- October 24, 2024
- 12:53 am
- Israel
“One year later, we greet Simchat Torah with the memory of the October 7 martyrs and fallen soldiers, with the hope of the return of our kidnapped sisters and brothers.”
Simchat Torah is a holiday that in Jewish tradition symbolizes the joy of completing the annual cycle of reading the Torah.
This year, October 23-24, 2024, Simchat Torah brings not only joy, but also sad memories.
Exactly one year ago, on October 7, 2023, tragedy struck the holiday when Hamas carried out the worst attack on Israel in its history. On this day, many innocent people became victims of massacres on kibbutzim and at the Supernova festival.
Hamas attack and its aftermath
The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 shocked all of Israel. On this day, which coincided with Simchat Torah, the joy of the holiday was cruelly interrupted. Terrorists from Gaza attacked civilians who came to the kibbutzim and gathered at the festival to celebrate this joyful day. The attack killed hundreds of people and took many hostages.
Hypotheses about upcoming strikes on Iran
Today, many experts hypothesize that Israel may retaliate against Iran on the anniversary of the attack. In recent years, Israel has demonstrated the ability to launch surprise and carefully planned strikes against its enemies, making it possible to strike Iran on this particular night. However, the Iranians are aware of this threat and are taking appropriate measures.
“There are fears that it is on this date that Israel’s enemies will try to deliver a “jubilee” blow to the country.”
Simchat Torah and celebration traditions
Despite the tragedy, Simchat Torah remains a holiday of joy and renewal. On this day, the yearly cycle of Torah reading ends and a new one begins. This is a holiday when Jews around the world dance with Torah scrolls, expressing their love for the Creator. In synagogues, the Akafot ceremony is held – seven ceremonial walks with Torahs around the dais in the center of the synagogue. Children also participate in the celebration, carrying lighter Torah scrolls, while adults carry heavier ones.
Simchat Torah symbolizes not only joy, but also the continuation of life. This year, this holiday has acquired special significance, becoming a symbol of memory of the fallen and hope for the future.
New week of mourning in Israel
The week after Simchat Torah, on October 26, Israel will begin a new official day of mourning, dedicated to the memory of the victims of October 7 and the soldiers who died in subsequent battles. From this day on, entertainment events will be banned in the country, national flags will be flown at half-mast, and many establishments, including restaurants and cinemas, will close.
| Day | Event |
|---|---|
| October 23-24, 2024 | Celebrating Simchat Torah |
| October 7, 2023 | Hamas attack on Israel |
| October 26, 2024 | Official day of mourning for the victims of October 7 |
“One year later, we greet Simchat Torah with the memory of the October 7 martyrs and fallen soldiers, with the hope of the return of our kidnapped sisters and brothers.”
Memory of the victims and faith in the future
Today's Simchat Torah symbolizes not only joy and religious tradition, but also the memory of those who died a year ago. In Israel, this holiday is now inextricably linked with the day when Hamas committed a heinous crime. The Israeli army, defending its land and its citizens, continues to fight for the security of the country, and on this day it is important not only to remember the past, but also to hope for a better future.
Every year, the Jewish people celebrate Simchat Torah to emphasize the eternity and continuity of the Torah. We continue to live despite all the difficulties and threats that Israel faces. On this day, it is important to remember that light always defeats darkness, and good always defeats evil.
“Simchat Torah is a holiday of joy, which this year we celebrate with pain, but with faith in the victory of good over evil.”
Conclusion
This year, Simchat Torah brings not only the joy of renewal, but also deep sorrow. We remember the victims of the Hamas attack and at the same time celebrate the eternity of Jewish tradition. This day reminds us that our faith and our traditions are stronger than any threats.
Happy Simchat Torah! Hag Sameach!
