As Israel marks the grim anniversary of the Hamas Oct 7 attack the nation and the global Jewish community continue to grapple with the aftermath of the horrors that unfolded on that day. Over a year later, the pain remains raw, the wounds still open, and the resilience of the Israeli people is more evident than ever.
President Isaac Herzog, in a heartfelt message, conveyed the profound sense of loss and the ongoing challenges that Israel faces while emphasizing the unity and strength of the Jewish people.
The Tragedy of Oct 7 attack: A Day That Shook the World
On Oct 7 attack, 2023, Israel experienced an unprecedented act of terror when Hamas militants launched a devastating attack on southern Israel. The massacre claimed the lives of more than 1,200 innocent people, with entire families being wiped out, homes destroyed, and a peaceful community plunged into chaos and bloodshed.
In addition to the murders, 250 people were abducted to Gaza, with over 100 hostages still being held captive, 48 of whom have been confirmed dead by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
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President Isaac Herzog’s message captures the magnitude of the tragedy. “A year since our women, our children, our old people, were hunted down in their beds, burned to death, beheaded, raped, and shot,” he said, reflecting on the sheer brutality of the attacks.
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His speech laid bare the horrifying reality faced by the victims and their families, underscoring the fact that the emotional and psychological scars of that day still linger.
The attacks were not only a direct assault on Israel but also a broader symbol of hate and violence directed at the Jewish people. “A year since the gathering of our beautiful young people turned into a scene of carnage, torture, and death,” Herzog continued, describing how what should have been moments of joy and celebration were transformed into tragic memories of unimaginable violence.
Ongoing Pain: Hostages, Families, and a Nation in Grief
As President Isaac Herzog emphasized, the effects of the October 7 attacks have been long-lasting. The pain has not subsided, and for many, it has only intensified as the situation remains unresolved. More than a hundred hostages remain in captivity, facing daily horrors, with families living in a constant state of anguish and uncertainty.
“Our wounds still cannot fully heal because they are ongoing. Because hostages are still being tortured, executed, and dying in captivity,” Herzog said, reminding the world that the trauma of that day extends beyond the lives lost.
The emotional toll on the families of the hostages is immeasurable. Every day they live with the fear of never seeing their loved ones again, trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of grief, fear, and uncertainty.
Herzog acknowledged this unrelenting pain, saying, “Because they and their families are still living in the loss and the terror of October 7 right at these very moments.” The reality is that the people of Israel are still living the aftermath of that terrible day, unable to find closure while so many remain in captivity.
The wider Israeli society has also been deeply affected. Tens of thousands of families have been displaced from their homes, and the impact of the attacks is felt in every corner of the country. Herzog pointed to this, saying, “It is everywhere in our country.” The entire nation has been forced to come to terms with the fragility of life and the persistent threats that loom over their safety.
Global Antisemitism and the Ongoing Threat of Iran
In addition to the deep internal wounds, Israel has faced a surge of global antisemitism in the wake of the October 7 attacks and the subsequent conflict with Hamas.
Herzog highlighted how this disturbing trend has grown, stating, “It is also in the antisemitism that came charging forward throughout the world in the wake of the war with Hamas.” For many in the global Jewish community, the attacks were not just an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of hatred and intolerance.
This rise in antisemitism has manifested itself in various ways, from physical violence to verbal attacks, desecration of Jewish symbols, and threats against Jewish communities worldwide. The ripple effects of the October 7 attacks have been felt across the globe, reminding the world that antisemitism remains a dangerous and persistent issue that demands urgent attention.
President Isaac Herzog also took the opportunity to address the ongoing geopolitical threats that Israel faces, particularly from Iran. On Tuesday, just days before his speech, Iran launched a second aerial attack on Israel, further escalating tensions in the region.
Iran’s aggressive actions, coupled with its support for terror proxies in the Middle East, continue to pose an existential threat to Israel. “It is in the ongoing threat to the Jewish state by Iran and its terror proxies, who are blinded by hatred and bent on the destruction of our one and only Jewish nation-state,” Herzog warned, underscoring the precarious situation that Israel finds itself in.
The president’s words reflect the harsh reality that Israel continues to face, even one year after the attacks. The fear and uncertainty remain palpable, and the threat of further violence looms large. Yet, despite these challenges, the Israeli people continue to stand strong, united by their shared sense of identity and purpose.
Hope for the Future: Unity, Resilience, and a Better Tomorrow
Despite the immense challenges outlined in his speech, President Isaac Herzog struck a note of hope and optimism for the future. He emphasized the resilience of the Jewish people and their ability to rise from the ashes of tragedy, to heal, and to rebuild.
“We are a people with the power to keep standing up again and again against hatred,” Herzog said, reminding the world that the Jewish spirit has always been one of perseverance and strength.
The President Isaac also pointed to the deep sense of solidarity that has emerged from the tragedy, not just within Israel but also among Jewish communities worldwide. Over the past year, the Israeli people have shown incredible resilience and unity, supporting one another through moments of despair and finding strength in their collective identity.
Herzog spoke of “beautiful expressions of love and solidarity” that have emerged in the face of adversity, as people have come together to mourn, to heal, and to look toward a better future.
At the core of President Isaac Herzog’s message was a reaffirmation of Israel’s commitment to peace, even in the face of relentless violence and hatred. “We have not abandoned our deep longing and aspiration for peace with our neighbors,” he said.
This enduring hope for peace is a testament to the Israeli people’s unwavering belief in the possibility of a future free from violence and hatred.
President Isaac Herzog’s message was also one of empowerment and determination. He reassured the global Jewish community that they will continue to stand strong, to rebuild, and to overcome the challenges they face. “We will emerge from this difficult time, and we will overcome the hatred, and we will rebuild,” Herzog affirmed, confident in the knowledge that the Jewish people have the strength to persevere, no matter the odds.
In closing, Herzog paid tribute to the victims of the October 7 attacks, acknowledging the profound loss felt by the entire nation. Yet, in their memory, he also found inspiration for the future. “Inspired by the courage of bravery and the beauty of everyone we lost, we will not stop believing that a better world is possible.”
His words encapsulated a spirit of hope and determination, a belief that even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility of light, and that through unity and resilience, Israel will continue to rise from the ashes.
As the world remembers the tragic events of October 7, 2023, President Isaac Herzog’s message is a reminder that while the wounds of that day may never fully heal, the spirit of the Israeli people remains unbroken.
The earth may still shake, but Israel stands strong, ready to face the future with hope, determination, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of a better tomorrow.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