Today marks one year since the war began, forever altering life here in Israel.
On 6 October 2023, I was training for a marathon, planning a trip to Amsterdam, and embracing the Jewish New Year with its festivities, holidays, family time, and joy.
The next day, 7 October 2023, everything came to an abrupt halt with a brutal attack that thrust us into war.
War? What does that even mean?
A year ago, I had no idea.
Now, I can tell you that war is about constant worry, unfathomable loss, heartache, devastation, and disbelief at our new reality. The sound of sirens has become too familiar and the dash to bomb shelters is now muscle memory.
Yet, amidst this turmoil, there are stories of hope, courage, unity, love, and an unwavering belief that we can create something better from this.
Between these two extremes lies a spectrum of experiences. For those of us in central Israel, there are days that feel relatively calm, interspersed with moments when rushing to a bomb shelter becomes routine. There are days filled with confusion and uncertainty, where it’s hard to find the words to express our feelings or envision how to face another day. And there are days filled with joy, gratitude and celebration – a new life born, a wedding, a holiday.
Today, 101 hostages still remain separated from their families – some alive, some tragically killed. Active war escalations persist, with rockets from multiple fronts shattering any semblance of peace. Thousands of families remain displaced, their homes destroyed, struggling to find stability. Countless others grapple with the loss of loved ones, life-altering injuries, and profound trauma.
On a day like this, articulating what we’re experiencing feels almost impossible.
We can’t truly commemorate, because the war isn’t over. We’re trapped in a 7 October loop, with emotions that rise and fall like relentless ocean waves.
But through it all, we cling to hope.
We cultivate resilience within ourselves, our families, and our nation. We reach out with helping hands, listening ears, and warm embraces whenever we can—and we remain open and ready to receive the same in return.
We hold on… for brighter days, for peace, for the safe return of our hostages, and for an end to hatred.
We keep holding on, because we must.
Because we believe in a future where our children will know peace, where the sounds of laughter will drown out the echoes of sirens, and where the strength we’ve found in unity will build a better tomorrow.
We hold on and we pray, not just for ourselves, but for each other.
For Israel. For humanity.
We simply keep holding on.
Am Yisrael Chai 🇮🇱