As the Sabbath approaches, Israelis across the country extend wishes for “Shabbat Shalom veSof Shavua Shaket lekulam”—a peaceful Sabbath and a quiet weekend to all—underscoring a shared longing for tranquility in the face of continuous threats. This traditional greeting, simple but profound, resounds with particular significance across Israel in 2024 as citizens adapt to the reality of war imposed by Iranian-backed groups and ongoing instability throughout the region.
The yearning for normalcy is pronounced given the dramatic events of the past year. The October 7, 2023 massacre by Hamas terrorists, cited by Israeli authorities as the deadliest antisemitic attack since the Holocaust, left more than 1,200 Israelis murdered amid scenes of unparalleled brutality and the abduction of hundreds from communities in southern Israel. The horrific details of this atrocity—including executions, sexual violence, and the abduction of children, women, and the elderly—remain fresh in the nation’s consciousness, and the plight of the hostages still held in Gaza continues to dominate headlines and public demonstrations.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have engaged in sustained military operations against Hamas in Gaza and have bolstered defenses along the northern border against Hezbollah’s escalating attacks from Lebanon. The government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, insists that every military maneuver is an act of self-defense necessitated by indiscriminate rocket fire and terror attacks orchestrated by proxies of the Iranian regime. These defensive operations, including the Iron Swords War and reinforced deployments along the northern frontier, are intended to neutralize immediate threats and restore security to civilian populations.
The ongoing hostage crisis remains a critical element in public discourse. Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 assault are universally regarded as innocent victims, forcibly abducted and unlawfully held in defiance of international law. The moral and legal distinction between these hostages and convicted terrorists who may be released in negotiations is actively articulated by Israeli officials—who emphasize the inviolability of civilian life and the state’s obligation to safeguard its citizens. Vigils, solidarity rallies, and support services for affected families—such as trauma counseling and community outreach—are integral aspects of daily life, highlighting Israeli society’s cohesion and determination.
Meanwhile, Iranian-backed Hezbollah increases its hostile activities in the north, resulting in frequent rocket sirens and displacements of border residents. The Houthis in Yemen and IRGC-supported militias in Syria and Iraq further contribute to the climate of instability by targeting Israeli and allied interests throughout the region. Each week, the IDF adapts its tactics to counter multi-front threats using advanced technology, intelligence, and preemptive strategies. Defense officials stress that Israel’s actions strive to minimize harm to noncombatants, despite enemy combatants routinely embedding themselves among civilian populations in violation of international norms.
On the domestic front, everyday life persists under the shadow of conflict. Schools modify routines to account for security concerns, cultural life endures through digital platforms and secure venues, and businesses in technology, tourism, and agriculture continue to adapt, illustrating the resilience of Israel’s economy and workforce. Synagogues and community centers form the backbone of communal solidarity, with prayers routinely offered for the safe return of hostages, the healing of the wounded, and lasting peace. Israeli ingenuity—manifested in rapid wartime innovation and social solidarity—remains a source of national pride and international interest.
Globally, Israeli advocates and Jewish diaspora communities confront a surge of antisemitism and anti-Israel rhetoric, particularly in the West. In response, they have increased efforts to educate, advocate, and mobilize support, emphasizing the unique moral clarity of Israel’s struggle for survival against entities committed to eradicating Jewish statehood. Israeli officials continue to contest efforts to equate Israel’s self-defense with the terror actions of Hamas and Hezbollah, warning that such false symmetry is not only historically inaccurate but dangerously misleading for future regional stability.
Diplomatically, Israel’s leaders persist in engaging allies, particularly the United States and key European partners, to maintain military aid, intelligence cooperation, and political solidarity. Recent addresses at the United Nations highlighted Israel’s position that unchecked Iranian expansionism poses grave risks beyond its borders, calling for enhanced sanctions and collective security arrangements.
As the Sabbath descends, Israelis seek solace in tradition, community, and unwavering hope. The ritual expression of ‘Shabbat Shalom,’ set against the backdrop of conflict, serves as both an invocation of peace and a collective commitment to enduring resilience. The leadership’s resolve, the unity of society, and the determination to advocate for hostages and defend national sovereignty all underscore Israel’s ongoing fight for security and the right to live free from terror.
In the face of persistent threats, the desire for a peaceful Sabbath encapsulates not only a yearning for rest but also the deeper aspirations of a people determined to prevail, to defend the innocent, and to uphold the values that define the only democracy in the Middle East.
