Two Years Later: Choosing Jewish Joy and Hope Through War and Loss

By Michael Balaban

Two years ago, on a day meant for celebration, we were jolted awake by unimaginable violence. Hamas terrorists breached Israel’s borders, murdered civilians, abducted children and elders, and tore open the illusion of security. In Philadelphia and across the Jewish world, we rallied, we prayed and we acted. We said: Am Yisrael Chai — the People of Israel live.

In the first year, our community responded urgently: raising emergency funds, supporting trauma services, advocating for hostages, reinforcing security and standing in steadfast solidarity. That year was about survival and mobilization.

The second year brought new layers of reckoning. Families of hostages remained in anguish. Survivors rebuilt lives in the shadow of trauma. Hate against Jews surged here at home