Israel is at war with a clear goal - to protect and defend its citizens. The operation is critical but difficult and dangerous. While the international community condemns, criticizes and isolates the Jewish nation, young soldiers are forced to risk their lives for the security of the country. Unfortunately to date there have already been a significant number of casualties.

How do we in the Diaspora react? To carry on as normal with an occasional "oy vey" is simply insensitive. How can we remain calm when men and women our age or the ages of our children are in danger? In addition, a threat to the land of Israel is a threat to the Jewish nation. The soldiers are fighting for us as well. Somehow we have to interrupt our daily routine to feel the pain, shed a tear and take this war personally.

But simply crying and feeling pain is insufficient. We must act. We must do something to assist and help the success of the mission. With the right mindset we will understand that we can make a difference even though we are thousands of miles away from the front lines.

Every soldier needs two things - top military training and moral/spiritual support. We cannot provide the former, but we can give the latter. In the battles of Moses and King David every soldier had a designated person who was responsible for praying and learning for him. What it takes is for us to appreciate the infinite value and power of each small thing that we do. Each good deed we do releases a spiritual energy, powerful enough to transcend geographical distance.

We are not on the front lines. But we can help by doing something positive. We can add a mitzvah, say an extra prayer at home or in the synagogue, study some extra Torah, help someone or make up with a neighbor who we don't get on with.

Even the smallest deed will make a difference - let's act now.

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