JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David M. Friedman shared an emotional account from a synagogue in central Israel this past Shabbos, describing a young man who spent an extended period in prayer before leaving to join Israeli forces in Lebanon against Hezbollah.

In a social media post, Friedman said the man stood before the Torah ark, pressing his face against the velvet curtain in intense prayer for what he described as nearly half an hour. When he finished, Friedman said, the congregation stood, applauded, and wished him well.

Friedman urged those outside Israel to “try to imagine” daily life there, describing the rush to shelters with children or elderly relatives, the knowledge that loved ones are serving in harm’s way, and the constant threat of attacks on civilians.

“Try to imagine them nonetheless as you pray and let your feelings drive you to seek God’s mercy with even greater intensity,” Friedman wrote, describing prayer as a meaningful contribution from anywhere in the world.

The post comes amid ongoing regional tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

I was in a synagogue last night in the center of Israel. As the prayer service continued, a tall handsome young man stood in front of the Torah Ark, his faced pressed against the velvet curtain, for what seemed like half an hour.

When he finished, I asked why the long and…

— David M Friedman (@DavidM_Friedman) March 29, 2026