by Ram ben Ze'ev
As we approach the somber one-year anniversary of the horrifying events of 7 October 2023, it is a time not only for mourning but also for deep reflection. The murder of over 1,200 Israelis by terrorists from Gaza, the relentless barrage of rockets from Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, and the unimaginable anguish of the remaining 97 Israeli hostages whose fate remains unknown—these are tragedies that pierce the heart of every Jew. Yet, as Jews, we are called upon to confront these unspeakable acts with a profound understanding that nothing happens without the will of G-D. We are reminded of the eternal truth that not even a bruised toe occurs without G-D's decree.
This sentiment is expressed clearly in the words of the Torah, “הצור תמים פעלו כי כל דרכיו משפט אל אמונה ואין עול צדיק וישר הוא” ("The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice; a G-D of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He") (דברים לב:ד). Even in our darkest hours, we are taught to believe in the absolute justice of G-D, trusting that He orchestrates events according to His divine plan, which may not always be visible to us.
The concept of hashgachah pratit (השגחה פרטית), or divine providence, teaches us that G-D is intimately involved in the world and in the lives of individuals. The tragedies we have witnessed and endured are not random, nor are they devoid of meaning. Instead, they are part of a larger framework in which G-D governs the world. As the Rambam (רמבם) teaches in his Mishneh Torah (משנה תורה), “אין כל מה שאירע בעולמו של הקב"ה מקרה” ("Nothing that occurs in the world of the Holy One, Blessed be He, is coincidental").
Our sacred texts also offer us the language to understand suffering. In the book of איוב (Job), we are presented with a righteous man who suffers greatly, and yet he remains steadfast in his belief that G-D's will is ultimately just, even when human understanding falters. This concept is echoed in ישעיהו (Isaiah) 55:8-9: “כי לא מחשבותי מחשבותיכם ולא דרכיכם דרכי נאם יהוה. כי גבהו שמים מארץ כן גבהו דרכי מדרכיכם” ("For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says G-D. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts"). We are reminded here that our limited human perspective cannot always grasp the full extent of G-D's plans.
As of October 2024, 97 hostages are still unaccounted for, many believed to be held in Gaza, including 33 confirmed to have been killed. Despite the efforts of the Israeli military, the recovery of these hostages remains a heart-wrenching and unresolved issue. This terrible ordeal continues to test the endurance and faith of the Jewish people.
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As we enter a new year, we must rededicate ourselves to serving G-D, not ourselves. The suffering we have endured, both individually and as a collective, is not meant to break us, but to remind us of our mission as a people. As it says in ויקרא (Leviticus) 19:2, “קדשים תהיו כי קדוש אני” ("You shall be holy, for I, G-D, am holy"). We are called to elevate ourselves, to rise above the pain and loss, and to strive for holiness in our lives through our actions, our service, and our commitment to the mitzvot.
This is not a time for despair, but for teshuvah (תשובה), repentance and return to G-D. The hardships we have faced over the past year serve as a wake-up call, pushing us to examine our own lives and our relationship with the Almighty. The Rambam writes that suffering and hardship should be seen as an impetus for teshuvah (הלכות תעניות ג:ד), for they are reminders that we must draw closer to G-D, to walk in His ways, and to strengthen our faith.
In the face of our enemies, it is imperative that we unite as a people. The Torah emphasizes the importance of achdut (אחדות), unity among the Jewish people, especially in times of crisis. As it says in קהלת (Ecclesiastes) 4:12, “והחוט המשולש לא במהרה ינתק” ("A threefold cord is not quickly broken"). When we stand together, rooted in our shared commitment to G-D and His Torah, we are strong.
The past year has shown us that our enemies seek to destroy us, not only through violence but by instilling fear and despair. But our response must be one of strength, faith, and resilience. The very fact that we continue to exist and thrive, after millennia of persecution and hardship, is testament to the divine promise made to our forefathers—Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov—that the Jewish people would endure.
As we face the future, uncertain as it may be, we must remember that our strength comes not from material power or military might alone, but from our connection to G-D. The Torah teaches us that when we serve G-D with all our hearts, minds, and resources, we are fulfilling our purpose as a people. Devarim (דברים) 10:12 reminds us: “ועתה ישראל מה יהוה אלהיך שואל מעמך כי אם ליראה את יהוה אלהיך ללכת בכל דרכיו ולאהבה אתו ולעבד את יהוה אלהיך בכל לבבך ובכל נפשך” ("And now, Israel, what does the L-RD your G-D ask of you? To fear the L-RD your G-D, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, and to serve the L-RD your G-D with all your heart and with all your soul").
Let us enter this new year with a renewed sense of purpose, bound by our devotion to G-D, and our unwavering belief in His justice, His mercy, and His plan for the Jewish people. May our service and commitment hasten the coming of the Geulah (גאולה), the final redemption, and bring peace and security to all of Israel.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited, SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue