Israel’s Operation Rising Lion
On June 12, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalem, accompanied by Argentine President Javier Milei. During the visit, Netanyahu placed a handwritten note between the ancient stones, offering a private prayer to the Almighty. While the contents of the note were not immediately revealed, their powerful significance would soon become clear to the world.
Quoting from the Book of Numbers (23:24), the note read:
“Behold, a people that rises like a lioness and raises itself like a lion…”
Long understood as a prophecy of Israel's spiritual resilience and physical might, this verse soon became the guiding name for Operation Rising Lion (Am KeLavi)—a bold and precise military campaign launched by the Israel Defense Forces just hours later.
The mission struck deep into Iranian territory, targeting nuclear enrichment facilities, missile sites, and military command centers. More than 200 Israeli aircraft participated in the surprise airstrikes. Among the dead were senior Iranian commanders, nuclear scientists, and the head of the Revolutionary Guard Corps. Thank G-d, the operation has been a miraculous success. Strategically, the operation sent a clear message. Spiritually, it tapped into something deeper—something eternal.
The Lion Within: Spiritual Meaning and Prophetic Power
The name Rising Lion is not mere symbolism. The biblical verse from Numbers 23:24 is spoken by Balaam, an anti-Semitic prophet hired to curse the Israelites. Instead, he is divinely compelled to bless them—uttering some of the most powerful words ever spoken about the Jewish people.
Commenting on the words “Behold, a people that rises like a lioness…”, Rashi, Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, the great medieval commentator (Troyes, France 1040–1105), explains:
“When they awaken in the morning, they show the vigor of a lioness and a lion in grasping mitzvot—to don a tallit, recite the Shema, and put on tefillin.”
The Rebbe, Rabbi M.M. Schneerson, taught that this lion-like imagery reflects the indomitable soul of the Jewish people. Though we have wandered in galut (exile) for millenium, we have never been conquered. The lion may crouch, still and silent—but this is not weakness. It is readiness. Exile is an illusion. The Jewish soul is unconquered.
As Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, declared before his imprisonment by the Soviets for his “crime” of keeping Judaism alive in the former Soviet Union:
“Only our bodies were sent into exile. Our souls were not given over into captivity. No one can impose his beliefs upon us, nor coerce us to act contrary to our faith.”
In this light, Operation Rising Lion was not merely a geopolitical maneuver. It was a spiritual statement: Am Yisrael may lie low, but when it rises, it rises with strength, clarity, and purpose—both in the battlefield and in our unity and connection with our Judaism.
Parashat Beha'alotecha: Ancient Lessons for Modern Times
Remarkably, this week's Torah portion—Beha'alotecha—contains strikingly relevant verses about warfare and divine protection.
“When you go to war in your land against an adversary who oppresses you, you shall sound a teru'ah on the trumpets, and you shall be remembered before Hashem your God and be saved from your enemies.” (Numbers 10:9)
Later in the portion, we read: “Whenever the Ark set out, Moses would say: 'Arise, Hashem, and let Your enemies be scattered!'” (Numbers 10:35)
On this verse, Rashi comments: “Those who hate You—these are those who hate Israel. For whoever hates Israel in truth hates the One who spoke and brought the world into being.”
The Torah does not separate military strength from spiritual purpose. On the contrary, it teaches that true protection begins with faith, mitzvot, and unity—and it is this spiritual foundation that empowers our military to achieve even the miraculous.
What Can We Do?
In moments of global tension and national challenge, the Rebbe emphasized that every Jew is a soldier—not only on the physical front, but on the spiritual one. Each mitzvah strengthens our collective soul and spiritual defense.
Here's how we can take action now:
Unite through Torah: Join a Torah Unity Scroll. Every Jew can purchase a letter and become part of a unified spiritual force. See here for: Adult Torahs and Children Torahs.
Pray: Recite Psalms and personal prayers for the safety and healing of Israel and its defenders. See here for a few Psalms.
Give Tzedakah: Support victims of terror and IDF soldiers and the needy in Israel through trusted charities like Colel Chabad.
Check Mezuzahs: Fortify your home with kosher mezuzahs on every doorway. Email: connect@jbnetwork.org for assistance.
Light Shabbat Candles: Bring divine light and peace into your home and the world.
Study Torah: Learning and teaching Torah fuels Jewish continuity and strength. Email torah@jbnetwork.org to join a ten minute study session.
Put on Tefillin: This daily mitzvah is a powerful sign of Jewish connection and divine protection. Email: connect@jbnetwork.org for assistance.
A 2,000-Year-Old Prophecy Comes to Life
The “Rising Lion” is also a symbol of Moshiach, who descends from the tribe of Judah—a tribe traditionally represented by the lion.
In Balaam's prophecy, the image of the lion alludes to Israel's future redemption—a time when the nation will rise in both body and spirit under the leadership of Moshiach.
Moshiach's coming marks a global and spiritual awakening. The Jewish people, like a lion rising from rest, will reclaim their purpose and power, ushering in a new era for all of humanity.
A Midrash recorded over two millennia ago in Yalkut Shimoni 499 seems eerily relevant today:
“In the year when the King Moshiach is revealed, all nations will be in turmoil. The King of Persia (Iran) will challenge the King of Arabia (Saudi Arabia), and the King of Arabia will seek counsel from Aram (a Western superpower). Persia will seek to destroy the world, and the nations will panic. Even Israel will be alarmed. But G-d will say to them: 'My children, do not fear. All I have done, I have done for your sake. When the King Mashiach comes, he will stand on the roof of the Beis HaMikdash and proclaim to Israel, 'Humble ones: The time for your redemption has arrived!'”
Let us take inspiration from Operation Rising Lion—not only in its strategic precision, but in its spiritual call to action. Let us rise like the lion—not just in might, but in mitzvot; not just in strength, but in unity and faith and usher in the ultimate Redemption!
