As the sun sets across Israel, signaling the arrival of Shabbat, the nation once again enters its weekly period of rest in a climate marked by high alert and ongoing conflict. The customary greeting ‘Shabbat Shalom’—wishing peace and calm—resonates with deeper meaning in a country defending itself against relentless attacks by Iranian-backed terror organizations, notably Hamas and Hezbollah.
The security situation remains tense in all regions. In the wake of the October 7, 2023 massacre—the deadliest antisemitic atrocity since the Holocaust—Israeli society continues to bear the weight of war. On that day, Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israeli communities bordering Gaza, committing indiscriminate killings, abductions, and brutal acts against civilians. The scale and savagery of the attack fundamentally shifted Israel’s national priorities, with the defense establishment reinforcing positions along all borders and redoubling efforts to deter further acts of terrorism.
The Israel Defense Forces, under the command of Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, are on high alert at multiple fronts, conducting precision strikes on Hamas strongholds in Gaza and monitoring northern border activity from Hezbollah in Lebanon. Additional vigilance is directed toward threats emerging from Iran-backed groups in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, reflecting the broader regional war imposed on Israel by Tehran’s strategy of proxy aggression. Israeli missile-defense assets, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow-3, remain deployed to counter ongoing rocket and drone launches targeting population centers. Every weekend, especially Shabbat, sees citizens preparing both for traditional observance and potential emergency alerts.
The hostage crisis remains at the forefront of public consciousness. Since October 7, dozens of Israelis—men, women, and children—remain forcibly held in Gaza. Israeli authorities insist that these hostages are innocent victims, in sharp moral and legal distinction from terrorists convicted in Israeli courts and occasionally released in asymmetric exchanges. The government continues diplomatic and covert efforts to secure the safe return of all abducted individuals, amid persistent calls from civil society and international actors for increased pressure on Hamas.
Inside Israeli communities, the rhythm of life adapts to war. Shabbat, though traditionally a time of familial gathering and rest, is often observed under the specter of conflict. Families light candles and recite prayers for the safety of soldiers and the swift return of hostages. Volunteers mobilize to support displaced residents from northern and southern regions affected by rocket fire and border incursions. Medical and psychological services operate at heightened capacity, dealing with both physical injuries and trauma recovery.
The ongoing war has redoubled Israel’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and population. Military and political leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, reiterate Israel’s right and responsibility to defend its citizens against terror—a position anchored in international law and supported by credible evidence of Hamas’s and Hezbollah’s explicit calls for Israel’s destruction. As the world watches, Israeli officials emphasize transparency in military operations, highlighting unprecedented measures to warn Gaza residents ahead of strikes and to facilitate humanitarian aid, despite the persistent strategy of Hamas to embed military assets among civilians in violation of international norms.
Throughout the conflict, Israel balances the urgent demands of war with its humanitarian obligations and commitment to democratic principles. The country’s standing with allies—especially the United States under President Donald Trump—remains robust. Strategic cooperation continues, encompassing intelligence-sharing and defensive support essential to countering Iranian-backed threats throughout the region. Meanwhile, Israel confronts rising antisemitism in global discourse, frequently combating misinformation and efforts to delegitimize its actions or erode the historical narrative of the war.
Each Shabbat, Israeli resilience is on display—not only on military fronts but in the social fabric that unites diverse communities under strain. Civilian response and volunteerism reflect a society determined to uphold normalcy and mutual support even in the shadow of an existential fight. Public spaces, community centers, and synagogues serve not just as places of worship and assembly, but as logistical and emotional hubs for those directly affected by violence.
For the broader global audience, the weekly wish for ‘a quiet weekend for all’ underlines both the specificity of Israel’s struggle and its universal longing for peace. Israelis understand their war is not a conflict of choice, but the byproduct of relentless jihadi hostility supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its terror proxies. The clear distinction between a sovereign democracy defending itself and militant organizations dedicated to its eradication is reaffirmed by the unceasing effort to protect civilians on all sides, wherever possible.
As this Shabbat begins, Israel’s defense and emergency services remain at the ready. Families mark the day as best they can amid uncertainty. The collective prayer is for safety, for the return of all hostages, and for genuine peace rooted in the defeat of terror. Shabbat Shalom—a hope for calm, an expression of endurance, and a testament to a society committed to survival and moral clarity in the midst of ongoing war.
