Simchat Torah in 2023

Shabbat. Eve of Simchat Torah. Exactly 50 years after the Yom Kippur War of 1973, we woke up to unthinkable news. Brutal attacks by #Hamas militants infiltrating civilian communities in #Israel. Massacring them in their homes. Photos of missing or captured Israelis emerging:

— Jonathan Harounoff (@JonathanHaroun1) October 7, 2023

On Shabbat & Simchat Torah— & the 50th anniversary of Yom Kippur War — Hamas terrorists have invaded Israel in an act of war, killing civilians. The threat against Israel’s right to exist is real. Israel has every right to defend itself & end this attack. I stand with Israel.

— Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) October 7, 2023

Tonight in Brooklyn, @IfNotNow_NYC held an alternative Simchat Torah in front of the Brooklyn Library to mourn the Palestinian and Israeli lives lost today. They gave the mourner’s kaddish and sang Oseh Shalom, a prayer of peace. Footage via @IfNotNow_NYC .

— Talia Jane ❤️‍🔥 (@taliaotg) October 8, 2023

Last night, an unprecedented attack by Hamas into Israel stole the lives of dozens of civilians. What should be a joyous day for Israelis and Jews—Simchat Torah—has now been marked by a deadly surprise attack. I stand and pray for our ally. News : spectrumlocalnews.com Hamas kills 22 in unprecedented, wide-ranging incursion into Israel. Netanyahu says 'we are at war'

— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) October 7, 2023

The disaster that befell Israel on the holiday of Simchat Torah is the clear responsibility of one person: Netanyahu. Bibi failed to identify the dangers he was consciously leading Israel into & openly ignored the existence and rights of Palestinians. haaretz.com Editorial | Netanyahu bears responsibility

— Karol Cummins (@karolcummins) October 7, 2023

New York stands steadfast in support of our brothers and sisters in Israel — today and every day. I'm attending Simchat Torah services at @tialbany to show solidarity and support on this difficult day. Join us live: https://tialbany.org/livestream

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) October 7, 2023

As Jewish members of the @NYCcouncil , while we should be celebrating the joyous holidays of Shabbat and Simchat Torah, we are instead heartbroken at this morning's unprecedented terrorist attacks on Israel. We stand with Israel and condemn these attacks.

— NYC Jewish Caucus (@NYCJewishCaucus) October 7, 2023