What it’s About
In the face of the harrowing Oct. 7 massacre that struck Israel, about 2,500 Holocaust survivors were vividly reminded of their grim past of persecution and fear during World War II. This event has deeply affected those who have already endured unimaginable sufferings but chose resilience by building a new life in Israel, a nation they believed to be a haven of safety and security for Jews worldwide.
Why it Matters
The Oct. 7 massacre did not just rattle the physical boundaries of Israel but also pierced the hearts of its most vulnerable citizens, the Holocaust survivors. Their stories are not only recollections of past and present horrors but also powerful narratives of unwavering spirit, the importance of national security, and the relentless pursuit of peace and stability in the land they call home. Facing threats anew, these survivors’ experiences stress the significant role Israel plays in providing a safeguard against persecution while highlighting the enduring spirit of its people amidst threats.
Moshe, Shlomo, and 2,000 More: Stories of Survival and Strength
Approximately 2,500 Holocaust survivors residing near Gaza, southern and northern Israel witnessed their sanctity disrupted on Oct. 7, rekindling memories of fear and persecution—paralleling their dreadful past with the present. Notable among them is Yosef Bernhard from Kibbutz Sa’ad, who once fled Germany under the Nazi regime’s shadow, and now recounts with awe how his community’s vigilance potentially thwarted further tragedy. His testament to the Zionist spirit unveils the deep-rooted resilience inherent within Israeli settlers.
Facing Fears Anew: Survivors on Frontlines of Faith and Homeland Security
While Hollywood survivor Shoshana Karmin showcases unfazed resiliency tempered by wars she has witnessed in Israel compared to her experiences during the Holocaust, Rosa Shozki of Sderot, narrates the shock of feeling vulnerable in her own country, a land she believed was protected impenetrably. Their reactions underscore the vital importance of Israel’s vigilance and robust defense systems, echoing the collective echo for peace and stability amidst recurring adversities.
Ella and Lev: A Glimpse into Terror and Courage
Ella Panomarov and Lev Arbitman from Ofakim paint a vivid picture of horror as they encounter terrorism at their doorstep— a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that citizens, especially those carrying the heavy past of the Holocaust, face today. Their bravery, fearing for the younger generation more than themselves, encapsulates the poignant resolve to protect the solidarity and security of Israel’s future.
The Continuous Struggle for Comfort and Resolution
With 133,362 Holocaust survivors residing in Israel, the recent Oct. 7 atrocities signal not just an attack on physical safety but also a psychological warfare reviving past traumas. Statements by MK Meirav Cohen signify the nation’s responsibility towards these survivors, emphasizing the reinforcement of not only their dignity and well-being but also the acknowledgment and assurance of national resilience and solidarity.
Concluding Thoughts
The trials faced on and after Oct. 7 reflect not just a moment of challenge but a reminder of the undying spirit of survival among Holocaust survivors. Their stories, coupled with the responsive actions of the state of Israel, reaffirm a poignant reality: while the scars of the past endure, the commitment to security, the struggle for peace, and the unbreakable resilience within the Jewish state and its people prevail.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.