Ono Ethiopian Center Director Shares Thoughts on Operation Rising Lion

Rabbi Dr. Sharon Shalom, the founder and director of Ono Academic College’s International Center for Ethiopian Jewry, shared his thoughts about Israel’s Operation Rising Lion to destroy the Iranian Islamic Republic’s Nuclear program whose stated purpose is to destroy the State of Israel.

I once wondered why in the Megila, the ten sons of Haman are read in a single breath during Purim. Now, it’s clear: it mirrors the Book of Esther’s sudden reversal, “v’nahafoch hu,” where Mordechai’s quiet strategy—like that of today’s Mossad—stops Haman’s plot, toppling him in one breath. This isn’t just symbolic; it reflects Israel’s history of rising from a threat with faith and courage—whether during the Exodus, the Holocaust, 1948, or Sudan, where I witnessed redemption firsthand. Yesterday, Iran and its proxies plotted destruction; today, their leaders fall, leaving their media stunned. Israel, a small nation, stands as a global power, its spirit awakened like a lion, as the gentile prophet Balaam foresaw: “A people that rises like a lioness.”

This reading embodies Israel’s strength, creating light from darkness, as God said, “Let there be light.” The greater the threat, the stronger the awakening. May we see this light in defeating our enemies and bringing our soldiers and captives home safely. For now, we need patience and prayer. May it be God’s will to protect the IDF, Shin Bet, Mossad, and all security forces with strength and peace—on the land, air, and sea—for the sake of His people and land. Amen