Exactly 250 days ago, the world witnessed one of the darkest days in Israel's recent history. The October 7 attacks not only marked the beginning of a chilling upsurge in violence in the region but also left an indelible scar in the collective memory of all those committed to peace and coexistence in the Middle East. And they changed the reality of Israel forever.
A few weeks ago, for the first time in just over those 250 days, I had to return to Israel. It was not an easy journey. Walk those familiar streets again, feel their flavors, and listen to their people. A known and unknown place at the same time, because Israel is no longer the same. The trauma of October 7, and of a conflict that still continues in the search to finally end the sadistic terrorism of Hamas, is perceived, heard, and even smelled there in the houses of the Kfar Aza kibbutz, one of the devastated communities. that morning, where you can still smell the burning smell.
Faced with horror, the communities in southern Israel once again became a desert. The one that had been miraculously planted, where countless kibbutzim were founded, where children grew up together with dreams of peace with their neighbors, even when the recurring sirens warning of the imminent fall of a missile gave them just seconds to run towards shelter. Communities with a large presence of Latinos, many of them exiled during times of dictatorships, with hundreds of inhabitants murdered and a large number still kidnapped in Gaza, their photos today hang in every square, every street, and every corner with a single objective: to remind us that while life goes on here, they are still there. And we will not rest until everyone comes home. How excited we were a few days ago with the rescue of Noa, Almog, Shlomi, and Andrey!
The visit was not easy, but it was necessary. And it took place within the framework of a special event. Hundreds of Jewish leaders from around the world gathered in Jerusalem for a meeting of the Executive Committee of the World Jewish Congress, in a space that sets the organization's direction for the coming year. The choice of place, although not my own, was conscious. Because today, the present and the future of all the Jews in the world are crossed by what happens in that small area of the Middle East.
This is not just a historical issue, although the ancient bond of the Jewish people with the land of Israel is undeniable. The increase in antisemitism at a global level, as a direct consequence of the conflict unleashed since October 7, has also changed the reality of Jewish communities to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the latitude.
In response to these changes and challenges, the Jewish diaspora and communities in Israel are finding new ways to sustain and unite more than ever. Education projects are intensifying, cultural exchanges are multiplying, and psychological support programs are expanding, all to heal deep wounds and prevent hatred and intolerance from taking root in future generations. These initiatives not only seek to heal but also teach the importance of resilience and solidarity in times of crisis.
Despite incessant challenges, the spirit of resistance and determination to achieve a peaceful future remain intact. The memory of October 7, although marked by pain, acts as a constant reminder of the tragic consequences of inaction and the importance of tirelessly pursuing peace. As leaders and communities around the world mark this anniversary, the message resonates clearly: such devastating acts of violence must never again be allowed to define our common future. We will continue working there, with the hope that soon all the kidnapped people will return home and peace will return to the region. And although things will surely never be the same, perhaps on the next visit I will meet some of that familiar Israel again.
This editorial was originally published in Spanish by Infobae.
