Dateline Jerusalem — For the last week, Israel has been inundated by hundreds of Arab arsonist-perpetrated fires which spread due to dry weather conditions. Sixty percent of the fires were deemed arson. Thirty-seven Israeli Arabs and Palestinians were arrested for arson, a crime of terror, according to the Israeli government — the latest form of intifada against Israel. Many arsonists admitted to setting the fires. Some actually were caught in the act by security cameras. In Haifa, an Arab terrorist was caught trying to burn down a fire station!
The skies throughout Israel were gray, brown and black with choking smoke. Red, yellow, and orange flames swept throughout. Even with the windows in my apartment closed, the smell of smoke permeated it. I do not even live near the fire ravaged areas. Dry weather conditions and winds spread the fires and smoke throughout the country. Our once beautiful clear blue skies were gone.
What do Israelis do when almost 100,000 people had to be evacuated from their homes? They respond as they do when attacked by missiles and rockets. Israelis opened their homes to the homeless, provided clothing, food and shelter to strangers. Israelis always come together in times of need. Most importantly, Israelis prayed. They prayed for rain — and for the safety and security of their fellow Israelis. G-d heard their prayers.
Not only do we now have rain, but only 133 people were injured, mostly from smoke inhalation. No fatalities. We were saved from a much more devastating situation. The skies opened up. Rain has come down in a deluge with lightning and thunder. But no one is singing “Rain, rain, go away, come again another day.” Rain is a welcome sight since it is flushing away the flames, smoke and soot from the fires that burned 32,000 acres in Israel.
Statistics might not seem daunting, but considering the tiny size of Israel in comparison to states in America and other countries, these fires have definitely taken a toll. For example, The State of Israel can fit into California 19 times. Therefore, 32,000 acres multiplied by 19 would be equivalent to 608,000 acres burning in California. In 2014, for example, 8,000 fires amounted to less than 600,000 acres burned in California. Therefore, the magnitude of damage done to the land of Israel is really a lot greater than it seems.
L’hitraot. Shachar