Israel tore itself apart on Yom Kippur - then October 7 reminded us of our collective 'we'

The Yom Kippur of 2023 stands as a stark reminder of Israel's divisiveness, a nation tearing itself apart on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. Unlike the surprise attack orchestrated by two Arab armies in 1973, which resulted in 2,691 soldier casualties, this Yom Kippur was marked by internal conflict and intolerance. Jews battled over the erection of makeshift mechitzot (partitions) in public spaces, prayer books were thrown into fountains, and protests erupted, disrupting solemn services.

Scuffles broke out between worshippers and protestors, with both sides refusing to compromise. The aftermath was a nation divided, seen by its enemy as vulnerable to attack. However, Israel demonstrated unity in the face of the October 7 attack, highlighting that while internal divisions run deep, the nation remains resilient. This Yom Kippur served as a tragic lesson that when Jews fight over their own differences, they leave themselves open to external threats.

The High Holy Days are meant for introspection and self-improvement, yet the anger and hatred displayed during this Yom Kippur stemmed from intolerance towards one's neighbors. The liturgy's call to repentance underscores the collective responsibility to mend our faults and embrace unity, even as political rhetoric often betrays this sentiment, particularly during election seasons.

Nevertheless, the shared experiences of Israeli soldiers and their families have fostered a sense of "we" that transcends partisan lines, reminding the nation of its collective duty to protect and support each other, rather than fracturing along ideological lines.