The climax of the Passover story and of the ten plagues is the visit of the Mashchit (the destroyer) to the Egyptian houses to slay their first born. This force, often attributed to the direct intervention of G-d, has occupied my mind during the past month. Starting the night after the War with Iran was initiated, we and millions of Israelis who can, have been sleeping in safe rooms. Often, we are visited several times each night by the Iranian angels of death. Though sleep deprived, we are fortunate to have multilayered defenses against these forces of evil.

In contrast to early predictions, the war against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its radical leaders is not drawing to a quick and successful conclusion. The goal of the 12-day war in June 2025 was to quickly take out Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities and to degrade its capability to launch salvos of 100s of ballistic missiles. This time the stated goals were more grandiose; complete degradation of the nuclear weapons program, destruction of the industries used to manufacture ballistic missiles and regime change.

After four weeks none of these goals have been completely achieved. Intelligence, supplied by the US and Israel, indicates that they have wreaked havoc on Iran’s ability to enrich uranium and construct nuclear bombs. Large percentages of launchers and ballistic missiles have been destroyed. Top Iranian leadership have been killed. Yet the battle continues to rage.

This week has been characterized by successive volleys of one or two ballistic missiles from Iran. Most are aimed at the center of Israel. In tandem, Hezbollah continues to fire rockets and drones at communities in northern Israel. Both strategies keep Israel on edge and perturb lives of millions. Thank G-d, somewhat like the Jews on the night of Pesach, we have our Protectors, the pilots and soldiers of the IDF, the Iron Dome, the Arrow and David’s Sling to intercept incoming projectiles, plus our reinforced safe rooms. Every Jewish life is like a world, and we have suffered losses. Due to our offensive prowess, defense systems and the response of the Home Front, losses have been minimal.

Despite the best efforts of our leaders, according to the IAEA, Iran still possesses nearly 1000 pounds of 60% enriched uranium. If further enriched this is enough fissionable material to make >10 atomic bombs. Iran is still ruled by the IRGC, supporting and supported by the Assembly of Experts and the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. These extreme leaders have attacked every one of their Arab neighbors and Israel with all their conventional weapons. They have upended oil-based economies throughout the globe. There is no reason to believe they would not use nuclear bombs.

The people of Iran have not demonstrated the will or ability to oppose and depose the despotic forces that rule Iran. Thus, regime change soon is unlikely. What is essential is that Israel and the US continue the pressure on this intransigent enemy  to end the threat. When we sit down on the night of Passover, we should remember the great miracle of a group of slaves escaping the servitude of a despotic world power. Miracles are bestowed on those who have the resilience and fortitude to face the challenges they confront. We must continue, with HaShem’s help, to do what we must to maintain our freedom and live in peace. Ken Yehi Razon (May it be His will).

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)