As Israelis across the country observe Sefirat HaOmer—the ritual counting of days between Passover and Shavuot—the nation anchors itself in an ancient practice symbolizing faith, resilience, and historical continuity amid persistent threats. In 2024, this nightly tradition, derived from Leviticus and rooted in thousands of years of Jewish law, resonates strongly against a backdrop of war imposed by Iranian-backed terror organizations.
Sefirat HaOmer, known as the Counting of the Omer, is performed after nightfall each evening from the second night of Passover until Shavuot, totaling forty-nine days. Individuals recite a blessing, stating the day of the count, and often conclude with a supplication for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem—a central historical and spiritual longing. According to Jewish law, those who forget to count a night refrain from reciting the blessing on subsequent days, emphasizing the value placed on consistency and intentionality.
This year, Israelis are counting the days as families, soldiers, and communities, mindful of the many who are serving on the frontlines or still recovering from the October 7, 2023, massacre by Hamas terrorists—the deadliest antisemitic attack since the Holocaust. That atrocity, which involved the deliberate murder, torture, and abduction of Israeli civilians, continues to shape national consciousness and daily life. As the threat from Hamas in Gaza and other Iranian proxies such as Hezbollah and the Houthis persists, the act of counting the Omer has gained renewed meaning as an affirmation of identity and hope.
While the Omer period has often been marked by somber reflection—recalling historical tragedies like the deaths of Rabbi Akiva’s students—Israelis in 2024 observe it amid real and immediate dangers. Air raid sirens, active-duty deployments, and the plight of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas are constant reminders that Israel’s struggle for security and sovereignty continues against foes seeking its destruction. The IDF, led by Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, remains vigilant at home and on multiple borders, embodying both the traditional resolve forged by millennia of adversity and the modern Israeli spirit of self-defense.
The closing prayer of the Omer observance—”May the Merciful One restore for us the service of the Temple in its place, speedily in our days”—serves as a link between the ancient yearning for Jerusalem’s spiritual center and the present-day reality of a nation defending its right to exist. For many Israelis, the hope for restoration is more than a religious aspiration; it is a refusal to surrender identity and purpose in the face of existential threats. This spiritual practice connects Israeli Jews to their ancestors, the land of Israel, and Jews worldwide, whose nightly prayers reinforce collective solidarity.
Provoked by ongoing rocket attacks and infiltration attempts by terror groups operating from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, Israel’s government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, underscores the existential nature of these threats. The alignment of ancient ritual with the necessity of national defense is palpable: each day’s count is a reminder that survival requires both moral conviction and readiness.
The international community’s response to Israel’s plight has been mixed. Some in Western capitals have expressed solidarity with Israelis under fire, while others accuse Israel of disproportionate force or draw false equivalence between democratic national defense and deliberate acts of terrorism. The reality is clear: Israel faces the orchestrated hostility of the Iranian regime and its network of proxies, each dedicated to undermining Jewish sovereignty and security.
In the context of ongoing war and the humanitarian dilemmas posed by Iranian-backed aggression, Israel continues to balance its commitment to defending civilians with adherence to international law. The distinction between terrorists and their innocent victims—hostages taken by force versus convicted militants released in exchanges—is a moral line Israel refuses to blur. Hamas’s systematic abuse, torture, and abduction of Israeli civilians not only violates legal standards but constitutes crimes against humanity, as documented by international observers and the Israeli government.
Despite these challenges, Israelis persist in their traditions, with Sefirat HaOmer a nightly affirmation that national rejuvenation is possible, even amid violence and adversity. Torah study groups, synagogues, military chaplains, and families alike participate in the counting, expressing faith in ultimate justice and peace. These practices reflect the broader Israeli ethos: the resolve to endure, remember, and hope.
Looking forward, the conclusion of the Omer and the arrival of Shavuot will bring not only a renewed sense of purpose but also a solemn recognition of the sacrifices made for Israel’s survival. In counting the Omer, Israelis affirm their connection to a history that neither violence nor hatred can erase. The continuity of ritual, observed across generations and against all odds, stands as a testament to a people’s unbroken spirit.
