Today marks three years since those awful terrible moments of Oct 7th when as Jewish people around the world celebrated Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah, thousands of terrorists attacked dozens of communities, army outposts, highways and the Nova Festival, killed almost 1,200, maimed and wounded so many more, kidnapped so many others, and started a war which has caused untold suffering.
That same day, we were shaken by the shockwaves of antisemitism flaring up around the world, as the ground shook beneath our feet from the crowds roaring antisemitic chants who marched in big cities around the world, in academic institutions and elsewhere. As we struggled in pain with the terrible grief and evil that had just occurred, to see others gleefully celebrating or remaining silent, was another stab in the heart.
We rallied, we prayed, we gathered, we raised funds, we advocated and over time we gathered back our strength and lifted our heads high, as we realized that although we are watching a terrible moment in history unfolding, we cannot simply be sad and demoralized bystanders. Instead, we began to gather together, strengthen our faith and communities, strengthen Israel and their needs, do more Mitzvos and Prayer, and we resolved to do even more kindness and goodness in the world around us, so that positivity, unity and understanding, will always be what carry us forward, even if at the same time we must forcefully confront the hatred that is out there.
Yes, the world has changed, the pain is still so real, especially for so many who lost loved ones and friends. Sadly, the hatred has not diminished, if anything it has only increased with renewed blood libels and falsehoods which have sadly influenced so many young minds.
Yet as Jewish people, we are guided by the teachings of Judaism and we know that our job is to remember we are here for a mission even if at times it is hard. We must remind ourselves that we are players on a winning team with the goals being making a better world with eventually a world envisioned by the prophets, one of peace, unity and understanding, and a world dedicated to fulfilling G-d's vision for the universe.
Until we get there, we can't yell back or get distracted by every catcall or slur from the stands, because we are here to play and play it as best as we can. Passing the ball to each other, working in unity, to strengthen each other, strengthen the Jewish people everywhere and Israel the eternal Jewish homeland and score another goal of kindness and positive action to better the entire world around us.
So on this day as we reflect in pain and sadness, and honor all those who were killed, we remember that we must continue to be the proud torchbearers of our Jewish values, and even if the going gets tough, this too shall pass.
As we remember all those who were killed, I recall my dear friend Adi Baharav Rabinowitz who visited us many times, who was killed on this fateful day, saving lives in his village of Netiv Hasarah. On the eve of his Yahrziet, I had the honor of sitting with his family who are a part of the community, and sitting with his little three-month-old grandson who bears his name.
Together we sat in the Sukkah, shook the Lulav and Etrog, spoke of unity, hope, sadness and happiness, and listened to the beautiful sounds of a baby laughing, healing everyone with the innocent sounds of joy and happiness.
May his family along with all the other families of all the victims of 10/7 and beyond be comforted among the mourners of Zion & Jerusalem.
Consider taking the time today as you remember and reflect, to do an extra Mitzvah, an extra act of kindness, an extra good deed, wrap Tefillin (stop by Chabad today), study Torah, say a prayer, or whatever Mitzvah or good deed speaks to you.
To our community and everyone who supports our work, through your kindness, we have sent a few hundred thousand dollars to Israel in the last few years, through donations specifically earmarked to help support our efforts, at helping wounded, families of the hostages, safety equipment and gear, children, widows and single mothers, and to people and villages, whose lives were so heavily impacted.
Yizkor, Let us Remember!
Am Yisrael Chai!
Yisroel
P.S Join us on Monday evening Oct 12th as we mark this 3 year anniversary with Barak Morag of Nir Oz, who will share his family's gripping story of Choosing Life.