Reader's letter

We will celebrate soon. Chanukahwhich commemorates a miraculous victory that occurred in the Land of Israel more than two thousand years ago. Israel's triumph in the war in Gaza was no less extraordinary, and its soldiers were no less heroic than the Maccabees.

The war in Gaza – triggered by the attack of October 7, 2023 – began, according to the Jewish calendar, in Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah and ended, exactly two years later, with the return of the twenty surviving hostages to Israel, on the eve of Shemini Atzeret, the last day of Sukkot, known as Hoshana Rabbah, which, according to our Sages, marks the conclusion of the Divine judgment that began in Rosh Hashana.

It was a day of profound joy for Israel, for the Jewish people, and for all who yearn for peace. Throughout two years of conflict, in Israel and around the world, prayers were offered for the return of the hostages and for an end to the terrorist threat that has dominated Gaza for two decades.

Although terrorism has not been completely eradicated, there was cause for joy: all surviving hostages returned home, and Israel emerged victorious from the most complex war it has ever faced.

It was two years of pain and resistance for the soldiers, the citizens of Israel, and for Jews around the world, who faced an unprecedented wave of antisemitism since World War II.

From the depths of this tragedy, Israel rose, with faith and determination, achieving a historic victory and reshaping the Middle East. As President Donald Trump declared in the Knesset on the day the hostages were returned: “You won. Now it’s time to transform these battlefield victories into the greatest prize: peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”

Israel has proven to be not only the most powerful military force in the region, but also one of the most humane in the world. It won a war fought in the most complex terrorist stronghold ever built and, despite false accusations of genocide, maintained the lowest ratio of civilian to combatant casualties in modern history.

Israel's enemies have striven to distort the truth, portraying terrorists as victims and soldiers as aggressors. The reality is the opposite of what detractors and antisemitic voices seeking to influence public opinion against the Jewish State claim. Far from attacking civilians, Israel has taken extraordinary measures to protect them – even losing hundreds of soldiers to reduce innocent deaths. As John Spencer, director of the Modern War InstituteIn West Point, it was stated: "Israel has done more to prevent harm to civilians than any army in the entire history of urban warfare."

Today, Israel finds itself in a stronger and more secure position than before the massacre of October 7, 2023. Its military strength paves the way for new peace treaties with Arab and Muslim countries seeking protection from the same forces that threaten Israel. This victory could usher in a new era of cooperation and prosperity in the Middle East.

But this achievement came at an immeasurable cost: the horrors of October 7th, the soldiers who fell or were forever scarred, the suffering of the hostages and their families, and the explosion of antisemitism around the world.

During those two years, Israel experienced both failure and glory. It witnessed acts of heroism and solidarity that united the nation through pain, faith, and love of country.

The dedication to rescuing each hostage reflected the very essence of Jewish unity: we are one family. We never abandon any of our own in the hands of the enemy.

This same strength of unity and faith is what we celebrate in our festivities – milestones that recall decisive moments in the history of our people, spanning almost four millennia.

However, the eternal longing of the Jewish people is not for victory in war, but for peace itself, for the day when wars are no longer necessary.

May the ceasefire that has been agreed upon lead to true and lasting peace. As we turn on the lights of ChanukahMay its light dispel all darkness and illuminate the world, so that peace, prosperity, and joy may shine upon Israel and all of humanity.

Chag Chanukah Sameach!