That very same day, thousands of miles away in Brooklyn, New York, more than 20,000 children and adults gathered on the streets to celebrate the festive day of Lag BaOmer and Jewish unity. In his address to the gathering, the Lubavitcher Rebbe spoke forcefully about the situation in Israel. The Rebbe emphatically declared: “G‑d is guarding them and sending them His blessings and salvation in extraordinary measure. The people of Israel will emerge from the current situation with remarkable success.”
The Rebbe urged the children to do good deeds in the merit of their brethren in Israel, and then, in a strong voice expressing unmistakable confidence and assurance, proceeded to quote G‑d’s blessing and assurance (Leviticus 26:6), “And I will bring peace to the Land, and you will lie down with no one to frighten you . . .” He concluded by saying, “G‑d will extract the Jewish nation from all hardships with His full, open, holy and outstretched hand, and will bring them peace and tranquility . . .”
