On October 7, thousands of Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel, carrying out a devastating massacre that has left an enduring mark on the nation’s psyche. With many Israelis losing loved ones and suffering trauma on that fateful day, many have lost trust in the government, the Israel Defense Forces, and the ability to bring the remaining hostages in Gaza back home.

However, their spiritual connection has not been tainted, with a Sunday poll by the Israel Democracy Institute revealing 33% of Israelis, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 29, have strengthened their faith in God since the attack. A staggering 63% reported praying more, while 59% said they were having more conversations with God, and 45% have been reciting Psalms more frequently.

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In contrast, only 8% reported a decline in their faith.

In March, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum in partnership with Aish HaTorah Yeshiva in Jerusalem organized a day of prayer and unity that attracted nearly 5 million Jews worldwide. At the time, thousands of nonobservant soldiers sought tzitzit to wear beneath their uniforms into battle while others requested tefillin.

Israel Democracy Institute Prof. Benjamin Porat likens the current situation to the aftermath of the Holocaust, when the Jewish people struggled to reconcile their faith with the unspeakable evil they had endured.

“Some people, after the Holocaust, said that if such evil can happen and there is no supervision by God, why is it worth continuing to believe?” Porat tells Media Line. “Others recognized that the only way to survive such a tragedy is through faith and belief in God.”

While the road to healing is long and painful, the Jewish people have demonstrated time and again their ability to persevere in the face of unimaginable adversity. As they lean on their faith and each other for support, Israelis will undoubtedly find the strength to move forward even in the darkest of times.

    Tovah July 15, 2024 3:43 am

    Is there someone who knows how to locate such people, who have renewed interest in prayer, Torah, and practiced, and who would enjoy receiving guidance in their spiritual endeavor?

    Josefina Guerrero July 15, 2024 10:32 am

    Que él Eterno todopoderoso los bendiga y abra sus ojos para reconocer a su Yeshua Hamashia! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🇮🇱🇮🇱🔥🔥♥️🇵🇪🇵🇪

    Debra Cleary July 15, 2024 10:35 am

    Witnessing this strengthening of faith on social media was one tool Hashem used to bring me to conversion. I saw the Jewish faith was alive, vibrant, joyful, and reverent. Keep it up Israel!

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