In the aftermath of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 dead and 250 taken hostage, many Israelis are turning to faith for comfort [1], reports Maayan Hoffman. This tragic event has deeply shaken Israeli society, eroding trust in the government, the Israel Defense Forces, and the economy. Statistics and personal accounts indicate a significant rise in religious engagement among Israelis seeking solace and strength.
Eitiel Goldwicht, educational director for the Jewish outreach organization Aish, notes a growing strength in Jewish identities, especially among those who previously sought peace with Palestinians in Gaza. Many nonobservant soldiers have requested tzitzit (ritual fringes) and tefillin (phylacteries) as spiritual protection. A day of prayer and unity organized by Aish at the Western Wall in Jerusalem attracted nearly 5 million Jews worldwide.
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Rabbi Tzvi Broker from Aish.com highlighted a 300% increase in their live web chat service, showing a surge in Jews seeking spiritual guidance. According to Dr. Menachem Lazar’s February 2024 survey, 33% of Israelis, particularly the youth, have strengthened their faith since the attack. Moreover, 63% reported praying more, 59% are having more conversations with God, and 45% have increased their recitation of Psalms.
The Israel Democracy Institute found similar trends, with 34% feeling closer to religion since the war. Even the Messianic Jewish group Jews for Jesus reported a 43% rise in New Testament requests. Aaron Abramson, the group’s executive director, compared this to the increased spiritual openness seen in Ukraine during its conflict with Russia.
For a deeper understanding of how the October 7 attack has transformed religious engagement in Israel, read the full article [1] by Maayan Hoffman.