The most surreal aspect of our modern age is that something happens around the world and then we can immediately see it on our phones . It makes world events even more intense. For the past ten years seeing people davening at the kotel in real time during wartime has been the most intense . During the past 16 months seeing people give an impromtu tour of the remains of Kibbutzim that were massacred or the Nova festival site gave a reality to the situation like never before. One can give condolences in real time on intsagram to people one has yet to meet in person.
Whenever the Israeli hostages were released this year or last year we feel like we know them. Because we do. Literally. We have seen videos of them constantly on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, podcasts. Their families were advocating for them on every platform . Its not that any of this would be less upsetting 30 years ago, but it wouldn't have felt as present to me half way across world.
I spent two years after high school studying in Israel so I always feel connected to Israel. In every Jewish prayer we as Jews are reminded of our spiritual connection to the land of Israel. This war has bonded me even more with my people. I feel their pain and I feel their joy. I have heard Israelis say that they feel more Jewish since this war began.
I am always pained that it often takes a tragedy to bond people together even more than during tranquil times. Whenever I post a hostage poster it makes me feel more connected to my people and it makes me wonder what way I can feel so connected when there is peace. time.
Torah and mitzvot connect all Jewish people but the bond is deeper than observances. We are family.
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