Thoughts this October 7

I am certain that your inbox, like mine, is filled with emails containing the subject “Remembering October 7.”

It is important to stand up today to declare that October 7, 2023, was the day Hamas slaughtered and kidnapped innocents in Israel while simultaneously launching an assault on free people everywhere.

While we commemorate today, I feel it is impossible to memorialize something that is still ongoing. The battle rages on, thousands of Israelis are displaced, and the hostages have not been freed. For thousands of individuals, October 7 is a specific date that devastated them and their families. For all of us, it changed us and continues to change us. Today is a day to recognize how we have changed and how those changes have changed us.

There have been hurtful and painful changes.

Our faith in the State of Israel to protect its citizens was shaken on October 7. In America, we have learned the truth about some of our supposed friends. We have seen a rise in Jew-hatred and Israel-bashing. The voices opposing us are getting louder while interest in the truth about Israel’s war against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran is hardly mentioned by the mainstream media.

There have also been encouraging changes.

We have witnessed the inspiring heroism of the IDF and the courage of their families. There have been countless tales of valor, final letters of fallen soldiers, and the brave faces shown by the bereaved relatives at military funerals. We have seen the unbelievable resilience of Israeli society as an entire country mobilized to help in ways large and small. We, too, answered the call and responded with generosity, attended rallies, offer prayers, and loudly speak up for Israel and the hostages wherever we can.

Today on October 7, we are grieving, remembering the fallen, reading the reflections, and attending solidarity gatherings. Let’s also be inspired and rededicate ourselves to the steps forward taken during this past year, the inspiration, the growth, and all the goodness.

Today, I know of a number of Torah dedications taking place to commemorate October 7. I think that is such an appropriate and meaningful way to mark this day. Regardless of how religious or secular you are (or think you are), Torah represents the eternity of the Jewish people. On a day which defies easy commemoration, dedicating a Torah scroll – even if you won’t be attending such an event in person - captures everything we hope to remember, grieve, honor, celebrate, fight against, and rededicate ourselves to today.

Today marks the completion of one year since last October 7, but it does not represent the closing of a circle. I shared this story on Rosh Hashanah:

A group of IDF soldiers in the field welcomed a new Torah. It was very moving, with all the soldiers dancing and singing the popular, joyous songs.

Suddenly in the middle of the dancing, a religious soldier got up and said, “I am very moved and excited. I feel that this dancing with the Torah now is closure for me. On Simchat Torah I was forced to stop in the middle of the Hakafot to go out to battle. Now, I am able to close that loop by continuing to dance with the Torah!”

A non-religious soldier suddenly got up and said, “There is no closure here!”

 

A very uncomfortable feeling swept over the group of soldiers. The non-religious soldier continued, “I am not a religious person. I don’t go to shul. In my entire life, I never experienced a Simchat Torah. On Simchat Torah you danced with the Torah and in the middle of Hakafot you left for battle. But I never danced. I never began the Hakafot. Now, we are all dancing together. There is no closure, no closing of a loop here, but rather it is a beginning, opening a new circle now!”

Today, the one-year anniversary of October 7, is a painful day, but it is not, by any means, the closing of the circle. Israel and the Jewish people continue to fight our enemies, and we need to redouble our efforts to help. Here are five ways to support Israel that we have promoted for the past year:

• Stay informed.
• Visit Israel! Stay connected with family and friends in Israel.
• Free them now! Keep the names and stories of the hostages front and center.
• Give generously. Support the JCAB Israel Emergency Fund or other charities.
• Pray. 

Earlier today, I received a text from a Jewish communal professional who was part of my first mission to Israel after 10/7. It powerfully captures what I feel is the essential message for today:

"Thinking of all of you. Am Yisrael Chai. From victims to heroes. Onward…"