In the shadow of October 7: How Yom Kippur has changed for some secular Israelis
The October 7 attack has affected all Israelis somehow. Some have questioned God’s existence. Others have gotten closer to religion, and sought connection to spirituality.
Adele Raemer, a secular Jew from Kibbutz Nirim, is preparing for Yom Kippur. She does not fast and uses the day for quiet introspection. On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Nirim, killing five residents and kidnapping five others. Raemer hid in a safe room before being rescued by Israeli soldiers. The attack has affected all Israelis, who know someone who was killed or taken hostage.
Some question God's existence, while others observe Yom Kippur in traditional or non-traditional ways. Israelis have a unique relationship with Yom Kippur, as the country shuts down and people participate in various customs. Since October 7, more Israelis are connecting to Judaism, with an increase in conversions and interest in alternative ways of expressing spirituality.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
