Israel Remembers October 7, 2023—And So Should We

There is much to share with you about what has been happening in Israel. But I’ve decided to start with this short post about events of the past week.

High Alert in Israel

This year the nation was on high alert throughout the High Holy Days, particularly for Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles). For those of you who don’t know, October 7, 2023, fell on the eighth-day celebration concluding the Sukkot festival period—a day Jewish tradition associates with a special closeness between God and Israel. Interestingly, many commentators believe that this was the day on which Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, he should come to me and drink” (John 7:37).

According to news reports, many terrorist attacks were indeed averted. However the one that received the most attention was the miraculous averting of disaster on FlyDubai Flight FZ1073. The attack occurred on the fifth day of Sukkot. And yet, even that miracle has been misaligned by many in the media. Nevertheless, it was indeed a miracle. If you would like to know more, please visit my page Follow the War and More News in Israel. You may particularly be interested in this post by my brother in Messiah, Marvin Kramer:  The FlyDubai Flight: The Battle Between Facts, Miracle and Conspiracy

Where Joy, Memories, and Grief Collide

Sukkot is supposed to be a joyful holiday, rejoicing in the God of creation, the giving of His Law—His Word, and in His abundant provision for His people—particularly during the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. In Zechariah 14:16–19 there is a wonderful prophecy of all the nations coming to Jerusalem to celebrate Sukkot when God’s reign is on earth—the Messianic Kingdom.

This year has therefore been an emotional rollercoaster for the nation, as the joy of the holidays collides with collective grief over the horrors of October 7, 2023, and the ongoing losses of the past three years. The war continues despite numerous declared ceasefires, and the nation is becoming increasingly politically divided. Elections for a new government are scheduled for October 27.

October 7, 2026, may well be one of the most emotionally charged days in Israel’s national memory.

Watch the Ceremony, Learn About the Hearts of Israelis, and Keep Praying

Last night an incredibly moving ceremony was held at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv and attended by at least 50,000 people. I have been watching the video from home and found a YouTube video that includes English translations of most of what is said.

If you have been wondering why October 7 continues to weigh so heavily on Israel, this video is for you. I think it describes well the feelings of most of us in the Land. The music and lyrics are thought-provoking and heartbreaking. I hope you will watch it, and that it will serve as a reminder of why we pray for Israel.

A song toward the beginning of the ceremony, “Where are You” is a wrenching song that voices the nation’s question, “God, where are You?” As the musicians sang, I was reminded of Job’s tears and cries—and of how, although he eventually found comfort in God, God never told him why he had suffered as he did.

The entire crowd stood together and recited the Kaddish, a traditional Jewish prayer honoring those who have died, which praises God and asks for peace even in the midst of grief.

I join in prayer that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will answer—soon.

Watch the National Memorial Ceremony Families of October 7.

God is Here, and I Believe He Too Weeps

I remember the story of Lazarus in John 11. Jesus knew that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, but observing the ugliness of death and the grief of Mary, Martha, and their friends, Jesus wept.

In the same way, I believe God does have a good plan for His people, and it will be fulfilled at the right time. But right now, in this in-between time of promise and fulfillment, I believe He too weeps and asks us to weep with those who weep.

May our tears mingle with our prayers for Israel and the Jewish people, and may He fill hungry hearts, quench their thirst, open blind eyes, and heal His people.