I have no insightful or comforting thoughts to offer. Israel is now fighting a two-front war against Hamas in Gaza and against Hezbollah in Lebanon. I was happy to see today’s NYTimes editorial emphasize that Israel is “acting justifiably in the face of aggression” and recognize that it’s incredibly diffcult to conduct a military operation without risking civilian casualities.

Today is Shivah Asar Be-Tammuz, a Jewish fast day commemorating (among other things) the Roman siege of Jerusalem. It also begins the three-week-long mourning period ending with Tishah Be’av. As it has many times before, this day shall witness yet another war in Israel.

May our prayer and repentance today bring a swift end to the fighting and the safe return of Israel’s captured soldiers.