It has been a terrible year.
As I write these words, Rosh Hashanah approaches – ushering in the new Jewish year 5785 – and I find myself wanting to wish away the past year’s horror. Yet I know it is indelible. It’s painful to recall the brutality, gleefully and sadistically carried out by Hamas terrorists one year ago. Not since the Holocaust have that many Jews been murdered in a single day.
October 7, 2023, will always be remembered for the ghastly massacre that took the lives of more than 1,200 Israelis and non-Israelis, including at least 35 American citizens, with some 255 people taken hostage, many to die. A year later, at least 97 hostages remain in Gaza, 33 of them believed dead.
It’s painful to remember that crime against humanity – an evil beyond comprehension – that unfolded on Shabbat at the time of Simchat Torah, what should have been a time for rejoicing in the continual renewal of Torah existence.
But it’s also painful to reflect upon the ensuing Palestinian deaths and Israeli destruction in Gaza, now a graveyard for children. It’s painful to consider Israel’s role in creating such hell on earth, this ongoing offense to humanity.
The initial outpouring of sympathy and support for Israel in the wake of October 7 was uplifting. Hundreds of thousands rallied in Washington to stand with Israel following that savage terrorist attack.
“We stand with Israel.”
“Never again.”
“Israel has the right to defend itself.”
Yes, Israel has an unquestionable right to defend itself, indeed must do so. That should go without saying. But these words have too often justified a deadly Israeli military campaign in Gaza that’s devoid of any long-term vision for the future. Indeed over the past decade Israel has launched many operations against Hamas and yet in that time Hamas got stronger not weaker.
December 27, 2008, Operation Cast Lead.
October 2012, Operation Pillar of Defense.
July 2014, Operation Protective Edge.
May 2021, Operation Guardian of the Walls.
And then came October 7 and Israel’s response: Operation Swords of Iron.
“Wipe out, destroy Hamas.”
We’ve heard it again and again and indeed, this war has become the most ferocious, destructive, and malicious of all the Gaza wars. Yet, this year of destruction did not wipe out Hamas. Instead, it killed more than 40,000 mostly noncombatant Palestinians and left more than 2 million homeless, with many at risk of starvation and disease.
We can’t wish away this past year. But with the gates of heaven open at Rosh Hashanah, we can let our prayers ascend, embracing hope for a good inscription in our Book of Life. May prayers in the service of Peace enhance the renewal of Torah existence in the service of Life on the Simchat Torah anniversary of the deadly horror that brought us such a terrible year.
This piece is part of a series of reflections from the J Street community. Read the rest of the reflections here.