President Shimon Peres on Sunday morning gave the first online class to southern area residents, with schools closed in all areas up to the 40km (24 mile) range from the Gaza border. Some students were present in the President’s Residence to hear Mr. Peres in person and the ‘lecture’ was aired on national television.

Following is a loose translation of a portion of his remarks:
Thanks for coming. The ongoing military operation is a most justifiable mission, perhaps the most justifiable in Israel’s history.

You saw the soldiers today, marching ahead, commanders who are equipped with night-vision equipment. Perhaps via the special equipment, through the darkness, they see light, they see into the future.

It is important to be justified. We are not aggressors, we seek peace — we do not enjoy war. I see their children and my heart aches. First of all, they give them bombs and endanger children without justification. They use the children as a means of fighting and there is absolutely no justification for this.

Israel has exhibited unprecedented restraint. We are not a people seeking war. We discussed and evaluated the decision. We know our army is strong and we can deliver one fatal blow but his is not the way. There are many civilians. This is the dilemma.

The enemy in a way is somewhat misfortunate. Hamas is not a democracy. Iran has two branches, in Lebanon (Hizbullah) and in Gaza (Hamas). There is no justification for the attacks after all, we left Gaza. There is no legitimate target. The elected leader of the Palestinians is Abu Mazen who received 62% of the vote. They betrayed him and went against him.

I am familiar with our state since the first day. I am so proud of the soldiers and the officers, who are not braggers, but modest in their mission. I saw the plan and I can say that until now, there is almost 100% success. It is a war and there will be losses. This too is taken into account. We are proud of the soldiers and the leaders – we have a democracy and we are proud of this – we will return the deterrence power to Israel, which means we will prevent additional wars – the enemy will learn it will not succeed.

We are alone and we must stand alone – in all the wars we emerged the victor and despite this, we want peace and they received everything back like Egypt and Jordan.

Everyone who attacked is a regime or dictatorship and we the defenders are a democracy – we are a logical government and we strive to improve whenever possible, we do make improvements – we are not begging, requesting or asking – we do not hate and with it all, we built a marvelous land, agriculture, industry, high-tech, — showing the world that freedom is not a contradiction for hope and the future.

You are young and I will not be young any more. I wish to tell you one thing — I really hope you believe me – each of you, you have greater potential that you are aware of – never forget this for a second – I say this as a result of personal experience and life experience. At times parents get a bit carried away but in your hearts you must know – you can accomplish great things – do not waste time and opportunity do not push it off – it takes much work and commitment

What is me-bliss, happiness, – a feeling that you give to others – to the community – now with this there is an ego but you are bigger than the ego and you are bigger than the objective. I know the assistance and volunteerism such as seen from Bnei Akiva is done out of love and concern and that is what it is all about.

Do not waste your youth, the good years , learn well – the past, that which is behind us, learn from it not to repeat errors, that is what the past is for – what is the past, open your eyes and reveal the wonders, the nature and its vast opportunities – we are stronger and better than ever. Years ago there were no planes, no phone or internet. Today, there is internet, knowledge and ability to learn about everything. You may call and contact anyone anywhere.

The Jewish people must strive to be a better people. The situation demands increased knowledge — never to be satisfied with what you have – there is a reason we have so many Nobel prize winners. Moshe Rabeinu was a giant giving the world the basis for all knowledge, the 10 Commanders, 169 letters that is the basis for the Jews and the world culture and values. Without this, there is nothing.

Above Moshe there are judges and others, the prophets, who were those who kept us in check – they too stated what no one can say more profoundly such as Amos and Yeshayahu.

They see the future and the values and for us, the past has been so difficult since no matter how much they threatened us, we never abandoned our faith and belief. We know the world can and must be a better place.

I do not wish to get carried away – you must carry the torch and continue this path, as individuals and a group – to learn be curious and try to be charismatic, learn to listen and learn to suggest, learn to work as a team and this is how the nation, small as we are, can achieve greatness – large does not refer to physical but to our accomplishments.

Do not listen to the guns – you have so much – if you do it, there will always be what to remember, you can sleep better, raise families, your children, look them in the eye and know you have something to give over to them, not just something from the past but something for today and the future.

You live in the south, Ashkelon, Beersheva, and Sderot —  you represent a new Israel being built anew – this is the new pioneering spirit today. We never had to endure so many missiles falling indiscriminately – one who fires and does not care must be taught to care because it will become too painful and this is what the IDF mission is about.

This is why the army is at war. A short time ago, I spoke with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi  who explained parents and children alike are volunteering because they do not wish to remain home – -realizing it is a justified war. IF we win, the prize will not be medals, but the ability to live in peace. I hope that this first lesson will penetrate and please listen well. I did not give over theory but I speak from my heart.

He and others say what they have to say but if you believe read and learn, you will find the truth. 0thers are wonderful, with all the shortcomings you can create a great life and you can leave behind more than you revived yourselves.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)