By Nathan Brown, HDOZ Boger, Rakaz of Young Olimot in Hechalutz

"Our family was destroyed, and this stands on the agenda of our veida. Destroyed and can continue to be destroyed. Between Aktzia and Aktzia there is a pause, and we are not at the end of an extermination but rather between Aktziot. Did we hear this? Did the nation hear this? Has Judaism, Zionism heard this? We need to hear, because they testified about this."

An Aktzia was a Nazi Germany activity, of gathering and exterminating Jews during the Shoah. Yitzhak Tabenkin, after hearing the testimony of those who survived the Warsaw Ghetto rebellion, says that the Jewish people live between the Aktziot. He asks if Judaism, if Zionism has heard the testimony. Full quote in the response.

This is the context in which the Jewish people experienced the most murderous event since the Shoah, last Saturday, October 7th 2023. A reminder, in case we needed one, that we live between the Aktziot, that we are merely living in the pause between them.

An unspeakable tragedy, an unbearable atrocity, an unfathomable failure - and there will be time soon for a full reckoning and accountability. We will learn why Israel's south was abandoned, and the political and military leadership will need to take responsibility.

But also, and this is important to know - a nation mobilised. Mobilised in arms and mobilised in civil society. 130% mobilisation rate to the IDF, the Israelis abroad who have flown back to do reserve duty. Endless volunteering initiatives, blood donations, whatsapp groups, expressions of solidarity from abroad. The Jewish people yearn for peace and a free life in their land, and they know that these dreams do not come without a price.

On a personal level, I'm safe, though furious, scared and devastated. I dread the upcoming weeks, knowing that more blood is going to be spilt, homes and families destroyed. I worry about my friends in reserve duty and pray for their wellbeing. I worry about the Jewish communities abroad, who are discovering that anti-Semitism retains an accepted place amongst so-called 'civilised people'.

יְהֵא שְׁלָמָא רַבָּא מִן שְׁמַיָּא וְחַיִּים עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן

עוֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן

May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and life, upon us and upon all Israel; and say, Amen.

He who makes peace in his high holy places, may he bring peace upon us, and upon all Israel; and say Amen.