For the first time since 1973, Israel is observing the Jewish Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, while at war. This important religious holiday began at sunset on Friday and will end at nightfall on Saturday.
Yom Kippur is a solemn time when Jewish people observe a period of reflection and atonement. Many fast for 25 hours, refraining from eating or drinking from sunset to sunset. This fasting helps individuals focus on spiritual matters rather than their everyday concerns.
This year, Israel has shut down most of its regular activities, including stopping flights at Ben Gurion Airport and closing the country’s airspace to passing planes due to the ongoing conflict with Gaza. However, even though there is an apparent calm, the military and emergency services are still working hard to keep everyone safe.
Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service, has significantly increased its staffing levels. The organization, as well as other emergency services, has deployed additional medics, paramedics, ambulances, and volunteers across the country. This is mainly because they need to be prepared for possible rocket attacks while also dealing with the usual increase in medical emergencies during the holiday.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued warnings about potential attacks by Hamas during the holiday. In response, they’ve urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Despite the religious observance, military operations continue unabated in Gaza and along the northern border with Lebanon.
Additionally, Chief Sephardic Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef has advised soldiers engaged in combat not to fast. His guidance stems from the Jewish principle that preserving life takes precedence over religious observances when the two are in conflict. Rabbi Yosef stated that active combat soldiers should not “limit the amount they eat and drink, but to consume food and liquids as they normally do.”
President Isaac Herzog spoke about the current situation at a prayer service in Jerusalem. He modified a traditional prayer to include “pain over the situation we find ourselves in as a country and society, for the terrible events of the last year and October 7th specifically.” He also asked for the safe return of people held by Hamas and for healing for those affected by the war.
Many Israelis are grappling with mixed emotions this Yom Kippur. The usual introspection of the day is now intertwined with thoughts of national security and collective grief. Synagogues are holding services with heightened security measures, and the streets, usually quiet during this solemn period, are even quieter this year as many people opt to stay home for religious observance and safety reasons.
Despite these challenges, many Israelis find solace in the familiar rituals of Yom Kippur. Families gathered for pre-fast meals, and communities joined together for prayer services, albeit with a heightened awareness of the current situation. The traditional practice of cycling on car-free roads continues, though with noticeably fewer participants this year.
The government has issued special guidelines for this year’s observance. Citizens are advised to have emergency supplies on hand and to be aware of the nearest bomb shelter locations.