Imagine traveling to a land that's more than just a vacation destination. A land that has shaped histories, nurtured faiths, and weathered countless storms. A land that brings the stories in the Bible to life. That's exactly what a group of college students and I did in 2016 when we went on a transformative trip to Israel. But we weren't just sightseeing; we were there to serve the land that has given so much to our faith.

We picked up trash by the Sea of Galilee, visited families who lost someone they dearly loved because of an act of terrorism, and planted trees that would stand as long-lasting tributes to peace and growth.

These were powerful experiences, but nothing struck us as profoundly as our time spent at Kibbutz Nir Am, a community just a half-mile from the Gaza Strip.

Life in the Shadow of Conflict: Kibbutz Nir Am

As we entered the kibbutz, roughly the size of Dodger Stadium, our guide pointed out a concrete structure. "That's a bomb shelter," he said. "You'll see one every 1,000 feet. If a siren goes off, you have 15 seconds to get inside."

Those words changed us. Simple tasks were no longer just that. We were acutely aware, our senses sharpened by the reality that our hosts lived with daily. We planted more trees, started gardens, and painted kindergarten playgrounds.

We met the people of Nir Am and felt an instant connection, a love for these resilient souls living on the edge of conflict. Our hearts ached for them because, at the end of the day, we got to leave. Though, this was the life they choose, the home they love. They stayed, their lives dictated by the proximity of danger. And sure enough, the next day, we heard a report a rocket nearly hit Nir Am.

A Hero Among Us: Inbal Rabin-Lieberman

Just one week ago, the story of Inbal Rabin-Lieberman burst onto the scene, a real-life drama that unfolded amid the continuing strife that engulfs the region. This isn't an old tale dusted off from the annals of history; it's a fresh testament to the indomitable human spirit that thrives even when faced with overwhelming adversity.

Growing up in Kibbutz Nir Am shaped Inbal into the resilient person she is today. Her time in IDF combat roles, coupled with her studies at the Women’s Leadership School, equipped her with the skills she'd later need. Serving as the Military Security Coordinator for the kibbutz, it fell on Inbal to keep her community safe — whether during everyday life or crises — until the IDF or police could step in. The Defense Ministry funds this crucial position, underlining its importance.

Think about it: just seven days ago, Inbal was living her normal life at Kibbutz Nir Am. But "normal" took a drastic turn when Inbal sensed an imminent threat. Her quick decision-making and fearless action have already turned her into a symbol of resilience for her community, if not for all of Israel.

Inbal was the first to realize that something was off, a danger present. The enemy was coming. She ran through the kibbutz like a force of nature, her feet barely touching the ground as she went from house to house, alerting her community of the imminent threat of Hamas terrorists who crossed the border and were on the attack.

Having assembled a group, Inbal led them to the kibbutz's fence. This fence serves as a physical boundary, but on that day, it became a symbol of the community's resilience. The force that stood as watchmen for their community took their positions and prepared for what was already coming. Soon enough, terrorists coming from Gaza attempted to enter Nir Am. All the intruders were stopped, resulting in the deaths of twenty-five militants at the kibbutz fence.

All the intruders were stopped, resulting in the deaths of twenty-five militants at the kibbutz fence, at the boundary of the life they all cherished.

When the dust settled, Kibbutz Nir Am remained standing, against all odds. And it was Inbal - this incredible woman - who had made the difference. Soon, the world will recognize her valor, perhaps bestowing upon her the Israel Prize. But for now, Inbal remains the beating heart of a community that refuses to be broken, a living testament to the enduring spirit of Israel itself.

A Plea for Peace: The Time Is Now

Today, Israel stands at a precarious juncture. The border that once allowed 20,000 Arabs from Gaza to earn their livelihoods in Israel is now sealed. Even within the ranks of the Israeli Defense Forces, Arab Israelis serve alongside their Jewish compatriots, defending a land they love and enjoy freedoms that their brethren across the border can only dream of.

As we stand on the precipice of Israel's incursion into Gaza, we can't help but feel the weight of history behind these moments. Israel has been here before, teetering on the edge of conflict, enveloped by uncertainty.

When the dust settled, Kibbutz Nir Am remained standing, against all odds. This line isn't just a statement about one kibbutz; it encapsulates the enduring spirit of Israel herself.

And yet, look at Israel's history - she remains standing, against all odds. Surrounded by enemies on all sides, Israel has weathered countless storms.

But this isn't just geopolitical luck or mere circumstance. It's a reflection of a deeper story, a narrative that spans two testaments. It's the story of a faithful God who loves a specific people, a God who made a covenant with a man named Abraham. This is a God who has been, and will continue to be, faithful from Genesis to Revelation.

Inbal Rabin-Lieberman's heroism at Kibbutz Nir Am is a single chapter in this ongoing saga, a modern-day echo of that ancient promise. Her actions serve as a tangible reminder that God's covenant endures, even in the darkest hours. She represents the spirit of a nation that, despite being constantly pushed to the brink, refuses to falter.

So as we watch the unfolding events, as we hear about soldiers - Jewish and Arab alike - preparing to defend a country they love, let us not forget to pray for the peace of Israel. Because when we say those words, we're not just offering up a simple prayer; we're acknowledging a millennia-old promise that continues to unfold before our eyes. We're recognizing the enduring strength of a nation and its people, who, just like Kibbutz Nir Am, stand against all odds.

When you bow your heads to pray for the peace of Israel, remember this story and the many like it. It's through these real-life accounts that we grasp the profound resilience of a nation perpetually poised on the brink, yet continually moving forward, against all odds.

While I'm back home, my thoughts often drift to that trip and the incredible people we met. The people who choose to make a life less than a mile from neighbors who vow their death. The students who joined me still reach out, praying for those they met, mourning for a peace that remains elusive. They, like all of us, learned something invaluable: to love a land and its people deeply, and to yearn for its peace fervently.

The Jewish Road is connected to the community of Kibbutz Nir Am. We work with a partner on the ground who has served this community for years. When you donate to the Jewish Road, you are helping us send funds directly to support the growing needs of this community, from basic humanitarian needs like food, clothing, and a safe place to live during the war, to long-term needs like psychological and emotional trauma care. Join us in our effort to love and care for this community, and many others like it.