Last week, when we saw the first images of hostages reunited with their families, there was a collective sigh of relief. Following two horrific years, these brave souls found themselves back in Israel and back in the arms of those they love. The twenty that came back are the lucky ones. So many did not survive this awful saga, Israelis and Palestinians alike. We cannot imagine what these years have looked like for those in harms’ way, even as we stared at the television and glued ourselves to social media. It was a long two years to be sure, a painful and exasperating two years. 

While the path to peace remains uncertain, and there are many who remain skeptical, we can agree that we learned a lot about ourselves, our community and the world around us since October 7, 2023. We learned who our allies are. We learned that the line dividing antisemitism and anti-Zionism is ever-thin, maybe non-existent. We learned that the Jews are still blamed and scapegoated for people’s frustrations and anger, often in tragically misguided ways. We learned anew that the actions of the Israeli government effect every Jew around the world. We learned that nuance and delicacy are not the way of the world these days; people jump to TikTok talking points and hasty conclusions, often landing in a place of ignorance. 

There are other lessons we learned too. We learned that while we are few in number, the Jewish family is close-knit and strong. We learned that it is OK to support Israel from a place of conscientious concern and honest criticism. We learned that it is more than OK to challenge Israel to live up to the highest of Jewish ideals. We learned that, while not everyone will, it is more than OK to live with a heart of compassion, acknowledging the humanity of Jews and non-Jews alike. We learned as well that our relationship with Israel must transcend politics and policies; true Israel engagement lifts up Israeli food, books, geography, history and culture. We learned yet again to hold onto hope. 

I cannot wait to travel to Israel this summer with YOU. Our congregational trip will be upbeat, immersive and transformative. We will see the familiar sites, such as the Western Wall, Masada, Yad VaShem and Independence Hall. We will also see many of the sites directly impacted by October 7, 2023, including the site of the Nova Music Festival and some of the surrounding kibbutzim. PLEASE consider joining us. Scholarship money is available. I would love to include YOU and your loved ones (including those who do not go to KI). The best way to understand Israel is to see it with your own eyes and walk the land with your own two feet. 

May this year be a year of greater peace for Israel, for the people of Gaza and for all of us.