Q04

Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. How? Why?

I feel like I should say the October 7th attacks in Israel, but I don't want to. Honestly, they've affected me by revealing to me just how distant I have tried to keep myself from the conflict in the past. Online, I click away or scroll past every time I see a Palestinian flag in someone's profile or a watermelon emoji. Once I put on a cute outfit of white jeans, red shoes, and a forest green crossbody bag to go walking around DC in...then realized that it was the day of a Free Palestine march on Pennsylvania Avenue, and I didn't want pro-Palestine assumptions to be made by strangers about me wearing the colors of the Palestinian flag, so I swapped out my red shoes for black ones before going out. I don't feel like I can say I fully support Israel when so many of my friends are calling them war criminals, but saying anything positive about Palestine feels traitorous to my own people. I've always believed in the possibility of a two-state solution, but now that feels so distant and inachievable. And meeting Israelis at camp this summer has made the whole thing feel more real in an uncomfortable way.

The ongoing conflict in the middle east has been horrifying. There are no simple answers and the conflict typically gets cast as the State of Israel vs. the Gazan/Palestinian people. David vs. Goliath. I struggle with the antisemetic trope that being Jewish necessarily means supporting Israel in all its actions. I struggle with the harm being done to the people of Gaza who are simply trying to live their lives. It's heartbreaking and hard to know how much we see/hear is truth and how much is amplification for political gain. I can't read articles or news stories about this without deeply visceral reactions. In a way, this is an example of something that those who follow Vedanta would say to ignore. There is an element of wisdom in that -- as an individual, resolving that conflict or helping the people affected is so far from something I can impact, and I can spend hours and hours in despair or worrying about things I cannot change. But, I feel I have to do something -- just don't know how to help, where to send money or spend time that will make a difference.

Every time the leaves change, my heart opens a little. This year was no different.

I already addressed this one. October 7th is most major and the subsequent war. Also trumps assasination attempts, Biden withdrawing from presidential race. They impacted me with anxiety and moral questions.

I think the events of October 7th and everything since then have put the world into a different place. I really do feel like the entire vibe shifted in a really horrible way. The climate crisis that I mentioned in my answer last year has only worsened this year, and I have struggled to cope with the anxiety of understanding that the world I grew up in no longer exists, and that we have no idea how bad the coming world will really be. It's horrifying, and I worry that the people in power aren't really concerned about things that are affecting their constituents; whether it be the hostages coming home, how families will get their homes back after they floated away in a devastating flood, where the millions of refugees worldwide will find a new place to call "home," or how we will even feed everyone in the coming year when so many can't afford or find food this year. It's terrifying, and I went to therapy and started new medication to cope, but my fear and anxiety are not unfounded.

My brother and SIL lost power for 6 days after a second hurricane went through Tampa. The mudslides in NC. It’s happening, climate disaster. It sits in the pit of my stomach and I hope to God I can help somehow, not just leave things like this.

Israel’s heightened occupation in and genocide of Palestine. It has reinforced my value of solidarity with Palestine and opened me up to identifying as an anti-Zionist. In the next year I hope to be bolder about my views and what I believe to be right, and take more action as a Jew for a free Palestine.

The genocide of Palestine by Israel. Watching such blatant and unchecked violence against people who were already living under apartheid has been shocking, devastating, and radicalizing. The fact that the US federal government continues to offer lip service about wanting a ceasefire and feeling terrible about what Palestinians are experiencing, all while continuing to support Israel's military actions with weapons, is absolutely sickening. The way capitalism and colonialism continue to dehumanize us and destroy the planet makes it hard to feel hopeful.

As someone recently said, I have never been to Palestine but Palestine has come to me this year and it has cracked me wide open. Witnessing a Holocaust unfolding day by day on my phone has taken me to depths of hopelessness and participating in Jewish resistance to imperialism and state violence has brought me a new hope. So far we have not been able to stop this genocide but we have exposed the rotten heart of many institutions and we have successfully built castles for each other in this schism. I'm not going to call it a "bright side" but I will call it a glimmer of hope in this dark night.

The genocide in Gaza because I’ve cared about the plight of the Palestinians since I visited Israel and the West Bank in 2013. People in power have let down so many Israeli and Palestinian citizens, and it’s beyond fucked up.

Presidential election. Joe Biden dropped out and nominated Kamala Harris. Donald tRump is running again and his divisive hate-filled rhetoric hurts our country and my soul! And Israel / Gaza, Ukraine, and hurricane Helene.

The ongoing, escalated genocide of Palestine by the Israeli government. God, I hate that I cannot opt out of my country's complicity in this genocide, not really. I boycott what I can, donate when I can, am trying to educate myself. But at the root, there is no true walking away from Omelas.

I don't even know what's going on in the world. I'm in newborn la la land. October 7th was pretty devastating and it's been scary to watch antisemitism on the rise everywhere.

October 7. It has been a year of a lot of pain. Of being gaslit and silenced. Of biting my tongue. Of holding my breath. I am still holding my breath. Of grief. And rage. And lots of tears. Of heaviness in my heart. And despite it all, few moments of hopeful dialogue. Of connection. Of people wanting to learn. Of unlearning. Of knowing. Of not knowing. Of ignorance. Of hatred. Of hopelessness. And of hope. For hope is what keeps us alive. It is how we survive the unthinkable.

The October 7th attack on Israel has flipped my world and my Judaism on its head. The devastation of finding out that Hamas had ruthlessly murdered over a thousand of my Jewish brothers and sisters out of pure hatred, while praising g-d and laughing with joy as slaughtered or tortured any Jew or Israeli they could see (regardless of age or how they begged and pleaded), was increased exponentially by the hatred and ignorance I saw sprout up across the United States and on my own college campus. Many people call for the end of the State of Israel to "free Palestine" and spout catchy chants, such as "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" and "the intifada revolution is the only solution," not realizing the true meaning and implications behind them. There has been a lot of performative activism and the people engaging in it rarely stop to think or educate themselves about what they are saying in the first place. They are holding Israel to a standard that they would not hold any other country to, and they do not realize that the root reasoning behind this is antisemitism. They are declaring that Israel doesn't have to the right to defend itself or to exist at all. Now don't get me wrong, I am most certainly not a fan of the way Israel's current extremist government is going about this war, but in no way do I think that these mistakes mean that Israel, the only Jewish homeland and home to over half of the world's Jewish population, shouldn't exist. It is disheartening to see the ignorance and hate all around me. Additionally, this war has caused a divide in the Jewish community and has cause Jews to once again become outcasts (neither the left nor the right of the political spectrum want anything to do with us).

October 7 and Israel’s bloodthirsty response to it. It feels like the whole of the Jewish institutional world went mad, closing themselves off to the wider world while they blamed everyone but Netanyahu for the bloodshed. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to respect most Jewish leaders again—even the ones I thought were decent. I’ve had to start to forge a new Jewish identity.

October 7th and the awful year that has followed it. On-going stress, anger, and sadness overeverything around the Middle East. The US elections are also incredibly stressful because the outcome truly will affecgt the world for better of WORSE

Looking at last year's answers, they were all about the impacts of negative things that have happened in the prior year. There were many bad things over the past year as well, and yet, I think I actually followed my advice to myself in the last 10Q. I said that I need to pull back from dwelling on the negative things happening in the world, and focus on ways I can effect change in my community, and that is what I have done. Let me instead express some hope and even optimism I have, despite the bad things. Florida was hit by 2 devastating hurricanes this fall, 2 weeks apart. Our governor has not only encouraged climate change denial, he has forbidden state employees from mentioning it, and forbidden the state from doing anything to reduce the use of fossil fuels, let alone support alternatives. But I just learned that 90% of Floridians believe that climate change is happening, and now they've just lived through two storms that were likely much more damaging due to it. I hope that the people of this state will demand better leadership on this issue, because our homes and our lives depend on it.

