October 7 was a turning point. The world changed dramatically. Similar to the reference points of historical events such as the attack on Pearl Harbor and 9/11, our lives will forever be divided into two distinct periods: life before and life after October 7. The horror that has continued unabated since that day was accompanied by one positive thing. The division and unbridled sin’as chinam that permeated our society seemed to have dissipated.
The realization that our enemies make no distinction between one type of Jew or another caused Jews from every side of the political map to join together in a sense of unity not seen in decades. Our new sense of achdus was the talk of the town. We were so proud of ourselves, and rightfully so. But, unfortunately, as the war and its fallout rage on, that feeling of unity seems to have all but disappeared. The fighting that began on a low flame grew gradually. The flame of discord now burns out of control, threatening our nation.
Knowing the danger we face when we aren’t united, and having tasted the solid unity we are capable of, some people have said, “Enough!” They believe this kind of discourse cannot continue. They won’t let it continue. They are trying to dowse the fire and create a positive connection.
The Gesher organization has been working since 1970 to strengthen the bonds of all sectors of the Jewish people in Israel. Since this war began, they have a new program called Ner BaSalon, Candle in the Living Room. Ner BaSalon is similar to Zikaron BaSalon, a program in which people host events in their living rooms on Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron to memorialize their loved ones in an intimate way. Through the Ner BaSalon program, people register to visit the home of a bereaved family. They hear the story about the one who was killed and connect to the experience and pain of the family. The meeting, facilitated by a moderator from Gesher, begins with lighting a candle. Politics are not discussed. The purpose of the meeting is to pay respect to the family, generate discussion, and foster a feeling of togetherness.
For nearly every Shabbos since the beginning of the war, my neighbor and three other women have been coordinating food to send to chayalim. They have been working with women from Ramat Beit Shemesh and Beit Shemesh who have been cooking, packaging, and sending meals to chayalim at their bases in the north and south. One unit that had received their food many times was finally given leave several weeks ago after serving in Gaza for nine months straight. They were taken to a hotel for a debriefing period. My neighbor and her team created a spreadsheet, and hundreds of women made 280 challahs and 280 cakes and provided funding for potato kugels and bottles of wine. They then wrapped them, adding two candles and 280 handwritten personal notes that had also been collected. My neighbor and her team were invited to the hotel to hand out these packages to the chayalim and their families and express their appreciation for all the soldiers had done. They handed them the packages as they left the hotel.
Most of the soldiers were not religious. As the women presented them with their packages, many became emotional and thanked the women. They believed that their knowledge that women from across the political and religious spectrum had provided them with the physical and spiritual nurturance they had received throughout the war had helped get them through their long stint in Gaza. One soldier had tears in his eyes. It was a meaningful experience for both sides.
“Achdut Achshav,” or “Unity Now,” is one of many organizations established to promote unity in Israeli society. The initiative, spearheaded by businessmen and social entrepreneurs, is apolitical and encourages the various sectors of Israeli society to get to know each other personally. They do this through meetings, joint action, and volunteering. The founders believe that we are all one people who must bridge the differences between us to build a common and better future here for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren.
Achdut Achshav established a public committee to discuss the core issues and recommend the steps to be taken. Among the members of the committee are: HaRav Yitzchak Dovid Grossman (Chief Rabbi of Migdal HaEmek, also known as the “Disco Rabbi”), Miriam Peretz (Israeli public speaker who lost two sons during their service in the IDF), and Yehoram Gaon (singer, actor, and radio host).
Yuval and Maayan Bar, a couple in their 60s, were murdered in their home in Be’eri on October 7. The terrorists converted the house into their headquarters from where terrorists would go on their sprees of murder and destruction. Two soldiers, Ariel Ohana and Naveh Lax, were killed while attempting to take control of the house.
Yuval and Maayan’s children and the parents of the chayalim who were killed decided to transform the house into Beit HaAchavah, Brotherhood House, where people join and connect. Everyone is welcome there except politicians. Photos of the family and the fallen soldiers hang in between the bullet holes. Visitors can view videos of the family made during happy times. The Bars’ daughter states that many people come to see the ruins of Be’eri. In Beit HaAchavah, they can have a more uplifting experience filling them with positive energy.
These are just a sampling of the many initiatives aimed at fostering unity. B’ezras Hashem, these organizations will accomplish their goals and we will be united once again.
Please continue to daven for the recovery of the wounded, the release of the remaining hostages, and the success and safe return of all chayalim and security personnel.
Suzie Steinberg, (nee Schapiro), CSW, is a native of Kew Gardens Hills and resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh who publishes articles regularly in various newspapers and magazines about life in general, and about life in Israel in particular. Her recently published children’s book titled Hashem is Always With Me can be purchased in local Judaica stores as well as online. Suzie can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and would love to hear from you.
