May the year and its curses end and may the new year with its blessings begin!
We are approaching the one-year mark since the terror attack of October 7. This date has been transformed from just another day on the calendar into a concept, a symbol. A date that signifies the greatest disaster that has befallen the State of Israel. A synonym for the failure that allowed that surprise attack to happen. It was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
This day, this date, this concept – will haunt us throughout future history.
That cursed day, the Saturday morning of Simchat Torah, when thousands of terrorists and hate-filled civilians invaded from Gaza, marked the breakthrough of additional fronts that opened around us: Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Judea and Samaria, Yemen, and Iran. The choking ring of fire initiated by the Iranians raised its head.
The war ignited an unprecedented wave of anti-Semitism almost everywhere around the globe. Rallies supporting the Palestinians, demonstrations of hatred towards Israel and Jews in general.
Suddenly, the whole world was against us. Jews hurried to remove the mezuzahs from their doorposts, to hide kippahs and external signs that might indicate they are Jewish. Suddenly, they discovered that friends, acquaintances, and colleagues at work were turning their backs on them, severing ties, and accusing them of massacre, war crimes, and humanitarian disaster.
The world has gone mad. People who have no idea where the State of Israel is, joined protests, organized demonstrations, and cursed Israel on social media. The truth has become a lie, and the lie has become the truth.
Here in Israel, we have endured thousands of various missiles, siren alerts, the evacuation of entire communities, the loss of countless homes and businesses, and fires that have devastated vast areas. The economic damage is enormous.
And within all this chaos, it is worthwhile and appropriate to set things straight. The whole world isn't really against us. We do not live in a black-and-white world, but in a three-dimensional and multi-colored world. We hear and see the extremists, the noisy ones, those who push themselves in front of the television cameras and microphones. The silent majority isn't necessarily against us – but is simply quiet. This majority is not captured by cameras and microphones. Therefore, the picture that emerges is distorted
On that terrible day, Israeli artists were also deeply shocked, but soon recovered. Comedians, actors, and singers volunteered to perform for the injured, evacuees, and reservists.
Throughout this whole period, artists continue to create and present their work. Some of the creations are influenced by the events around them. The war and its consequences have seeped into quite a few works, and undoubtedly this is a long-term influence.
Even Israeli artistic connections with abroad were not severely affected. Our Eurovision representative drew fire due to the song contest being a media event broadcast to tens of millions of viewers, and the loudmouths of various kinds made themselves heard. However, at the same time, many Israeli creators and artists arrive abroad, almost as before, to perform, present, and maintain connections. Under the media radar, almost everything continues.
And let’s not forget, a new year is ahead of us, and let us hope and wish for a truly good year!
May the year and its curses end and may the new year with its blessings begin!
Yoram Mark-Reich, Culture Editor
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