The demos to support Palestine, every day, every Saturday. All of us who stand with Palestine. Despite all that the mass media, politicians and blind elderly people still eating zionists lies and ignorantly consenting and paying for the genocide.

October 7th, no words can express the way that catastrophic event has impacted me, and continues to impact me every day. The hostages are still not home, we don't know if they are alive, the war continues. Antisemitism is pervasive, and I feel my voiced silenced in different ways.

7th of October. There’s so many things to say but I’m still wordless about the horrors happening there every week, day after day. It has impacted all of us on all levels of our lives, but as long as it does and we keep being shocked, at least we’re still human.

The war. Watching more and more people "side with the enemy" and dehumanize you, it makes a person lose faith. I lose a little bit more faith every day. I haven't lost it all though.

The wars in Gaza and Ukraine have not affected me directly but they have affected me emotionally. The continued killing and disregard for human life has been heartbreaking.

Oct 7 and the impacts continue to impact me. I notice the impact is manifold. I made an alternative instagram to have less time exposed to traumatic war content. I find myself bracing when clients bring the war up in sessions, anticipating antisemitic sentiments. Overall, I think I am more head-in-the-sand than ever before which feels sad and somewhat necessary.

The war in Gaza and Israel has been just awful. It's been devastating to see the amount of death and destruction that Israel has committed in Gaza and to see the Jewish community so split. It's hard to know that the Jewish values of working for justice and compassion that I hold dear feel so absent from the positions so many Jews have taken in the wake of Hamas's attack on Israel last Oct. 7. The distance I already felt from many Jewish communities/organizations because of Zionism/Israel have only deepened. Israel has now expanded the war to Lebanon and there's no end in sight. It's just so heartbreaking and I do believe that antisemitism is growing, in part because of the actions of Israel and the Jewish right's positions.

I honestly can't think of a thing. Isn't that terrible? or maybe wonderful. The election is still ahead of us, that will have an impact. Biden dropping out of the race gave me more hope that Trump won't be president, but we'll see. Seeing the eclipse with family and friends felt really wonderful. Just a sense of awe, which I want to feel more of and is hard to chase when you're a non religious person who doesn't get to get out in nature too much.

Ummmm, there could not be one of us who would not say Oct 7th. It is the most terrifying event and aftermath I have seen in my lifetime. I have lost so many friends, or rather have been shed by what I thought were friends who are really just brainwashed SOON TO BE "WILLING EXECUTIONERS". I didn't mean to type in all caps, but it is a fitting accident

anti zionist rhetoric has impacted my ability to feel safe and connected to my community

The impending election. I am disheartened that we as a people are so divided and self-centered...so much hate and it breaks my heart

All of the political upheaval and hate breaks my heart as it relates to people I know, and angers and scares me at the bigger level. Roe v Wade being overturned & things going to the states has been awful. At least Kansans voted down a constitutional amendment that stated abortion is not a protected right. The far-right Republicans still control everything except the governor in Kansas. I've bought some Chucks to wear to work to subtly show my support for Kamala Harris for president. I'm scare of what will happen if she doesn't win (and what her opponent will do if she does). So I'm just scared of the future.

The terrible events in Israel on October 7, and then the horrendous backlash that is so out of proportion. The attitude of western governments has eroded whatever small shreds of credibility I thought they had. Bad enough that it happens, worse that the world stands back and does nothing to rein Israel in.

Israel's continuing assault on Gaza, the West Bank, and now Lebanon. The horrific violence. The despicable rhetoric of Israeli leaders and citizens. The dead and injured babies, toddlers, children. I cannot hold my perfect, wonderful, healthy toddler without thinking of the shrouds in Gaza of her exact proportions. One of my daughter's favorite games to play is to hide herself or parts of her body. When she covers her legs in a blanket and says "where are my legs?" it's so difficult to respond with the appropriate playful spirit. I have to swallow the images of tiny amputees asking their parents and doctors if their limbs will grow back. Bearing witness to these atrocities is awful enough. It is enraging to see communities that are meant to include me justify this violence. It is sickening to see otherwise thoughtful people turn into vile, small-minded, paranoid ethnonationalists when it comes to Israel. There is an obvious horror in the death of a child. It is amplified exponentially when that death is intentional. And there is a sickening additional horror to be told that that child was killed in the name of your safety.

Not an event, but something happening in the world: Children being raped & murdered still continues to make me feel so alone, empty, and hopeless. It has strengthened my compassion because I still wish nothing but health, happiness, and love for their souls but also mine. This has made me stronger because it allows me to sit with the suffering and over time my ability to hold it is more skillful with compassion, silence, patience, and understanding.

Watching the genocide in Gaza has been heartbreaking. It's infuriating knowing that my country helps to fund weapons to Israel and that tens of thousands of innocent people have been murdered in the past year.

Hand down, October 7. I don't think any of us will ever get over it. Not just the horrific attack on people at the MOVA festival, but the kidnappings, torture, brutal murders-and now, the utter deterioration of any degree of fragile detente in the middle east. Then there's the whole explosion of anti semitism on the world stage. So much destruction and violence as a result. It's just horrific and feels like there's no solution.

October 7 and its immediate aftermath were almost beyond description. The pain of thousands of years of pogroms was suddenly palpable. I felt it like a knife at my throat and like a punch in the stomach. And because of social media I also saw it all around me, a veritable carnival house of pain and suffering and horror. Then - to add insult to injury - the wave of antisemitism which followed was just as upsetting. That initial wave was followed by another wave, and another, and another...a tsunami of betrayal and hurt

What Jew has not been impacted by October 7. It’s brought a lot into question how people are responding to the Israel-Palestine Conflict , is how people feel about the Jews in general. Is it anti-Semitic to not support Israel? Why are people not getting that the Jews have a historical evidence, connection to Israel like no other? We don’t have land other than Israel. Things got bad we have Israel to turn to. Any other country we have tried to settle in has not been welcoming to the Jews. That Israel is more diverse and open than most countries, especially in the Middle East. Better or worse this is our home. More than ever, I have felt the need to stand up for what I believe in, to take up space so it’s easier for those who come after me. Unapologetically Jewtina and proudly raising future Jewtinas. What country is 100 percent perfect? None but Israel deserves to exist!

the genocide in gaza. i grieve the loss of innocent lives. and the babies. there is nothing that justifies the murder of babies and children. NOTHING.

As it is October 2nd, it is still within the parameters of the question to cite Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023. Not only has this affected the entire geo-socio-economic-political sphere, but it has, in an odd way, helped me advance my ability to compartmentalize, feel gratitude, and understand myself and the world around me. The conflict in the Middle East, something that can at times feel far removed, and other times unavoidable, is a microcosm and a reminder of the challenges that are placed directly in front of us, none of which we can control. The reminder is- all we can do is decide how to react as individuals. While I am first and foremost sad and scared for my friends in the Middle East, and all lives affected by the conflict, I am indeed grateful that I have the opportunity to at least learn, and further my understanding. This gratitude is an allusion/stems from the idea of radical amazement and radical acceptance, the former of which is a Jewish concept, that miracles are also ever present and ever relevant. This inherently reminds me of what it means to be Jewish. In Jewish culture, it is often all too easy to focus on the tragedies our people have endured. However to me, being Jewish means being a light for others- to use strength, curiosity, critical thinking, and love and light to bring about principles of truth, in spite of being tempted by others around you to stray from your path. ❤️

We are currently facing an alarming political crisis, both at home and around the globe. In addition to the not to be taken lightly threat of a Trump voctory, . The middle east has erupted, and set off a chain of events with no resolution in sight. Anyone not worried is either not paying attention or hopeful and misguided, putting faith in a false saviour. I have struggled with efforts to try to open the minds of good friends deep in this alluring rabbit hole, all to absolutely no avail. This intense and foreboding phenomenon includes the eruption of absolute chaos and atrocities in the Middle East, causing enormous suffering on the ground, and pain and anxiety for many people around the world. Most of us feel helpless to do anything to help resolve it, and no one has come up with a tenable solutionto the Middle Eastern conflict. The destruction and suffering have gone on unabated for precisely 1 year, in 2 days. And the world has witnessed this and been unable to guide it to anywhere near a peaceful resolution. Now it seems, the war may be expamding, as opposed to coming closer to extinction. And then there is the issue of global warming, and the undeniable impact and forced changes it is causing around the world. The most recent event is the deluge of rain that fell in Appalachia as hurricane Helene swept through, filled with the voluminous moisture rising from the warming oceans…followed by Hurricane Milton, which was another record breaking megastorm, mostly impacting Florid. So there is seemingly a trifecta of threats– one. Politics two. The environment. Three Intelligence /human response to the first 2.

I don't know that there's a Jew anywhere for whom 10/7 didn't impact either indirectly or directly. For me, that impact was all indirect, since I don't have family or friends *in* Israel or Palestine. But that in and of itself has led me to even more painfully reflect on my feelings on the region's politics, my feelings on my community, etc. I've been struggling in conversations. I've been struggling in reflection. I read Shaul Magid's book, "The Necessity of Exile," which was beneficial to identify my high-level feelings-- independent of 10/7. But it pervades so much of what I do, so many of my relationships, and who I am that it's been inescapable all year.

Hurricanes Helene and Milton affected me profoundly. Not only do I live in Tampa, but I also work in Florida property insurance. These storms caused a lot of havoc and chaos on a personal and professional level. I felt very moved by the suffering of so many of my friends and neighbors negatively impacted by the storms. The twin hurricanes produced a very draining series of events what with the warnings, build up, evacuations, storm damage and after-effects.

OMG October 7th. Don't even ask. It was the worst most horrific thing to ever happen- ok, it was like the Holocaust but on a smaller scale. It was horrible. Horrible. I can't even describe it. The worst thing ever. I don't have time to describe it the way it should be described but it was horrific. The first week, watching the horrific video clips, I was so depressed and traumatized I just kept crying, all the time. As we all did. I had to stop because I couldn't function. It was the worst thing ever. And the response by the people of the world made me feel insecure in America for the very first time. All the anti-Semites coming out of the woodwork. Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, not to mention the nutjob infantile college students and their moronic views. The one good thing that happened was the incredible unity of the Jewish people. Everyone participated. Everyone was horrified. Everyone was united. We all sent money, supplies, davened, attended rallies, became online keyboards warriors... Israel went from being divided about the legal redoing this (I am very tired, I cannot remember what it's called - Supreme Court reform) to being organized completely around the chesed. Anyway, this whole thing has really traumatized me and everyone. I think about the hostages every day, I cry about the poor people who were murdered, I've done learning for them, and I think about what it means to be a Jew, a member of the Jewish nation and part of the cycle of Jewish history that repeats itself. Do I constantly wonder if we are in the beginning of another Holocauast? Yes. Before Oct 7th I had one anti Semitic incident occur to me. Now I've had 3 and my son had another one. FUCK THEM.

October 7th, 2023. Last year we were at the Simchat Torah celebration when the attacks were beginning in Israel. The reverberations for Jews throughout the world have been sad, but not surprising. It brought everyone's everyday antisemitism to the forefront. I'm less naive and more aware of it now. With all the Free Palestine protests happening in cities and on college campuses I feel less safe being visibly Jewish. I trust our friends and neighbors even less than I did originally. I hate that everyone in the world seems ok, even happy, hating Israel and calling for its destruction. I hate that this is our daughter's reality. I hope that the violence and protests lesson and we can get to a better space. A two state solution, but that isnt really what all the protestors want. They want Israel gone and Jews dead. You can't really argue your way out of this much antisemitism. It maks me wonder about people I see nearly everyday. Would they prefer that our familiy was dead? Would they want our Israeli family to be killed? i hate that these things even go through my mind. Do our friends, neighbors, acquaintances see us as human? Joe Biden dropping out and Kamala Harris being the nominee. I’m so excited to again voice for a woman for president! I hope that my daughters will get to grow up with a woman as president! It’s something I never would have even imagined as a girl. I hope for them it can just feel normal. Sally Ride said “You can’t be what you can’t see.” I hope my daughters, and kids around the country can see a different future than I saw at their age.

The rise of Trump and fascism in America is alarming. I will not be a party to it.

Israel's sustained attack on Gaza is horrific. I cannot believe that my government continues to support it. I have felt so raw with everything happening in my life, but it's been a persistent awful undertone to everything.

The 2024 election. I'm completely terrified of the outcome. I'm afraid to look at the news and to see or hear anything that suggests that Donald Trump might win, while at the same time compelled to obsessively check the news. If he does win, I am going to have to just go cold turkey, stop consuming any news at all for the next four years, and just try to survive.

UK election and NZ election- stills much populism and xenophobia rampant.

Is anyone answering this survey going to say anything besides October 7th? When you have an event so monumental that it sparks Atlantic articles with titles like, "The End of the American Jewish Century", it's hard to imagine any other possible answer. I wonder if this, more than anything else, punctured my bubble of gratitude and optimism from last year. I'm still fortunate beyond belief, that everyone in my family has been safe, even my cousins in the army have, thank G-d, been safe so far. But my feeling of safety is gone. Shortly after October 7th, our school started to have armed guards on campus, even though we're not supposed to talk about it. I don't really believe an armed guard is keeping my children safer. I hate that it was considered necessary. I don't think I would send my kids to college in the United States right now. I don't want them to have to answer whether or not they are Zionists, before being allowed into the library. I don't want them attacked on the street for wearing a Magen David. But I don't think that Israel, or anywhere else in the world, is safer right now. I think we had slightly less than a century of security, a rare moment in Jewish history, like other golden eras of the past, and now it has ended. We forgot that we are in exile, and now we have been reminded.

Cannot think of any again. More polarized, more my way or the highway, more I'm right and you're wrong and less ability to listen and reason.

Obviously the atrocious war and genocide of Gaza has been too intense to bear. I feel disgusted and helpless. That has been heartbreaking to witness. I do appreciate how many Jews have finally seen the reality of Israel's violence and hatred as a State. Hurricane season coinciding with these questions tends to evoke the same sadness and worry over our response to climate change. Have to let go and let God on all these major things, because they're beyond me. I am proud that I at least made calls for Harris. Felt like I did some small thing.

The war in Gaza continues and is utterly horrifying. I feel useless for not protesting or doing more. It makes me so angry to know I am complicit in this devastation by not doing more to push back against government support for Israel.

The Hamas/Israel conflict is continuing in Gaza, Lebanon and other affected areas of the Middle East, with daily destruction and devastation. It is harrowing to witness the scenes of the latest conflict - a year in current progress - and wonder what a world could look like unplagued by religious and territorial battles and in complete unified peace. In my lifetime, it looks unlikely to see landscapes not scarred by rubble, children growing with no memories of fear, people not escaping with only their clothes on their back. Early morning TV as I get ready for work, to ensure I do not fall back asleep, only consolidates the hopelessness of humanity as it stands, the immediate barrage of plight on the news channel.

Oh man October 7th 2023 🎗️

The election is this year… it’s brought up all of the facets of people in communities. It’s challenging to consider it all, to not be deeply concerned about my own life. It’s not as frustrating as other elections

Like I mentioned before, the ongoing genocide in Palestine. I am forever changed by this. I will never stop fighting for Palestinian Liberation. I will continue to contribute my art and voice and energy and $ to families. I will continue to find ways to uplift Palestinian voices. PALESTINE WILL BE FREE.

The hurricane in North Carolina made me so grateful for my home and comfortable life here.

President Joe Biden stepping aside, VP Kamala Harris running for prez, and MN Gov Tim Walz as her running mate has had SO MUCH positive energy and HOPE for the future. The alternative (Trump/Vance) is terrifying. I truly hope that this time next year, we'll be celebrating our democracy having survived against fascism and a beginning to the healing of the rifts between Americans.

The Hamas terrorist raid on Israel on October 7 and the ensuing rise in worldwide and especially American antisemitism has frightened and appalled me. I am so discouraged that facts and history seem to play no part in American non-Jews' perceptions and attitudes about this event and Israel's response, and at the same time I am horrified at the death and destruction Israel has wrought in Gaza in the service of keeping Netanyahu in power. I have had to acknowledge that supposed friends are anti-Semites, not just anti-Zionists, and am frustrated beyond belief that they seem not to see it, and also that the Irish are becoming more antiSemitic than they were for a long time because they are erroneously identifying with the Palestinians as a fellow "oppressed, colonized people," completely unaware that no such state or people existed historically until the refugees from the 1967 war created it after the Arab states, especially Jordan, refused to accept and absorb them as Israel accepted and absorbed all of the Jewish refugees from Arab states after the partition.

I can only say, October 7, 2023. It has impacted me in every way. There is too much to share about the impact. I, my family and friends, and the world are forever changed.

Well, hard not to think of the October 7th attacks and ensuing Israel-Hamas war. Just awful, totally pre-occupying, often morally challenging, very present in our community and family throughout the year. A constant feed of horribleness available at all hours on the news. So unclear how to help, what to do, how to be supportive without being divisive. Unfortunately, I feel a lasting peace in the middle east seems a more distant prospect than ever.

Well. Just like EVERYONE ELSE on here, I'm gonna say the whole war between Netanyahu and all his neighbors. It's been really hard seeing people blame the entire country of Israel. It's been equally hard seeing Jews and Israelis siding with Bibi unequivocally. I mean, I don't have the answer. It's a losing question no matter what angle you come at it from. One tiny extra-historical patch of land, a bunch of the world thinks of its inhabitants as entitled colonizers, supported by a selection of the wealthiest governments in the world, surrounded by hostile religious mindsets bent on its destruction? Who the fuck thought this would work out and got it started without setting up something that at least SOUNDED beneficial for all parties with a connection to the land? It's been hard to see my friends and 7/8 of my social feed turning anti-Israel. The rising antisemitism in the world. It is fucking scary. What are we supposed to do? And is it okay that I can't decide where I stand?

The ongoing genocide in Gaza, the absolute obliteration of the Palestinian people, and the way that my country is so complicit in it has overshadowed most of my year. I cannot understand how to continue to parent, to function, to pay taxes to a government that hands them over to a foreign country to use to wipe out a people.

For me (and probably every single Jewish person on earth) the most impactful world event this year were the October 7 Hamas attacks and the IDF's retaliation on Gaza, which still continues today and is expanding across the region as I type this. The hideously violent attacks that occurred that cursed day--and the relentless, unspeakable violence that has followed every day since--invariably changed the world we live in as humans and especially as Jews. It impacted me in myriad ways personally and professionally. There has been immense sadness and devastation: about what was done to us, how our pain is conditioned or denied, how our millennia of history and culture have been erased, and the endless amounts of ignorant people speaking on our behalf when they've never met a Jew or an Israeli and don't see us as humans. Being a Jewish professional at OJMCHE has been excrutiatingly difficult and sometimes impossible (exacerbated by cowardly, inadequate leadership) and I don't ever want to work in Jewish museums again as a result. I have also felt betrayal and disappointment as a leftist Jew being told by non-Jewish leftists that we can't grieve our dead or that the attacks weren't that bad; the way centrist and right-wing Jews have completely thrown their lot in with racist fascism from Netanyahu's government as if more violence and trauma could ever bring about lasting safety or security. The illusions and delusions so many of us believed in collapsed on October 7th and our world, especially our world as the Jewish people, will never be the same.

