We Should All Be Angry That Jews Were Killed in Israel This Week

I was angry this week. Angry and sad at the same time. There was also a feeling of helplessness, as if there was nothing me or anyone else could do to fix the situation. I suspect many of you felt the same way. 

Two brothers, Hillel and Yagel Yaniv, aged 19 and 21, were gunned down in their car while driving through the Arab village of Huwarrah. There have been fourteen Jews killed in terrorist attacks already in 2023, but this one hit closer to home than ever before. 

The brothers were from Har Bracha, the same Jewish community where our organization is based. The Yaniv family were essentially our neighbors. Some of our staff had met the brothers, and we worked with their father from time to time. 

Not only that, but Huwarrah is a village that our staff drives through every day. My wife and children drive through this town. Hundreds of Jewish Israeli citizens drive through Huwarrah on a daily basis to get from the communities of Har Bracha, Yitzhar, Itamar, and Elon Moreh to virtually anywhere else in Israel. Many commute to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem on a daily basis. Highway 60, the Road of the Patriarchs, goes directly through the Arab village of Huwarrah, which, because parts of it are in Area B, is open to both Palestinian Arabs and Israeli Jews to travel together. 

Hillel and Yaniv were on their way to yeshiva to study Torah on Sunday afternoon, February 26th. When an Arab vehicle caused their car to crash into the median, a terrorist stepped out and executed them at point blank range, before they even had a chance to get out of their vehicle or try to get away. It was a particularly brutal and barbaric murder. 

The next day, many of our staff and volunteers attended the funeral for the brothers at the military cemetery at Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem. I’ve never experienced a more emotional event in my life. Thousands and thousands of people gathered to weep and mourn for their brothers who had perished at the prime of life. I’ll never forget standing amongst my Jewish brothers and sisters, weeping alongside them as Hillel and Yaniv’s siblings and parents eulogized them. 

When will there be enough Jewish blood spilled for the world to be satisfied??

Unfortunately, Yaniv and Hillel’s crime was simply existing as Jews in the land promised to them by God Himself. Nothing else. 

I’ve been working in Israel for the last fifteen years. Never have I felt more angry, helpless, and discouraged. 

I’m angry that two Jewish brothers in their prime of life were gunned down in a brutal act of terrorism. 

I’m angry that instead of responding in love and support, the world chose to focus on a few acts of vandalism committed by a small minority group of Jewish youth who were driven to retaliate because they have lost faith in their country to keep them safe. 

I’m angry that parts of the pro-Israel community chose to focus on condemning these small group of vandals and the Israeli-left even went so far as to raise a million shekels for the Palestinians who were supposedly affected by vandalism. 

(We do not support any acts of violence or vandalism against anyone. The real story of what happened, however, is far different than what the media chose to report.)

I’m also angry, or perhaps I’m more sad, that the Christian community who claims to support Israel has not taken action to unequivocally and unconditionally support Israel’s right to be sovereign in their biblical Heartland. 

There are millions of pro-Israel Christians all over the world. If those millions rose up with one unified voice and gave Israel the strength they need to live and thrive in their homeland, I’m convinced that Israel’s government would begin advancing the issue of sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. 

If you’re reading this, I can assume that you are also angry at the events that have transpired in Israel this week and that you support Israel’s right to be sovereign in their Heartland. 

What can you do? There are three ways you can take action to support Israel today, listed in order of priority (in my estimation): 

1. Come to Judea and Samaria. 
2. Support the Heartland financially. 
3. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

Everyone can pray for Israel (and should). Many can support Israel financially. Coming to Israel, and especially Israel’s Heartland however, is a big commitment, and takes great effort on your part. 

It might be scary, especially if you follow the media when it comes to what is happening here. (Statistically, by the way, you’re still at more risk driving to the airport to catch a flight to Israel than you are when you’re here during your trip.) 

Coming to Judea and Samaria and planting your feet on Israel’s mountains makes a statement to Israel and the world that you believe in the promise God gave to Abraham, that He would give this land to him and his descendants forever. 

Yes, we are angry at the needless loss of life in Israel this week. Let’s turn that righteous anger into actionable steps as together, we stand with Israel. 

I have a challenge for you. Make plans to come to Israel this year, and when you do, make Israel’s Biblical Heartland a part of those plans. 

P.S. If you want to put your feet on the ground in Israel’s Heartland, check out our volunteer programs at https://serveisrael.com/volunteer/. If you’d like to support the work of The Israel Guys, visit https://theisraelguys.com/donate/.