Yom Kippur 1973 and 2013 in Israel

Nadene Goldfoot                                                                      

Tonight is the eve of Yom Kippur the most holy observance in the Jewish religion.  Jews will be attending services tonight and tomorrow.  Israel is about 10 hour ahead of the West Coast of the USA, so it is already being observed right now.

Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke at a Naval Cadet Graduation and said the following about Syria and her use of chemical warfare.

"Not far north of here, dozens and sometimes hundreds of innocent civilians are being slaughtered on a daily basis. Some of them have been killed with gas - chemical weapons. This is a serious crime, a crime against humanity. Now, it must be ensured that the Syrian regime will be disarmed of its chemical weapons and the world needs to make certain that those who use weapons of mass destruction will pay the price for it. 

"The message that Syria receives will be received in Iran. Today, the rule that has guided me in my most of my actions as Prime Minister and which I adhere to very carefully, is perhaps more valid than ever: If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If we are not for ourselves, who will be for us? We are for us. And the practical translation of this rule is that Israel will always be able to defend itself by itself against any threat. President Obama said this morning "Israel, can defend itself with overwhelming force' and this is true. This is the basis of our security." 

With Israel in good hands from G-d and Knesset members and their Armed forces, I wish everyone an easy fast along with a peaceful observance, unlike 1973's Yom Kippur War.  "When the fourth Arab-Israeli war began on October 6, 1973, many of Israel's soldiers were away from their posts observing Yom Kippur (or Day of Atonement), and the Arab armies made impressive advances with their up-to-date Soviet weaponry. Iraqi forces soon joined the war, and Syria received support from Jordan. After several days, Israel was fully mobilized, and the Israel Defense Forces began beating back the Arab gains at a heavy cost to soldiers and equipment. A U.S. airlift of arms aided Israel's cause, but President Richard Nixon (1913-94) delayed the emergency military aid for a week as a tacit signal of U.S. sympathy for Egypt. On October 25, an Egyptian-Israeli cease-fire was secured by the United Nations."

Resource:Embassy of Israel www.israelemb.org

 http://www.history.com/topics/yom-kippur-war