JERUSALEM – Israeli families across the country welcomed Shabbat and a national holiday this weekend, balancing the solace of tradition with the ongoing realities of conflict following the October 7th massacre, which marked the deadliest single day of antisemitic violence since the Holocaust. In the months since, Israel has remained at war with Iranian-backed terror networks, most prominently Hamas in Gaza, and continues to face hostile threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon and other groups in the region. Against this backdrop, Israelis seek moments of peace, drawing on ancient customs and communal solidarity as they contend with security threats, the trauma of recent atrocities, and the ongoing hostage crisis.
Time-Honored Traditions Under Fire
The arrival of Shabbat and religious holidays has always played a central role in uniting Israeli society, offering a vital reprieve from everyday pressures. This year, however, the rituals are interwoven with caution. Residents heed the instructions of Home Front Command, often holding traditional Sabbath meals in reinforced rooms and scheduling community prayers for the swift return of hostages and the safety of soldiers deployed on multiple fronts. The weekly gathering around the Shabbat table becomes both an act of spiritual resilience and a reflection on a nation under siege.
The National Emergency: October 7th and Its Aftermath
On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists breached Israel’s border, massacring and abducting hundreds of innocent civilians, including children and the elderly, while broadcasting the atrocities to the world. This coordinated assault, unparalleled since the Holocaust in its scope and brutality, launched Israel into a broad campaign of self-defense and counterterror operations. The response, led by Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has targeted Hamas’s infrastructure and operational capabilities in Gaza, with a focus on dismantling terrorist networks while minimizing harm to civilian life. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Israel Katz have reaffirmed that the objective is to restore security and shield Israeli society from ongoing existential threats.
Multiple Fronts and Iranian Incitement
The conflict is not isolated to Gaza alone. Iranian command, primarily executed through proxies such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, maintains pressure on Israel from multiple directions. In the north, Israel’s border communities have faced intermittent rocket fire and attempted infiltrations by Hezbollah militants, resulting in further displacement of residents in affected towns. The government’s posture—endorsed by defense leaders—stresses the obligation and right of self-defense against concerted aggression orchestrated from Tehran.
Ongoing Hostage Crisis and the Call for Justice
Among the greatest challenges facing Israel is the continued captivity of over a hundred hostages seized by Hamas on October 7th. These captives, innocent civilians taken from their homes and communities, remain in Gaza under conditions in violation of international law. National and international advocates tirelessly campaign for their release, highlighting the fundamental moral and legal difference between hostages taken by force and convicted terrorists held in Israeli prisons. Israel’s stance is that hostage releases must be unconditional, and it continues to press for expanded efforts by regional and international actors to achieve this goal.
A Society Responds: Support, Healing, and Faith
Israeli communities have mobilized to aid those most affected by the conflict. Volunteer organizations deliver meals to displaced families, provide psychological support to children and survivors, and ensure that the bereaved are not left to mourn alone. Synagogues host special prayers and vigils; names and stories of the hostages are shared in public ceremonies and throughout Shabbat observances. Mental health professionals and social workers attend to trauma victims, underlining the lingering impact of Hamas’s atrocities—reports and official investigations document executions, sexual violence, mutilations, and other war crimes committed during the attack.
Striving for Normalcy
Despite the constant threats and periodic rocket strikes, Israelis pursue daily routines in the spirit of endurance. Schools function in secure spaces, businesses remain open where possible, and virtual platforms enable remote worship and community gatherings for those unable to attend in person. The wish for a peaceful and quiet weekend echoes among families, even as news alerts remind them of the broader war imposed by Iran and its affiliates.
Diplomatic and Moral Clarity
While Israel continues to face scrutiny from diplomatic and humanitarian forums, the government maintains that its actions are rooted in the right and obligation of self-defense against unprovoked aggression. The October 7th massacre, documented in grim detail by military and independent sources, established beyond doubt the intentions and methods of Hamas—a group that openly calls for Israel’s destruction. Israeli officials consistently reiterate that all military action targets Iranian-backed terrorist infrastructure and does not seek harm to innocents, highlighting Hamas’s use of civilian sites as shields for terrorism. In the broader international context, antisemitic propaganda and incitement against Israel continue to challenge efforts for objective reporting and fair engagement.
History, Identity, and Endurance
The tradition of welcoming Shabbat under threat is not new to the Jewish people. Throughout exile, war, and persecution, communal observance of Sabbath has served as a pillar of continuity and resistance. Today’s Israel, a democracy grounded in those ancient values, recommits itself to preserving both spirit and sovereignty, undeterred by violence or hatred. Religious and civic leaders exhort their communities to uphold hope, unity, and the pursuit of justice even amid uncertainty.
Conclusion: A Prayer for Peace
As Shabbat begins and families gather across Israel, the blessing for a quiet weekend — ‘Shabbat Shalom, Chag Sameach, v’Sof Shavua Shaket LeKulam’ — carries profound and renewed significance. It reflects a nation’s longing for peace, recovery of the abducted, and security for future generations. Through resilience, mutual support, and unwavering faith, Israelis face the challenges ahead, determined that the light of their heritage will not be dimmed by terror.
Tomorrow, when Shabbat ends and daily life resumes, the country will remain vigilant, but equally steadfast in its quest for justice, security, and enduring hope.
