Love over Fear
The Hebrew word for the number one is אחד (‘Echad’). To unite, or - to become one - is להתאחד (‘Lechitached’).
I learned this word from daily “word of the day” emails sent by my Ulpan (Hebrew) class. This was the word defined on October 8th, the day after hundreds of beautiful lives were mercilessly destroyed. They could have chosen virtually any word to describe what happened, like murder, massacre, hatred, the list is endless. But there was only one word many Israelis knew was the only response that would ensure survival through a living nightmare.
‘To unite.’
I couldn’t make this up if I tried. This is, in it’s purest form, the sentiment of Israeli people.
It’s no coincidence that we just finished Hanukah, the festival of light. It’s maybe the only Jewish holiday that celebrates a military victory and nothing else. Interestingly, it’s not a Torah holiday, but I felt the importance of it more strongly this year. For obvious reasons, like we need more light in the world. But also because it’s a reminder of a belief I hold onto that light will always win over darkness. That justice and truth will prevail. And it’s not just about being victorious. It’s about living a vibrant and pure life that uplifts the world around you. And in the story of Hanukah, the miracle wasn’t just that they won the war despite being vastly outnumbered. The miracle was that they were able to re-purify the Holy Temple with enough oil that lasted for 8 nights, which meant they could still practice their faith and live their vibrant Jewish lives.
The value of human life and the potential inside each individual person is honored in Judaism and ingrained in Israeli culture. For example, everyone is given the opportunity to contribute in the IDF, including people with special needs. Serving in the military uplifts them, gives them a community and purpose. The IDF has every role you can imagine plus tons we would never think of, like army magicians, forecasters, photographers, and so much more. It’s a wonderful display of the miracles that begin to happen when people work together for the greater good. And it’s largely kids. Think about that for a second. The majority of the people on the front lines are ones who haven’t even started their lives yet. 18 and 20-somethings who would much rather be doing anything else with their time. But they serve their country with bravery and pride. It’s unfathomable and yet completely necessary for the country to exist. I’m inspired by them daily, because through all of the terrible circumstances that put them in uniform and took away their daily freedoms, their spirit remains astonishingly, unshakably positive. Israeli soldiers sing and dance and LIVE as wholeheartedly as they possibly can, often as they prepare for dangerous missions with the risk of losing limbs, friends, and even their own lives.
In mid-October, I had a conversation with a family member that struck me. I was in Miami, wavering back and forth between staying in the US or flying back to Israel. My family was worried for my safety. I had many conversations, but this one was different. Without trying to convince me to stay, he genuinely wanted to understand my thought process. He was confused as to why I would even consider going back during a time of war. He said, I know you to be a smart and logical person, and I look at the facts and I can’t understand why someone logical would put themselves at risk. The fact is that Israel is defending itself in a violent war, with no clear end in sight. Why would you even want to go back to that?
It was a valid question. It took me some time to explain to him that my decision to go back is logical. For me, continuing to live my life is the most logical response I can think of. I am not focusing on shielding myself from death. I’m prioritizing LIFE, and living the most full and vibrant one I possibly can. Which, in the beginning of course was not possible in Israel. The entire country was so utterly shocked I think time itself stood still. But it’s life’s inherent nature to persist. So I said yes, you’re right. I’m flying back into a war zone and no one really knows what could happen. But Israel is my chosen home, and I want to be a part of helping rebuild it.
The two weeks following October 7th, I was a wreck. I was (and still am) completely shocked by what unfolded on this unforgettable day. I absorbed so much sadness, anger, and pain from the never-ending horrible stories that I could hardly function. But I had to snap out of it to move forward. I thought about it for a long time, how truly lucky I am to be alive, to not have lost anyone I care about, how many have not been so lucky. I thought about the innocent people who lost their lives in the most horrific ways imaginable, of their broken and grieving families and communities, and I made a decision. I told myself that I will never again take my life for granted. And I will live with as much heart as humanly possible, for myself and for those pure souls who never got the chance to finish living theirs. To me, this is what will ultimately overcome the darkness that has injected its talons into the empty and soulless parts of our world. But like with any disease, I believe we will find a cure.
This is why I chose to come back during a war. The love and support from my family and Miami community sustains me from afar. The immense pride I feel to be Jewish and to live in the only Jewish State in the world fuels me to stand up for what I believe in. And my trust in the power of unity exceeds any fear, anxiety, or worry I once had. I am naturally optimistic, which some might call naive. But I remain hopeful because I firmly believe good will always win over evil, especially when it seems unlikely. Like in the story of Hanukah. Because ultimately, those who are against life itself will inevitably lose far more than those who fiercely nurture, honor, and protect it.
עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי