Left, Right, Haredi: Three Great Awakenings of the Gaza War

An unspeakable calamity befell the Jews of Israel on Simchat Torah 2023. The war in its wake is an absolute necessity, and its magnitude and duration are yet to be seen. The duty of the hour is the war effort—on the frontlines and at home. Alongside it, there are lessons that must be internalized. Some, political and strategic, will come later. One, no less urgent, begins now: the lesson of unity.

In the years leading up to the Second Temple, the Roman empire allowed the Jews to fight among themselves, watching as we came apart internally. After we were done fighting, the Romans’ job was straightforward. As captured terrorists noted, our enemy, too, identified our discord and disharmony. They were bolstered by our weakness. If we wish to prevail, we must unite. That requires willingness to listen to the other side, and readiness for compromise.

Until recently, it seems these qualities were in short supply. Yet I wish to note three awakenings that have taken place since the war began and that suggest something has changed. Each one occurred within a different sector of Israeli society namely: the left, the right, and the Haredim. Together, these awakenings should be a great source of hope. And don’t we need it.