Har HaMoriah Under Fire: Iran, Geulah, and the Shadows of Gog u’Magog

The Sword Over Our Neck — And the Dawn of Redemption

“Even with a sword upon his neck, a person should never withhold himself from divine mercy.” — Berachot 10a

The skies have darkened over the Land of Israel. Sirens have wailed. Tensions rise as enemies gather at our borders. In the wake of the latest attack from Iran — a bold and open strike across borders — the nation of Israel stands once more on the edge of history. And yet, beneath the fear, beyond the analysis, lies a deeper, more eternal reality: we are living through the footsteps of the Geulah.

Har HaMoriah: The Eye of the Storm, the Heart of the World

There is a reason why all eyes turn, in every generation, to Yerushalayim. And within Yerushalayim, to Har HaBayit. This is not only the geographical center of the Land — it is the spiritual epicenter of creation. The place where Heaven touched Earth. Where the Akeidah took place. Where Yaakov dreamed. Where the Shechinah never departed.

And it is no coincidence that Har HaMoriah is at the center of conflict today. Because it is destined to be the place from which peace, holiness, and truth will one day radiate to the entire world.

“And it shall be at the end of days, the mountain of the House of Hashem shall be established… and all nations shall flow to it.” (Yeshayahu 2:2)

The Shadows of Gog u’Magog

The Navi Yechezkel describes a cataclysmic war — Gog u’Magog — a final confrontation between the forces of darkness and the light of Israel. Many mefarshim describe it not just as a military conflict, but a spiritual upheaval. A test of faith. A purification of the world.

Iran’s brazenness, the alignment of global powers, and the escalating hostility toward Israel may not be mere politics. They may be the pangs of Mashiach, the shaking of the old world before a new one is born.

The Vilna Gaon, in his writings on the Kol HaTor, speaks of the war of Gog u'Magog not necessarily as a single moment but as a process — a chain of events that culminate in the arrival of Mashiach ben David. Perhaps we are not at the conclusion, but we are no doubt within the story.

Faith in the Fire

The Jewish response is not fear. It is faith.

In the face of rockets and drones, our people prepare for Shabbat. In the face of uncertainty, we light candles. In the face of global confusion, we sing “Lecha Dodi” and turn our eyes eastward — toward Har HaMoriah.

“Yerushalayim, mountains surround her, and Hashem surrounds His people.” (Tehillim 125:2)

We are not alone. We are not abandoned. We are in the hands of the same G-d who promised that the light of Zion will never be extinguished.

From Attack to Awakening

This moment — this attack, this escalation — is not random. It is a wake-up call. A reminder that we are living in prophetic times. That the redemption is not an abstract hope — it is unfolding in front of our eyes.

The Jewish response must be not only military strength, but spiritual courage. To return to Har HaMoriah not only in body, but in heart. To reclaim the holiness that belongs there. To build ourselves as vessels of redemption — each mitzvah, each prayer, each act of courage a brick in the Beit HaMikdash.

What Can We Do Now?

Pray — especially at moments of fear. Say Tehillim 121, 130, 20, and 83.
Strengthen emunah — Learn the prophecies of redemption. Teach your children about Geulah as reality, not metaphor.
Elevate Shabbat — Even if war looms, Shabbat brings Hashem’s presence into our homes.
Look to Har HaBayit — Physically or spiritually, return your focus to the Mountain of G-d.

A New Light on Zion

May the fear of today give way to the joy of tomorrow. May the enemies that surround us fall away like the armies of Pharaoh. And may we see the day when Har HaMoriah is not a symbol of conflict, but the shining crown of the world.

“For from Zion will go forth Torah, and the word of Hashem from Yerushalayim.” (Yeshayahu 2:3)

Shabbat Shalom. May it be a Shabbat of peace, protection, and the promise of redemption.