From a historical perspective it seems likely that the way the world has related to Jews in the past year is a return to "normalcy" and the relatively benign view of us that has dominated public discourse in the past half-century is the aberration.

The yishuv is presently going through one of its most difficult periods. We need plenty of Heaven's mercy. Yishmoel's sword is still gleaming. He has not yet surrendered his age-old weapon. When an individual is in need, he pours his heart out to his Creator. Troubles of the Klal, also happen because HaKodosh Boruch Hu desires their prayers. Reb Yeruchom zt'l, tells us that "the reason for all misfortunes is that they are a means of attaining, `and they cried out' (Shemos 14:10), whereby Hashem's Name is invoked," (Daas Chochmoh Umussar, vol.1 pg.7). Now is such a time, a time for "they cried out," a time for communal prayer.