In Times Square, Israeli Americans and their supporters recently showcased their solidarity with hostages taken by Hamas, setting up a large installation that featured a 222-seat Shabbat table. This display was a poignant reminder of the individuals still held captive in the Gaza Strip, coinciding with gatherings on October 26, 2023, in New York.
The ongoing wave of antisemitism in the U.S. has raised concerns among many, including those who identify as Orthodox Jews. Incidents of hate have escalated, culminating in more than 10,000 antisemitic occurrences since the brutal Hamas attacks on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in Israel. These attacks and subsequent reactions have stirred fear and disbelief among Jewish communities, seeing their plight met with hostility rather than support.
While protests aimed at decrying Israel’s military response to Hamas may seem justified to some, many protests have crossed into overt antisemitism. This shift was starkly noticeable when citizens were filmed tearing down posters of hostages while praising groups known for their violence against Jews. Past events like the Crown Heights pogrom and various massacres targeting Jews serve as haunting reminders of the dangers that persist.
As Jews mark the holiday of Sukkot, which emphasizes temporary dwellings to symbolize reliance on divine protection, the tradition reflects a deeper truth about security. Even despite external chaos, the essence of Sukkot embodies the belief that true safety comes not from physical fortresses but from a higher power.
The resilience of the Jewish people, encapsulated in a poem by Avraham Reisen, highlights that despite centuries of struggle and suffering, the community remains unbroken. The sukkah stands as a metaphor for enduring faith, symbolizing that while threats persist, hope and trust in divine oversight prevail. Thus, amidst turbulence, the message remains: peace and security are ultimately found beyond physical barriers, grounded in spiritual belief that surpasses worldly fears.