With the Israeli death toll in this war reaching 24 in just a few days, many of you may be wondering why Israelis are willing to put up with such a devastating price.

You’ll find the answer in Ruti, a 71-year-old resident of Bnei Brak, whose building was hit by an Iranian missile overnight.

Speaking to Kan 11 News this morning, Ruti said: “I just want to say something to all of Am Yisrael. A lady at my age, 71, with the whole price [we’re paying], it’s worth it, so that we won’t have a nuclear threat from Iran.”

In just a few words, Ruti captured not just the Israeli spirit, but the often tragic nature of Israelis’ existence. Israelis are willing to see it through, despite the unspeakable costs—because we know just what is at stake, and that we don’t have a choice.

And on that note, I’ll leave you with the opening to the song written by Ehud Manor some 40 years ago, Ein Li Eretz Acheret (I Have No Other Country):

I have no other country
Even if my land is burning.