One Year Since the War Began, Today

Rebecca Kim

Member of the Middle East and Arab Studies Association

<Israel>

On the one-year anniversary of the war’s start, memorial events and protests took place across Israel. At 6:29 a.m., the time the surprise attack occurred last year, a two-minute remembrance siren sounded throughout the country. Symbols expressing the hope for the war’s end were hung in city streets, and voices grew louder calling on the government to secure the return of remaining hostages. Hundreds of hostage families gathered in front of the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem, holding memorial events and protests.

Field reports from Tel Aviv indicate that while Israelis’ lives seem superficially normal, after one year of war moving into the second year, people feel depressed, hollow, and angry. Many families remain affected as some are held hostage and others are drafted into the military, forced to pay attention to the sounds of war. Uncertainty about the future casts a dark shadow over every aspect of daily life. Amid this, sporadic stabbing attacks and other violence in cities continue, heightening insecurity.

Israel is expanding the front line beyond the Gaza Strip to Lebanon’s Hezbollah strongholds and even Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “We are fighting wars in seven areas—Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.”

<Gaza & Lebanon>

One year after the war’s outbreak, shelling has not ceased. A resident in Gaza said, “Since the war started last year, I’ve evacuated 12 times. I’m wandering the streets without a home. I don’t know where to go.” Another said, “There is only hunger and death here. We want peace.” It is estimated that 90% of Gaza’s population—about 1.9 million people—have been displaced. Satellite image analysis suggests that 66% of buildings and roads in Gaza have been destroyed or rendered unusable due to military operations. Except for a temporary ceasefire in November last year, daily bombings in Gaza have continued.

In Lebanon, evacuation orders cover about a quarter of the territory, and 1/5 of its population have become refugees. Half of the refugees are children, and shelters are over capacity. Lebanon, already facing economic hardship, now describes the situation as catastrophic due to the war.

<The world>

On the first anniversary of the war’s start, protests calling for a ceasefire took place around the world. In the UK, about 40,000 demonstrators marched through central London; in New York (USA), Paris (France), Rome (Italy), and other cities, hundreds to thousands took to the streets. Some demonstrators demanding an end to the bloodshed clashed with police in major cities.

<Prayer>

Lord, we plead for Your kindness and mercy upon this land filled with fear, suffering, war, and death. You hear the cries and see the pain. Rescue their souls from the depths of Sheol and deliver them from proud and violent enemies! We implore You to bestow Your abundant lovingkindness and grace [Psalm 86:12–17].

The Lord will go forth like a warrior, stir up His zeal like a man of war, shout loudly, and triumph over the adversary [Isaiah 42:13]. With Your mighty hand and outstretched arm, save the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael. Hear their cries and remember Your covenant toward them! Show them a sign of favor and salvation! Engrave Yeshua’s name upon them!

Only our Lord can save them. “You shall rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One!” [Isaiah 41:16] Lord, may this land wholeheartedly praise You and glorify Your name forever. May they marvel at Your miracles and cry out, “Baruch Haba B’Shem Adonai,” welcoming You. Lord, we earnestly ask You to display astounding miracles and act mightily!