Rabbi's Blog

Dear Friends,

Some say that October 7, 2023, was the most horrific day in Israel's history, Israel's own 9/11. Many of us are reeling from the news and feeling sad or helpless.

Fifty years and one day after the surprise attack of the Yom Kippur War, Israel was once again attacked on a holy day, and once again caught unprepared. But this time the attack came from Hamas, the militant organization controlling Gaza, and most of the victims were civilians. As of last count, about 600 (sadly updated to 1200 on October 10) Israelis have been killed, 2,900 injured, and an unknown number, including elders and children taken hostage into Gaza.  (For news updates, check out The Times of Israel and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.)

Terrorists brutally murdered Israelis in numerous communities in southern Israel, killing innocent people at home, on the street, or in places like an outdoor nature festival for young people at a kibbutz. Israelis as far as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem spent much of the day in bomb shelters as thousands of rockets rained down from Gaza.

I am dedicated to peace, dialogue, and a comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that will provide dignity and fairness to both peoples. However, nothing can justify these cruel and brutal attacks on civilians. The violent ways of Hamas will only draw more violence and deaths in their wake, including of their own civilians. In the end, everyone loses out when militant extremists are in control.

From Israel's side, there will doubtless be a reckoning about leadership, preparedness, and the toll of ongoing civil conflict. But that is down the road. 

How can we support Israel at this time?

• At our Shabbat and Yom Tov Service, we offered several prayers for Israel. Please continue to pray, to give tzedakah to worthy organizations in Israel, and to contact friends and loved ones in Israel to express your support.
• The Jewish Federation of Delaware, with which we partner, will hold a Rally in support of Israel, 6:00pm on Wednesday, October 11th at the Siegel JCC’s Shalom Pavilion in Wilmington. They have also opened a fund to support rebuilding in Israel.
• Thank President Biden for expressing  his support of Israel, and contact elected officials to ask for their support of Israel in this crisis. 

Israelis are resilient, and Israel will pull through. But the trauma and scars will remain, just as they do half a century after the Yom Kippur War. As time goes by there will be more ways to help, and we will share those with the community.  I know these are tough times, but together we can prevail. 

Am Yisrael Chai - the People of Israel Live.

Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan