Amein.