October 7 was a day that profoundly affected every single Jew in the world. A day that will be remembered in our hearts and never forgotten in our minds until the end of time. As American Jews living outside of Israel, it’s hard to comprehend the collective Israeli experience of the atrocity because, in reality, they lived the day, while we can only read about it and feel its repercussions from a different perspective. Yet at the same time, we understand the meaning of this day and how it has affected—and will continue to affect—the entirety of the Jewish people.
This last week in seminary has been difficult. Just as we are starting to get into the rhythm of our new schedules and lives in Eretz Yisrael, the one thing we’ve been dreading since we got here finally occurred. On Tuesday, October 1, we experienced our first red alert siren in Israel, triggered by the ballistic missile attack from Iran. Although we had warning and knew we would encounter a siren eventually—as is the harsh reality of living in Israel—the experience still came as a shock. A culture shock if nothing else. Reading articles about people sitting in bomb shelters awaiting the green light to leave is nothing like being there yourself, understanding why you’re there, and realizing that this is an everyday occurrence for some living in the more hazardous parts of the state.
Following these events was Rosh Hashanah, Yom HaDin. Here at MMY, Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim, we learned how this year’s Rosh Hashanah looks strange for Am Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael because there was a switch in gender proportions in shul. For a usual year, there are far more men present for tefillah than women. This year however, this is switched because of the number of miluim away from home, fighting for our country. We learned that this means it is now our job to daven not just for ourselves, but for those who cannot this yom tov.
Then, of course, Monday marked the first anniversary of the horrific events of October 7. There was much controversy figuring out which date would be the correct date to commemorate the day—October 7 or Simchat Torah—but it’s apparent that both dates need to be recognized because as Jewish people in a secular world, we must take into account the two conflicting pieces of ourselves. World Mizrachi organized an event for seminary girls to help us understand what this day means. Led by Ariel Chesner of the World Zionist Organization, the commemoration highlighted the struggles of the war effort, the grief of mourners across Israel, and reflections on the day. Ricka Razel and her daughters, Michal and Halleli, performed throughout the event singing zemirot like “Ochila Lakel.” We heard from Shira Perez, whose brother, Captain Daniel Perez, z’l, was killed in battle. She spoke about her brother’s sense of responsibility and obligation to protect the State of Israel. Galia Hoshen and Yifat Ziner shared the legacy of Hadar Hoshen, z’l, Galia’s daughter, who was tragically murdered during the Nova Festival. They spoke of her giving heart and positive attitude, which contributed to her loveable personality. They told us that for many, including themselves, every day is a memorial, not just October 7. Rabbanit Shani Taragin shared wise words of Torah, teaching us about the meaning of Shema that we can learn from Rabbi Akiva’s death. We ended the event singing “Hatikvah” and other songs of hope and love for Am Yisrael.
It was a sad day, commemorating a horrible tragedy. But it also illustrated the strength of the Jewish nation. Only Am Yisrael can pick themselves up and be ready to defend themselves this fast and strong because, unfortunately, we’ve learned from experience. There are no words to express how we are supposed to feel on a day like October 7. No words but Am Yisrael chai. n
Esther Gaon is a graduate of HAFTR High School and is a recipient of the 2024 5TJT Student Journalism Award.
