Yom Kippur During Wartime

Stand for Israel  |  October 11, 2024

A huge 35 square meters Israeli national flag is raised on the eve of Yom Kippur to remember the fallen soldiers of the 1973 Kippur War in the Golan Heights, Tel Saki Memorial Site, Golan Heights, October 11, 2024.
A huge 35 square meters Israeli national flag is raised on the eve of Yom Kippur to remember the fallen soldiers of the 1973 Kippur War in the Golan Heights, Tel Saki Memorial Site, Golan Heights, October 11, 2024. (Photo: Michael Giladi/Flash90)

Beginning at sundown tonight, Israel will observe the solemn holy day of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, during wartime for the first time since 1973:

As is customary, the roads will be all but empty for the duration of the day, the holiest in the Jewish calendar, and flights in and out of the country paused on Friday afternoon and will resume only once Yom Kippur ends on Saturday night.

In light of the security situation, the IDF’s Home Front Command reminds people that they can activate a silent broadcast station, that will transmit in silence with the exception of rocket warning sirens, which will be aired out loud, in real time.

It will be an especially solemn observance this year, particularly given the news that yet another Israeli soldier has fallen in battle. And yet, even during this time of war, we remember the words of The Fellowship’s beloved founder, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein – words that are no less applicable today than they were years ago when they were written:

But we must not forget that the Yom Kippur services end in a spirit of joy, with the blast of the shofar and cries of “Next year in Jerusalem!” This is a powerful affirmation that God has sustained the Jewish people through many trials and tribulations, and will continue to. Peace may be elusive, but we remain hopeful and sure of God’s promise: “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2).

This Yom Kippur, may we rest in the knowledge that God will never forsake His people, and remember to thank Him and praise Him for His faithfulness.