On October 7, 2023, thousands of young Israelis danced just meters from the Gaza Strip’s border fence at an event called the “Nova Festival.” It didn’t take long for voices to emerge labeling the festival as “idolatry.” Flashback: On April 29, 2021, tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews in Galilee celebrated the 33rd day of the Omer count between Passover and Shavuot. The event at Mount Meron became Israel’s deadliest civilian tragedy, yet no one called it “idolatry.” In both cases, many lost their lives. What determines when something is deemed divine punishment? The number of deaths? How someone believes, thinks, or dresses? People often rush to judgment, especially when it fits a preconceived narrative.
In early March, a state inquiry held Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu partially responsible for the Meron disaster. Despite numerous safety warnings, the Lag B’Omer celebration was permitted, leading to a stampede that killed 45 participants. Regarding October 7, Netanyahu deflects personal responsibility, sharply criticizing Israeli media amid public discontent with the war cabinet’s handling of the campaign against Hamas. One can sense what to...
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God of Israel has been very patient with His people, whom He has gathered, though two million of them still don’t even acknowledge Him. You seem to (naively) assume that His patience with His people will continue indefinitely. Of course not! Especially as the end of His Salvation History is getting closer, He will steadily purify His people for His Name’s sake.
Two scriptures seem relevant for Nova: ‘This third I will put into the fire, I will refine them like silver and test them like gold’ (Zech 13:9); and ‘for you will know that I have done nothing in it without cause’ (Ezk 14:23). I thought Mt Meron was invisible idol-atry. Men cannot prove it, but God knows what they were after.
Idolatry, is turning ones back on Hashem, and looking to other gods, or people to worship. Possibly, both events qualify ?