Weekly Dvar Torah: “Operation Rising Lion” — The Rebbe’s Spirit Awakens a Nation

There are moments in history when the curtain of reality is drawn back, and G-dly revelation shines forth in unmistakable brilliance. This past week was such a moment. A Divine orchestration unfolded before our eyes — a living expression of Hashgacha Pratis, Divine Providence, sweeping through the Land of Israel, through its leaders, through its people, and through its mission.

Yes, I’ll wear it as a badge of honor if you accuse me of being a fiery, devout Lubavitcher Chossid. But this excitement is not reserved for Chassidim alone. Anyone who dares to believe — anyone who yearns to feel the pulse of Divine destiny unfolding — will understand my emotion, my passion, my trembling joy.

Why am I excited about the recent events in the Israel-Iran conflict?

Because I feel the Rebbe’s presence — powerfully, undeniably. I feel his guiding hand behind the decisions of the Israeli government during these critical days. Not as an abstract inspiration, but as a leader in the trenches, a general leading his army into battle, instilling strength, clarity, and courage.

It began with an unexpected, deeply symbolic moment. A day before Israel launched Operation “Am Kelavi” — Rising Lion, the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, arrived in Israel. A non-Jew and a devout admirer of the Rebbe, Milei has made it his practice to visit the Rebbe’s Ohel in Cambria Heights, NY — just like President Trump and other world leaders who’ve drawn strength from those sacred grounds.

When Milei met Prime Minister Netanyahu, he surprised him with a painting — a depiction of Bibi visiting the Rebbe nearly 35 years ago. This wasn’t just a gift. It became the spark for a conversation that revealed how deeply the Rebbe’s words are etched into Israel’s leadership.

Netanyahu recounted how, as Israel’s UN ambassador, the Rebbe had warned him that he was entering “a house of lies and a house of darkness.” But, the Rebbe added, “One small candle can illuminate the entire room.” That message of unwavering clarity in the face of overwhelming falsehood became Bibi’s anchor. Again and again, he recalled how the Rebbe urged him not to cave to world pressure, to stand firm for Israel’s survival.

That day, it was as if the Rebbe’s spirit had taken center stage in Israel. President Herzog, in welcoming Milei, invoked the Rebbe’s teachings. The Speaker of the Knesset opened his address with a quote from the Rebbe. It was uncanny: a non-Jewish president had brought the Rebbe’s voice roaring back into the heart of Israel — just one day before a mission of existential importance.

And then it happened.

Netanyahu and Milei visited the Kotel together. Bibi, wrapped in a Talis, placed a note in the Wall — a Pasuk from Bilaam’s prophecy: “עָם כְּלָבִיא יָקוּם וְכַאֲרִי יִתְנַשָּׂא” A people that rises like a lioness and lifts itself like a lion.

Just hours later, he declared the start of Operation Rising Lion.

Was this coincidence?

Not if you know Rashi’s comment on this verse: “When the Jewish people awaken in the morning, they rise like lions — eager to perform Mitzvos, to wrap themselves in a Talis…” Bibi didn’t just wrap himself in a Talis for ceremony. He was tapping into the ancient strength of our people. He knew, as the Rebbe always taught, that Jewish power is spiritual power — that the road to victory begins with holiness.

Throughout his speech, Netanyahu repeatedly said, “B’ezrat Hashem Nenatzeiach” — with G-d’s help, we will be victorious. He reminded the world: yes, we have the best army, the best technology — but our success depends on G-d.

As I watched this unfold, my soul was transported back.

Back to 1967. The Six-Day War. The Rebbe launched the Tefillin campaign days before the war, quoting the Talmud that Tefillin strike fear in the hearts of our enemies. The IDF launched a preemptive strike and miraculously tripled Israel’s territory in six days — with far fewer casualties than expected.

Back to 1973. The Yom Kippur War. The Rebbe had been urging months earlier to mobilize children for Torah and Tefillah — because, as Tehillim says, “Out of the mouths of babes, You founded strength.” When Israel was caught off guard, the Rebbe didn’t let us sink into despair. He insisted we focus on Simcha during the holiday of Sukkos, and with that joy, the tide of war turned in Israel’s favor.

Back to 1991. The Gulf War. Saddam Hussein threatened Israel with scud missiles, possibly carrying chemical weapons. The world panicked. The Rebbe declared with prophetic clarity: Israel is the safest place in the world. There would be no need for gas masks, no casualties — and he foretold that the war would end by Purim. And so it was.

And now — in 2025 — two days into Operation Rising Lion, I turn on the weekly JEM Shabbos night broadcast of the Rebbe’s talks. The segment, prepared weeks earlier, just “happens” to feature the Rebbe urging Israel to never wait for an attack, but to preemptively strike when danger threatens Jewish lives.

Is that not divine choreography?

The Rebbe’s fingerprints are everywhere. His voice echoes in the halls of Israeli government. His teachings embolden our leaders. His presence — felt now more than ever — is leading Am Yisrael with the strength of a roaring lion.

This isn’t nostalgia. This is current. This is real. This is now.

We’re watching the Rebbe’s vision come alive. For decades he cried out that world opinion must never override Jewish survival. That hesitation in the face of evil costs Jewish lives. That when we stand strong in Torah and Mitzvos, the miracles will follow.

And now, world leaders are quoting him. Generals are embodying his strength. The Prime Minister is wrapping himself in a Talis. The Rebbe is leading the charge.

So yes — I’m excited. I’m trembling. I’m full of awe.

The Rebbe’s mission is unfolding before our eyes. But this is not the end — it’s only the beginning.

We must take this inspiration and connect. Connect to the Rebbe’s teachings. Wrap ourselves in Mitzvos like a lion in battle. Teach our children. Learn his Torah. Stand proud and fearless.

Because the endgame is clear: the Rebbe’s life mission — to bring Moshiach and true peace to the world — as prophesied by Bilaam, is nearing its fulfillment.

Let’s be a part of it. Let’s rise like lions.

Thank you, Rebbe. For never letting go. For never stopping to lead. For believing in us — and for showing us how to believe in ourselves.

Have a Shabbos of connection to the Rebbe,
Gut Shabbos

Rabbi Yosef Katzman