A Solemn Milestone: 100 Days Since the Attack
Today marks 100 days since the tragic events of October 7, 2023.
A day that remains etched in our collective memory as a profound moment of loss and pain. In my years of walking with families through grief, I've observed a pattern: the first death, the actual loss, is devastating, but it's often followed by "second deaths."
These are unexpected moments of further pain: disputes over inheritances, the challenge of packing a home filled with memories, the abrupt ending of daily routines, or the sudden silence in a once lively home.
These secondary losses compound the trauma, making the original loss even more unbearable.
For Israel, October 7 was a day of unspeakable horror, a first death that shook the nation to its core. But what followed was equally traumatic. October 8 and the days that followed brought a series of "second deaths":
The world turning its back
A rise in street violence and protests fueled by antisemitism
The distressing sight of Israel being dragged to the International Court of Justice for defending its people.
Each of these events was a fresh wound, a new layer of grief.
Now, 100 days later, the pain is still raw. Like many who grieve, Israel finds itself in a world that seems to have moved on, while the agony of loss remains. Our friend Amir from the IDF encapsulated this sentiment:
"Just pray we are able to finish the job before the world makes us stop."
So today, we remember and we continue to stand:
Don't stop praying.
Don't stop seeking justice.
Don't stop remembering those we've lost.
Don't stop supporting those who fight for freedom and safety.
Don't stop advocating for the hostages still waiting to come home.
100 days have passed, marked by a spectrum of emotions:
Disappointment at the world's reaction.
Sadness over the loss of life.
Prayer for strength and deliverance.
Shock at the depth of the tragedy.
Mourning for those we've lost.
Confusion over the world's indifference.
Loneliness in our collective grief.
Resilience in the face of adversity.
Hope for a brighter future.
Despair at the seeming hopelessness of the situation.
Jews around the world are united in their grief, their prayers, and their disappointment. The atrocities of October 7 should have been a clarion call for global unity against terror. Instead, we faced isolation and criticism even before Israel took defensive action.
Before Israel dropped a bomb.
Before Israel sent a soldier.
Before Israel crossed into Gaza.
The response from certain corners of the world has left an indelible mark on our collective memory.
As we look to the future, we recognize that the battle is more than territorial or political - it is a struggle between good and evil. In this fight, we draw strength from our faith and our history, trusting in the promise that good will ultimately prevail. We await the day when peace and justice will be restored, guided by the eternal hope that life can and will flourish again.
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)
As we continue to stand with Israel during these challenging times, your support can make a profound difference. We invite you to join us in our Project Shield initiative, where 100% of your contributions go directly to projects on the ground. Through this effort, we partner with local organizations in Israel to provide tangible relief and support, all in the name of Messiah Yeshua. Your generosity can bring hope and healing to those most affected by recent events. Join us in this vital mission to uplift and aid our brothers and sisters in Israel.
About The Jewish Road
At the heart of The Jewish Road lies a passion ignited by a father-son duo, Ron and Matt Davis. Our journey began with a simple yet profound desire: to bridge the gap in understanding that has kept two faith communities apart for too long. We're here to help Christians connect with the roots of their faith and for Jews to explore the life and teachings of Jesus with an open heart.
Imagine a world where every believer, be it Jewish or Christian, not only knows their faith but truly understands its origins and interconnectedness. We strive to restore the Jewish essence of the Gospel, offering insights that deepen knowledge, bolster faith, and propel the growth of the Kingdom. The narrative of faith, we believe, is a two-act play where both acts are essential for a comprehensive grasp of the story. By uniting these acts, we're presenting a more holistic and enriching perspective.
Life is too short to wander without knowing the full essence of your beliefs. Whether you're attending a synagogue or a church, there's so much more to discover. The Jewish Road is here to guide, enlighten, and, most importantly, bring both halves of the story together. Join us on this journey; together
