Opinion Help us defend ourselves from death in Ukraine Israel today

As I write these lines, Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian cities and kill innocent civilians, using its own missiles and Iranian drones. Russia's attacks are nothing short of genocide. Their purpose is to terrorize the people of Ukraine, brutalize them, freeze and starve them to death. Russia is committing wanton murder Distinction as a substitute for strategic or military victory on the battlefield.

Israel learns wars with enemies.

Throughout history, Israel has never asked others to fight its wars, even when threatened with annihilation by much larger neighbors.

Similarly, brave Ukrainian men and women are today defending their country and fighting at the front against a brutal enemy, devoid of combat norms or humanity.

The whole world is amazed by the resistance of the people of Ukraine against overwhelming odds.

However, we have now entered a new, far more dangerous phase.

With winter coming, our survival as a sovereign nation depends on containment.

We need help from our friends.

As a Ukrainian and a Jew, I appeal to the leaders and people of Israel: I am not asking you to fight for us, I am begging you to give us the necessary tools to protect our country, our families, our homes, our future.

Most importantly, I ask you to give us air defense systems that will allow us to protect Ukrainian citizens and Ukrainian infrastructure.

Please provide Ukraine with the military equipment its people need to survive against an enemy that does not spare human life.

I would not have asked for this if it were not for Israel's unique ability to provide advanced air defense systems - the same systems that you developed specifically to defend against the Iranian-made drones that Russia uses to kill and injure innocent people in Ukraine. These systems have saved thousands of Israelis in Sderot, Ashkelon, Tel Aviv and other cities They are now desperately needed to save Ukrainian lives in Kyiv, Odessa and elsewhere.

Israel has already generously provided Ukraine with humanitarian aid, such as a field hospital.

We are truly grateful.

I am not naive either, I understand that the issue of military aid to Ukraine is not simple.

But without Israel's support, and without these defense systems - hundreds, if not thousands more Ukrainians could die.

Standing up to thugs is a dangerous act, and I will never ask Israel to risk its security to help Ukraine.

But this war also has direct security implications for Israel.

Iran, which devotes itself to the destruction of Israel, is daily gaining experience on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Helping Ukraine against the Iranian drones will serve Israel both in weakening its main enemy, and in gaining valuable experience in fighting Iranian technology.

More importantly, as a pillar of Western freedom and democracy, Israel must wholeheartedly join the other countries that currently provide vital military support to Ukraine.

I call on Israel to stand by those who cherish life over death - as Judaism places the sanctity of life above all else.

Israel can save hundreds of thousands of lives in Ukraine.

Results of a Russian attack in the city of Kharkiv in Ukraine, photo: Reuters

The world will look back on this terrible war, and remember those who helped - and those who sat on the sidelines.

The defense of Ukraine will symbolize the defense of freedom, life and democracy, while Russia will inevitably be remembered as a symbol of dictatorship, unrestrained aggression and genocide.

I am begging Israel - please remove any semblance of neutrality, and provide Ukraine with the defense systems it needs in its fight for the victory of good over evil.

I am begging Israel to do more than it is doing now, to help save innocent Ukrainian lives.

I am begging Israel to choose humanity, and not to leave doubt for future generations that she stood up and chose to help in the face of the forces of evil.

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