Reply To: Hakaras HaTov

DY – “Imo Anochi bTzara” has nothing to do with Hakaras HaTov – we Daven for those who are ill, after all, even though their illness has nothing to do with us. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Davening for those who live in Eretz Yisrael in general – and in fact, there’s a whole lot right about doing so.

My original question was specifically with respect to those who put themselves on the line to defend the Am Hashem haYoshev b’Tzion – do we have an additional obligation to have Hakaras HaTov toward them, including Davening specifically for their success and well-being. This would not be the general requirement that we are responsible for all Jews under “Kol Yisrael Avevim Zeh laZeh”, but a more specific requirement that we recognize and acknowledge the good that has specifically been done for us – all Jews who live in or visit Israel. As we have personally benefited from the sacrifices of these individuals, what are our obligations toward them – a general feeling of thanks, or something stronger, such as specifically Davening for them?

an Israeli Yid (currently in the CHU”L, where it’s not yet Shabbos)