Reader's letter

This year, the party of Shemini Atzeret, three weeks after Rosh Hashana, will mark two years since October 7, 2023, when Israel suffered the largest terrorist attack in its history. This massacre—the largest killing of Jews since the Holocaust—triggered an ongoing war on multiple fronts, in which the Israeli population was targeted by thousands of missiles. Soldiers left their families, studies, and jobs to defend the country; hundreds died and thousands were injured.

It also triggered an unprecedented wave of global anti-Semitism. Even before the Israeli military response, crowds marched in several world capitals, condemning Israel and supporting the terrorists, who were portrayed as victims. The level of hostility is reminiscent of Germany in the 1930s, exacerbated by the speed with which fake news and fabricated images spread today.

There's talk of "proportionality" and "diplomacy," but these haven't alleviated the hostages' suffering or saved them, nor have they managed to stop the thousands of missiles launched against Israeli cities from the North, South, East, and West. The toll of war is being very high for Israel's civilian population: sirens echoing into the night; rushing to shelters; prayers for the anti-missile system to intercept the projectiles; and anxiety as we await the discovery of how many lives have been lost. At the center of this confrontation are ordinary people: doctors undergoing procedures and hospitalized patients being taken to basements; mothers carrying babies; fathers trying to calm their children; elderly people—including Holocaust survivors—incredulous at having to, once again, seek shelter from those who wish to exterminate our people, the Jewish People.

Despite the costs of the war—Israel's longest and most difficult—we also experienced miracles. At the beginning of the conflict, the Jewish state fought on seven fronts, surrounded by Iran's "ring of fire." For decades,

Hezbollah's 200 missiles and the Iranian nuclear threat loomed over Israel. The preemptive strike against the regime in Tehran occurred because Israel could no longer afford to wait. Defying expectations, it broke the siege—one by one—and finally neutralized its source. In June, faced with the nuclear threat, it launched "Operation Rising Lion," or the "Twelve-Day War," destroying nuclear power plants, missile launchers, drone factories, and strategic facilities.

Israel achieved a stunning victory: it dominated the skies over Iran, lost no fighter jets, and minimized civilian casualties. It demonstrated its strength to the world, with its excellent intelligence service, elite pilots, and highly capable armed forces. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu attributed the success not only to the bravery of the Israel Defense Forces, but also to Siyata Dishmaya – the “assistance of Heaven.”

Despite the suffering, the war in Gaza, the demonization of Israel, and anti-Semitism in the Diaspora, we end the year with much to be thankful for: to God for His miracles, and to the soldiers for their courage and resilience. October 7, 2023, will never be forgotten. Nothing will ease the pain of those who lost family members or the terrible suffering of the hostages held in inhumane conditions. But from this tragedy, Israel rose like a true "Rising Lion" to confront those who, for decades, plotted its destruction.

For Diaspora Jews, October 7th revealed anti-Semitism at levels not seen since World War II.^a World War. But at that time, the Jewish people were at the mercy of their enemies and the world's indifference. Today, they have a sovereign, resilient, and prosperous state in their eternal homeland.

The dream of Israel and the Jewish people was never to send their children to war, but to live in peace and build a better future. Our ancient wisdom teaches us that light is stronger than darkness, and life is sacred. The dream of all Jews is to have lasting peace in our ancestral home.

This is our wish in this Rosh Hashana: May G-d inscribe us all—Jews in Israel and the Diaspora, and all humanity—for a year of peace. May the forces of evil be defeated, and may we all live in security, peace, and prosperity.

Shaná Tová Umetucá!