Martin H. van den Bergh

This week marked the anniversary of October 7th, the most horrific attack against Israel in its history, and we are still defending ourselves against our enemies both in the south and the north of the country. That day will always be etched in me as I heard the rocket blasts from 6.30 am on that day. I had got up to go to Shul as it was Shabbat, Chag Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Even though we could see trails of the Iron Dome, and once we got into Shul, we had to suspend the services because of sirens, we all tried to keep a sense of normality. Last week, we were reminded that we are still at war as Iran fired 181 rockets at all parts of Israel, and we found ourselves in our safe room as we heard the blasts of the rockets and the defence systems which managed to bring down many of the rockets, and which miraculously did not cause loss of life. Yet, today also reminds us of the 1200 people who were slaughtered on October 7th, over 700 troops who have fallen in battle, and that 101 hostages are still in captivity in the most horrific conditions.

Nevertheless, we still live as normally as possible as exemplified by us keeping Rosh Hashanah just 24 hours after Iran’s attack, even though many of our young men and women had to make their way to their battalions in Lebanon.

And now that we approach Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, we can stand together and gain even more strength from being immersed in our prayers and thoughts as we fast for 25 hours. And above all we can feel a part of Israel and the Jewish People as we also pray for the welfare of our men and women who are defending us in Gaza, Lebanon, Judah and the Shomron, and everywhere where our enemies continue to be a threat. And just as we have been remembering October 7th just a year ago during Rosh Hashanah, we will continue to do so during Yom Kippur. Our prayers of Yom Kippur offer us the opportunity to reconnect with God and they give us comfort in the knowledge that we are a resilient people, and just as we have overcome challenges in the past, we can have confidence that Please God  we will overcome the October 7th attacks.