“Still Small Sounds” in Israel: Courage, Comfort, and New Life During War

The First Book of Kings describes how the prophet Elijah is shown a series of overwhelming forces: a great wind that shatters mountains, an earthquake that shakes the earth, and a consuming fire. Yet Scripture says the Lord tells him He is not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire. “After the fire”, Elijah witnesses “a still small sound”.

The passage reminds us that while God stands behind the great and dramatic events of history, His presence is often revealed most clearly in the quiet, human moments. As Israel faces the second week of war, that still small sound can be seen in acts of courage, solidarity, and healing that unfold far from the thunder of the battlefield.

Israel, Now of All Times

In the early hours of Sunday morning, 26 year old Henry Gorfinkel arrived at Ben Gurion Airport from the United States, becoming the first new immigrant to land in Israel since the outbreak of the war with Iran. Rather than postponing his plans, Gorfinkel chose to stick by his decision and press forward, stepping off an El Al flight that arrived via London, and beginning a new life in a country currently under threat.

Gorfinkel, who holds a degree in political science, began his Hebrew studies on the very same day at the Etzion Ulpan in Ra’anana, as part of his integration process. He explained that his decision to immigrate during such a complex moment came from a deep sense of mission and connection to Israel. Some of his family members and friends are already living in the country.

Israel’s Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer welcomed him warmly. “I congratulate Henry on making aliyah during wartime, after a great and determined effort to reach Israel,” the Minister said. “His action symbolizes Zionism, courage, and a great love for Israel. The defeat of our enemies and the bravery of our soldiers will encourage many Jews around the world to make aliyah, and we will work toward that goal.”

Canine Healers

While one young man was beginning a new chapter in Israel, a very different kind of quiet support was taking place inside a hospital in Tel Aviv.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict and national tension, small moments of comfort have taken on special significance. At Assuta Ramat HaHayal Hospital’s hemato-oncology department, a therapy dog named Tobi has been working around the clock alongside medical teams to support patients.

Therapy dogs are specially trained animals that provide emotional support, comfort, and affection to people facing medical, psychological, or social challenges. Their presence can help reduce anxiety and depression while improving the healing process. These dogs undergo specialized training focused on calm behavior, patience with physical contact, strong connection to people, and the ability to function in busy or noisy environments.

“In times like these, Tobi is no less needed, perhaps even more than ever,” said Dr. May Bassoud, the senior physician at the hospital’s hemato- oncology Institute who accompanies the program. “He reminds us that real care is also about moments of connection, presence, and warmth.”

The Tiny Yet Powerful Roar of the Newborn

At another hospital in central Israel, the message of resilience took an even more symbolic form.

At Beilinson Hospital, newborn babies were photographed dressed in white outfits bearing the blue emblem of Operation Lion’s Roar. The image quickly spread online after the hospital shared it in a pointed message directed at Iran’s president.

While @drpezeshkian listens to the sounds of Israeli and American Air Force planes over Tehran, we are listening to the roar of these beautiful babies born at @Beilinson_ENG.

This is our true image of victory. What image do you have to show the world?#Israel #Tehran… pic.twitter.com/hOuIOMHLUU

— Beilinson Hospital (@Beilinson_ENG) March 8, 2026

“While the Iranian president listens to the sounds of Israeli and American Air Force planes over Tehran,” the hospital wrote, “we are listening to the roar of these beautiful babies born here. This is our true image of victory.”

The display of the newborns was intended as a reminder that even in wartime, life continues to sprout, families continue to grow, and the future continues to take shape.

God is in the tiny roar of the Israeli baby born in an underground shelter, as He is in the roar of the aircraft engines fighting evil overseas.