**Title: Lamentation for the Events of "Swords of Iron"**

**Title: Lamentation for the Events of "Swords of Iron"** Simchat Torah – Shemini Atzeret, Our dancing was turned into despondent grief; On this day the fences were breached, [In] the towns of the [Gaza] envelope, Ofakim and Sderot. How was our land humiliated, The land was filled with Hamas, From the Gaza Strip, the source of the evil, From the root of Hamas came poison. How in place of seven hakafot, They fled for their lives for fear of kidnapping, A cruel enemy ignited fires, Murdered, degraded, without letting up. How in place of the Prayer for Rain, My beloved went down to the scented flower beds, Roses were murdered, a desecration of G-d’s name, Do not give a memorial and remembrance to the murderers. How, in the 76th year, There were pillars of smoke, blood and fire, A Jew in hiding, whispering in fear, Instead of the joy of the holy Shabbat. How did the precious children of Zion, Fall into the hands of accursed rapists, The plucked of cheek were given over to the attackers, Our brothers were taken captive by the violent ones. On the day Your name was defiled, Soldiers fought to advance Your great name, Look and see – who is like Your people Israel? Strengthen us and give us courage, and may the redeemer come to Zion. They fought like iron, the beloved brave ones, The gentle souls, guarding from the oppressor, Due to their courage, we have witnessed salvation of worlds, Our stature was straightened, in a generation of redemption. On the day our inheritance was defiled, The bravery of our people was released for publication, Our courageous ones give up their souls in their palms, Our Father, Our King, avenge the vengeance of our brothers. By Your Great Name we are called, The One Who remembers and mentions the covenant of our forefathers, From north and south they rise up to destroy us, But Your covenant remains steadfast for us in our land. The dictators of Persia initiated plots, They sent barrages against those who raised a prayer, They sat in shelters, their eyes hoping, They saw Your miracles, the Awesome One of praise. The wings of spirit, the wings of eagles, We have seen soldiers’ wives, Parents and children bury their loved ones, Strengthen and fortify them, the congregation of heroes. Waves of hate engulf Your world, Oppressors swarm over those who sanctify Your name, They chase Your messengers, those who carry Your flag, May You skip over us with love. Return the hostages, call for freedom for those in captivity, Plant those who have been uprooted with everlasting love, Rehabilitate the wounded, raise up the depressed, Lead Your congregation with kindness and mercy. We give thanks to You for our State, And for our redemption and the salvation of our soul, United lead us upright in our land, Hasten the son of David, our righteous Mashiach.