Israel Braces for Unprecedented Crisis as Military Disaster and Civilian Catastrophe Unfold
In the small southern community of Shitim, located one hour south of Eilat, like many Israelis, I woke up in a stupor after celebrating late into the night during the festive holiday of Simchat Torah. Little did I know that my plans for a return to routine after the lengthy High Holiday season would be shattered.
Instead, I awoke to the sound of tears and panicked conversations in the surrounding tents. Something was clearly amiss. As I checked my messages and the news, the truth revealed itself: Israel was now facing its most devastating military disaster since the Yom Kippur War in 1973, coupled with a significant civilian catastrophe unseen since its founding.
While I was far from the areas infiltrated by Hamas militants, the community of several hundred gathered for the event was filled with young Israelis desperately trying to reach their parents living in the kibbutzes along the Gaza border. Others were anxious for news about loved ones who went missing after an attack at a nearby music festival. Media reports displayed scenes of unimaginable carnage at the festival grounds.
As people shared their phones, viral social media posts circulated, showcasing alleged captive Israelis and claiming astonishing victories for the Hamas-led attackers. Heartbreaking comments flooded in from friends and family members who recognized their loved ones in those distressing images and videos. Reports of fallen soldiers continued to pour in.
The army and police promptly advised against travel both in our area and throughout the country. However, some attendees who were called up for reserve duty set off to locations including Gaza, the northern front, and the West Bank, as Israel prepared itself for the looming possibility of additional conflicts on multiple fronts.
Amidst the chaos, some civilian guests chose to seek refuge in the southernmost city of Eilat, while the local regional council graciously offered hospitality in private homes for those who wished to shelter closer to the event site. Personally, I decided to stay put, as traveling towards Gaza in the direction of my home in Tel Aviv felt unsafe due to the barrage of rockets.
I reached out to a dear friend serving as a reservist who had already made his way to a base, awaiting further orders. He reassured me, saying, The mood here is positive for now. Moreover, he added that the protest movements and political divisions that had dominated headlines earlier this year had evaporated in the face of the current crisis. There is complete unity here for the task ahead, and there is nowhere I would rather be now, he pronounced.
Meanwhile, friends residing in Jaffa, where violence had erupted during Israel’s previous military operation in Gaza, reported that the streets remained relatively calm, at least for the time being. Sheefra Blume, an immigrant from the United States, extended an invitation to local residents via a communal WhatsApp group in Jaffa, suggesting a shared meal to offer each other support.
As Israel’s political and military branches issued vague statements, meticulously assessing the situation and plotting counterresponses, it becomes evident that the aftermath of this harrowing disaster will necessitate an unprecedented national effort in terms of both scope and damage.
With the holiday sun having set, the nation’s nervousness transitioned into the commencement of an unexpected war, marking the beginning of a week filled with national mourning and difficult questions.
As for me, the coming days remain uncertain. I am unsure when it will be safe to return to the center of the country and resume my routine. Emotionally, I fear that normalcy may prove impossible for quite some time. But I also acknowledge that many others are enduring far greater hardships.
Eliyahu Freedman, a journalist residing in Jaffa, remains on the ground in Israel during this tumultuous period. His unique perspective sheds light on the dire circumstances and highlights the unity prevailing amidst the chaos. While the nation braces itself for what lies ahead, only time will reveal the extent of the challenges and the resilience of the Israeli people.
Note: This article reflects the views and opinions of the author, Eliyahu Freedman, and not necessarily those of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.