Rabbi Cohn’s Thoughts on the 3rd Anniversary of October 7
Today marks the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 war-crime-filled murderous attacks on Israel by Palestinian terrorists, which resulted in the deaths of 1200 Israelis, Americans, and many other nationalities at the hands of Hamas terrorists, Islamic Jihad, and Palestinian mobs on Simchat Torah 5786. The last of the living hostages returned home after over two years of captivity in Gaza last October; the last body of a murdered Israeli was returned home in January of this year. Our thoughts and prayers are with the souls of the murdered, tortured and raped victims of these atrocities, and the families and survivors who have struggled to rebuild their lives in the face of such traumatic and terrible loss.
It is challenging to put into context the awful consequences of this evil invasion of southern Israel, and three years may prove to be inadequate to judge what the ultimate implications will be for Israel and for Jews around the world. In spite of the extraordinary Israeli capacity for resilience the human toll and the impact on Israel's national sense of self and well-being is nearly incalculable. Certainly the results of October 7th have proven disastrous for Gaza and Palestinians in many ways, not least of which is the annihilation of support in Israel for a two-state solution. While much has changed dramatically in three years--war in Iran and Lebanon, US and Arab states in a destructive regional war against Iran and Yemen with global implications, regime change in Syria, settler aggression and even terrorism against Palestinians in the West Bank, an impending election in Israel--the mere facts of the horrific disaster of October 7th remain painful, powerful reminders of the dangers of failing to protect Jews.
It is also a reminder that what ultimately triumphs over adversity is choosing to affirm your own Judaism, and your pride in your Jewish identity, in positive, meaningful ways.
I ask that take a few moments today to remember those who died, and feel solidarity for those who were wounded and those who are working to overcome their trauma.