October 7th: Reflections from Israel
Dear Sharsheret Family,
I am writing to you today in the spirit of reflection, anchored in both gratitude and deep sorrow. October 7th is a day that all of us, as Jews and as human beings, will carry with us forever—a day of profound tragedy, resilience, and shared pain. We witnessed unimaginable horrors and felt the ground tremble beneath the weight of uncertainty. For those of us living in Israel or with deep ties to this land, this day is etched into our collective memory.
I could never have imagined, having moved to Israel from Teaneck, NJ only 4 years prior, that on October 8th I would be kissing my son goodbye as I sent him off to war. At the same time, I had two daughters serving in the IDF, as well as three younger children living at home. Every day was cloaked in uncertainty, worry and grief as I went about my normal routine. Along with driving carpools, I cooked for soldiers, raised money, secured tactical equipment and attended what seemed like daily funerals and shivas.
I tried to channel my pain into something productive, but soon realized I had to just let it be. And so I learned to live alongside my worry and my grief. I learned to laugh alongside my pain and my sorrow. I learned to feel hopeful amidst my hopelessness. It was during this difficult time, and from within this new duality, that Sharsheret Israel was launched and I joined the community advisory committee.
A full year has now passed since that day. Yet, here in Israel, it feels like no time has passed at all. We are still living October 7, 2023 — as our children continue to sacrifice their lives on the battlefield, as our brothers and sisters remain in captivity and as our countrymen are still displaced while their homes are under constant attack. As we now head into full scale battle along our northern border, families continue to be torn apart, lives lost, and communities forever changed.
At the same time, we see the strength and resilience of our nation, the courage of so many rising in the face of adversity and the unlikeliest of alliances forming from within the chaos. Amid the darkness, we are witness to the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people —both here in Israel and across the world.
We hope and pray that our soldiers and hostages will be returned to their families soon and the nation of Israel will see peace in the coming days.
Gmar chatima tova,
Sarah Lerer
