Solidarity and Spirit: A Song for the Protection of Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently participated in singing a song for the protection of Israel. In a heartfelt expression of support and prayer for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), he showed his deep respect and solidarity with the soldiers. This occasion was not just a political gesture but a very personal one, reflecting his connection to the IDF and Israel’s military history. The prayer sung by Netanyahu, accompanied by the acapella group Kippalive and Ohad Moskowitz, was a tribute to the IDF soldiers, asking for their protection, victory, and success. This act of singing the prayer is a powerful statement of national unity and support for the IDF, emphasizing the soldiers’ sacrifices and the country’s faith in their mission and safety.
Divine Protection and Blessing
The prayer itself is a traditional one for the safety and success of IDF soldiers, invoking divine protection and blessing over them as they defend Israel’s borders and people. It reflects a widespread practice in Jewish communities and among supporters of Israel worldwide to pray for the safety of the IDF soldiers, acknowledging their role in safeguarding the nation’s security and well-being.
Netanyahu’s participation in this prayer, primarily through a public platform like YouTube, reinforces the importance of such prayers within Israeli society and among its leaders while also connecting with a global audience concerned for Israel’s defense and the welfare of its soldiers.
Prayer for Israel Defense Force (IDF) ( תפילה לצבא ההגנה לישראל צְהַל ), is a contemporary prayer composed to seek divine protection and success for soldiers, particularly those serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This prayer is recited in various Jewish communities and gatherings around the world.
While the exact wording can vary slightly between different prayer books and communities, a common version of the prayer is as follows:
Hebrew:
(א) מִי שֶׁבֵּרַךְ אֲבוֹתֵינוּ אַבְרָהָם יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב
(ב) הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אֶת חַיָּלֵי צְבָא הֲגַנָּה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל
(ג) הָעוֹמְדִים עַל מִשְׁמַר אַרְצֵנוּ וְעָרֵי אֱלֹהֵינוּ
(ד) מִגְּבוּל הַלְּבָנוֹן וְעַד מִדְבַּר מִצְרַיִם
(ה) וּמִן הַיָּם הַגָּדוֹל עַד לְבוֹא הָעֲרָבָה בַּיַּבָּשָׁה בָּאֲוִיר וּבַיָּם
(ו) יִתֵּן ה’ אֶת אוֹיְבֵינוּ הַקָּמִים עָלֵינוּ נִגָּפִים לִפְנֵיהֶם
(ז) הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא יִשְׁמֹר וְיַצִּיל אֶת חַיָלֵינוּ מִכָּל צָרָה וְצוּקָה וּמִכָּל נֶגַע וּמַחְלָה
(ח) וְיִשְׁלַח בְּרָכָה וְהַצְלָחָה בְּכָל מַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵיהֶם
(ט) יַדְבֵּר שׂוֹנְאֵינוּ תַּחְתֵּיהֶם וִיעַטְרֵם בְּכֶתֶר יְשׁוּעָה וּבְעֲטֶרֶת נִצָּחוֹן
(י) וִיקֻיַּם בָּהֶם הַכָּתוּב:
(יא) כִּי ה’ אֱלֹהֵיכֶם הַהֹלֵךְ עִמָּכֶם לְהִלָּחֵם לָכֶם עִם אֹיְבֵיכֶם לְהוֹשִׁיעַ אֶתְכֶם
(יב) וְנֹאמַר אָמֵן
English Transliteration:
(א) Mi sheberach avoteinu Avraham, Yitzchak veYaakov
(ב) Hu yevarech et chayalei Tzva Haganah leYisrael
(ג) Ha’omdim al mishmar artzeinu ve’arei Eloheinu
(ד) Migvul haLevanon ve’ad midbar Mitzrayim
(ה) Umin haYam haGadol ad levo haAravah, ba’yabasha, ba’avir, uva’yam
(ו) Yiten Hashem (Adonai) et oyveinu ha’kamim aleinu nigafim lifneihem
(ז) HaKadosh Baruch Hu yishmor veyatzil et chayaleinu mikol tzarah ve’tzukah umikol nega u’machalah
(ח) V’yishlach bracha vehatzlacha bechol ma’aseh yedeihem
(ט) Yadber soneinu tachteihem vi’atrem be’keter yeshu’ah u’ve’ateret nitzachon
(י) Vikuyam bahem hakatuv:
(יא) Ki Hashem (Adonai) Eloheichem ha’holech imachem lehilachem lachem im oyveichem lehoshia etchem
English (Verse by Verse):
(1) May He who blessed our fathers, Avraham, Yitschak and Yaakov
(2) bless the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces,
(3) in their standing guard upon our land and the cities of our God
(4) from the border of the Lebanon to the Wilderness of Egypt
(5) and from the Great Sea to the approach of the Arava – on land, in the air, and in the sea.
(6) May the Lord give our enemies that rise against us plagues in front of them.
(7) May the Holy One, blessed be He, guard and rescue our soldiers from all trouble and distress and from all affliction and illness;
(8) and send blessing and success in all the work of their hands.
(9) May He crush those that hate us below them and crown them with the crown of salvation and with the wreath of victory.
(10) And through them let the verse be fulfilled (Deuteronomy 20:4),
(11) “For it is the Lord, your God, that walks with you to fight for you against your enemies to save you.”
(12) And let us say, Amen.
Note that this is a prayer invoking God’s blessing on the IDF soldiers, asking for their protection, success, and the defeat of their enemies. It draws inspiration from traditional Jewish prayers and biblical motifs but is a modern composition reflecting contemporary concerns and contexts.
RELATED ARTICLES |
For more details on this particular moment and the prayer, you can visit the original articles on United with Israel, Israel Unwired, and FaithPot.
WATCH: Benjamin Netanyahu Sings Heartfelt Prayer for IDF Soldiers’ Protection
United with Israel: https://unitedwithisrael.org/watch-benjamin-netanyahu-sings-heartfelt-prayer-for-idf-soldiers
Netanyahu Stars in Beautiful Video Prayer for IDF Soldiers
Israel Unwired: https://www.israelunwired.com/netanyahu-stars-in-beautiful-video-prayer-for-idf-soldiers
Benjamin Netanyahu Sings Powerful Prayer for Israel Defense Forces
Faith Pot: https://www.faithpot.com/benjamin-netanyahu-singing-prayer
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