Thoughts on Our Current War in Iran

Originally Posted: March 6, 2026 - 17 Adar, 5786

Nearly a week has gone by since the attack on Iran by Israel and the United States began. I suspect that many of us have mixed emotions about this operation. Not too many tears have been shed for the death of the Supreme Leader and some 40 other figures in the Iranian leadership in the initial bombing raid by Israel. Khamenei and his leadership have been responsible for thousands of deaths in his own country, for the suppression of the rights and freedoms of his people for nearly 40 years. In addition, Iran has been the primary sponsor of the various terrorist groups surrounding Israel including Hamas, Hizbullah, the Houthis, and others all with the stated goal of eliminating the State of Israel. While it is hard to know exactly how close the Iranians have been toward their goal of developing nuclear weapons, any effort to stop that process is to be applauded.

         At this stage, it is very hard to see whether all of this bombing will lead to a change in the regime in Iran and its policies towards its own people and its neighbors. The Ayatollah is dead, but his followers and supporters in the regime maintain power and still control the country, its people, and its resources. Khamenei is not the only world leader with blood on his hands who might deserve to be eliminated. Among many others, Vladimir Putin comes to mind and unsurprisingly, reports have come out that he is supporting the continuation of the regime in Iran and supplying intelligence to them about U.S. and Israeli bombing targets and such. Bombs are more effective than graggers in blotting out the memory of Amalek, but too many other candidates for that role are standing in line to replace them. When one falls another arises to take his place. There is a limit to what one can achieve through lethal attacks.

         If we are not mourning the obliteration of the Iranian leaders, most of us do feel for the tragic loss of life among the innocents, most notably the victims of the bombing of the Shajare Tayyib Elementary School in Minaj where reportedly 186 students and teachers were killed and 114 injured. Over 1000 Iranians have died in this war including both members of the Revolutionary Guard and innocent civilians. Iran’s retaliation for the assassination of its leaders has led to attacks on many sites in the Persian Gulf area and beyond, a number of casualties in at least four different countries, including the deaths of six American service men serving in the area, and the blocking of the Straits of Hormuz preventing oil tankers’ passage with the consequent raising of worldwide oil prices. The rain of bombs upon Israel was expected and despite the Iron Dome defenses, this too has led to about 10 deaths in Israel and to property damage. Even with their own economic issues, there has been an influx of funds once again from Iran to Hizbullah who have awakened once more to join in the continuing attacks against Israel. This in turn has led to reprisals by Israel in Lebanon leaving 77 dead there. The reports that I have heard are that over 80% of Israelis support this latest war.

While Iran is seen by many in Israel as an existential threat, here in the United States and elsewhere around the world, there is a mixed reaction to this new war. That was reflected by a partisan divide in Congress this week which failed once again to assert its constitutional authority and to limit the administration in its current military operations. After our previous endeavors in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is little stomach by most Americans for getting deeply embroiled in yet another Middle Eastern quagmire. There is some cynicism that this current war may be just another opportunity to mask the many other troubles the administration is facing. There also has been a new conspiracy theory promoted by Tucker Carlson targeting Chabad whom he claims are urging the destruction of Islamic holy places in Israel, a lie that could endanger many of our Jewish friends associated with the Chabad centers around the country and beyond.

         So far, we have not seen a popular uprising in Iran to overthrow the regime as the ayatollahs regroup and choose new leadership. The official position of both Israel and the U.S. seems to be that while we would welcome a free, democratic Iran, other than offering our encouragement, that effort has been left to the people of Iran themselves who understandably are cautious to act too quickly following the brutal response to previous demonstrations in their country.

         We continue to offer our prayers for a swift resolution of this war, for the safety of Israel and of its neighbors, and for the oppressed people of Iran including the vibrant Jewish community of some 9,000 individuals who trace their history back centuries. The Masorti Israel Foundation issued a prayer last week which we read in the synagogue. To summarize it, we prayed that the Holy One might strengthen the hearts of the citizens of Israel living under the threat of missiles and death and grant them fortitude “until the wrath passes.” We prayed that the Almighty might guide the leaders of the country and grant them sound judgment, understanding and wisdom. Also, our prayers went out to the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces that they may be protected from “all injury to body or soul.” Finally, the prayer concluded with a plea for peace and for the oppressed citizens of Iran. Citing Scripture, we prayed that God might “break the yoke from off your neck and…rip off your bonds.” Reflecting on Megillat Esther that we just read this past week on Purim, we prayed that as in the days of Esther and Mordecai, seasons of grief and mourning may be transformed into a season of festive joy. As we concluded, we asked that we might soon witness the fulfillment of the divine promise, “And they shall dwell each one beneath his fig tree, with none to make him tremble, for the Lord God has spoken.”

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Edward Friedman

Apologies for posting late, Admin