With the US’s involvement in the military action against the Iranian nuclear installations, a sense of relief permeated through us all. This intervention ushered in a moment we had all been eagerly waiting for. The palpable tension and anticipation, reminiscent of the unforgettable remnants of the October 7, fused with the eerily unsettling times of the COVID era. Our nights and days were overtaken by an ominous dread, as we clung to our loved ones, yearning for a return to familiar tranquility.
Then, they started to flood in: the influx of emails, phone calls, and text messages. These messages of hope and solidarity hailed from every corner of the Jewish world. Women who had previously marched side by side, shed tears together, and shown unyielding resolve in the face of adversity, extended their support across borders, reiterating their message loud and clear: You are not forsaken. Our thoughts are with you. Our hearts go out to you. You are remembered in each waking moment.
A glimmer of positivity amidst the turmoil was the opportunity to stay home. Travel was off the table. In-person meetings were abandoned. What we gained instead was the gift of time – time to devote to my children, time to indulge in simple pleasures such as puzzles and crafts with my youngest, time to revel in the cheerful dolphins of joy and friendship that my older children welcomed into our home.
My kitchen brimmed with a medley of snacks and health-conscious food choices. Our home transformed into a sanctuary – buzzing with life, resounding with laughter, and surprisingly, exuding a sense of comfort in these troubled times. A new wave of relief washed over us as the US dipped its toe back into the military pool, repeating actions against Iranian nuclear facilities. We experienced a reprieve once more. However, this time, the air was tinged with something unique.
I found myself constantly reflecting upon this shifting dynamic – this refreshed age-old connection – a deeper bond that spanned throughout Jewish communities regardless of geographical boundaries. I was aware that you, too, were with us in spirit. Your mind traced the trajectory of our local sky, wishing for the imminent dissipation of the ominous threats.
Many of you could relate to our plight, with your own kin in Israel and your summer plans hanging by a thread. The jeopardized future of your children’s camp attendance was a source of anxiety. The amalgamation of your stalwart unity and unfaltering devotion was something we truly appreciated.
In the throes of fear and uncertainty, your words served as pillars of strength for us. We grieve alongside you for the loss of homes and lives. The deep-seated trauma is a wound that refuses to heal. However, in this transient moment – a brief lull in the storm and a precipice before the journey back – I earnestly yearn to keep something else alive in our hearts:the vivacious camaraderie.
The makeshift family that formed amidst adversity, who walked together through the fire. This bond is significant. It cements a memory that won’t be easily forgotten. This memory will reverberate through the annals of time and fortify our unity, not only as a community, but as a beacon of solace, healing, and a wellspring of hope.
Even in such a time of crisis, heartwarming instances of humanity shine through with a healing light. Our interconnectedness evolves into a deeper sense of familial bonds, reminding us that we are not alone. Love often finds its truest expression in the hardest of times and can create a lifeboat to navigate troubled waters.
Born out of shared suffering, fear, and hope, the bond across communities has been forged in the hottest of fires, and like the strongest metals, it is resilient. Our shared experience has resulted in a kinship that transcends mere national borders and has made us one family, even as we are spread across the globe.
Even as we hope for healing – for a return to a semblance of normal life – we know that hope is not enough. The trauma of loss and fear lingers in the air, a phantom pain. But if we can remember that we’re not alone, that we’re a part of something larger – a global family – then we do not merely survive but grow stronger.
Our strength comes from our shared experiences and the steadfast faith that we are not alone. While losses are devastating and can leave a lasting impact, the collective support pouring in from all quarters brings solace. In a time filled with despair, your words and actions continue to offer strength, hope, and solidarity we deeply cherish.
In the grand tapestry of our shared history, this era will be marked as a phase of formidable challenges and simultaneous unity. The bonds that were formed and strengthened during this time are invaluable. Undoubtedly, these threads of unity, compassion, and collective strength will continue to reinforce our resiliency, serve as a beacon of hope and catalyze healing for times to come.