Hurricane Helene It has made me realize how lucky I am to have my basic needs so easily met

The October 7 attack on Israel and the ensuing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has significantly impacted my life. It probably has impacted my life more than anything else in this past year. It really turned my world upside down seeing the anti Israel and antisemitism in the bay area. It really shrunk my world to no longer be able to feel safe in all of the queer spaces I once did. To have to relearn where I could go and how I could navigate the city. To figure out who my friends were and whether I was even safe in my own home. It has had an existential impact on my life since making me think about moving within the city or leaving entirely.

October 7th, the ensuing battles, and the ensuing fights. It scared me. It could have been me. It could have been my family. It is more important than ever for us to have a strong Jewish community given the anti-semitism we see in the US and the isolation people feel (people cannot talk to one another about how they feel out of fear). I have a responsibility to help create community and places for dialogue. I also had ankle surgery this year. That was really hard, as I struggled to recover and wasn’t very active for many months. That impacted me mentally in addition to physically. I am grateful for now feeling like I am improving and in a better place than before the procedure.

My sister had a heart attack. This brought home my own mortality and the need to tell people I love that I love them.

October 7. I have been so upset not only about Hamas's heinous attack, but also about the world's responses. I get especially angry at media bias in reporting about Israel. And when I think about the hostages, it's hard not to sink into despair. It has been a horrible year for the Jewish people.

I guess it didn’t happen last year but October 7th in Israel. I’m not sure what’s weirder and hurts more. That even though my fellow liberals think I’m “pro genocide” or that for once I actually agree with the conservatives on something other than guns. My city use to be so accepting but October 7th changed everything. The TikTok/far left people started protesting against Israel even though Israel had just lost 1,200 people through death and rape unprovoked and another 200 or so were kidnapped and one year later there are still hostages in Gaza.

I am TERRIFIED by how uncertain the outcome of the upcoming presidential election actually is o_0 Like seriously, how can there be so many people who actually still think Trump is a good choice after he was convicted of felonies for bribing that prostitute and trying to interfere with the results of the election by inciting a riot and raid on the Capitol >_< it's horrifying because he's such a terrible person and a liar and none of it matters to his followers for some reason I just can't process at all! He actually said if he loses the election it will be the fault of the Jews like WHAT? I'm so ready for the first woman president and for this election season to finally be over in a couple more weeks! Hoping by the time I see this next year we have Kamala for president and this disaster of a country is on the way to better things!

Presidential election. The country seems very divided, more so than I have experienced in the past. The campaign commercials seem mostly negative. Dramatic events surrounding each party - President Biden's performance at debate ultimately led to his dropping out and naming Kamala Harris; the assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, PA, so incredibly close (nicking his ear) and went seemingly undetected. I feel more anxious at times, although I remind myself that Trump served as President for four years and I am still here. This time around, given the non-acceptance of the 2020 election lose and the insurrection on the US Capital in such a violent and hateful way, the country seems less safe, and I am more concerned for both if Trump is elected and what he may do in retribution as well as what direction and how he will lead the country, and if he is not elected will we have even more or greater violence?

Joe Biden dropped out of the Presidential race and VP Kamala Harris stepped in. I think I had forgotten what hope in the political sphere felt like. At first I was so scared. "Just stick with Joe, there's too much risk in switching at this point!" I've been through this before, hoping for a qualified female president, only to have my hopes dashed. I really don't think I can survive another heartbreak like that. But Kamala's campaign has been such a fresh breath of JOY and HOPE. She has really shown what leadership should look like. So while I'm nervous that voters will not turn out or not listen to their better angels, I'm doing everything I can to turn out the vote for her!

The election and coup against Biden has shown me how power corrupts.

The violence in Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, and the Sudan continue. Other oppresive places (North Korea, Myanmar) fall of the radar under the cacophony. The race for president is a choice between democracy and dictatorship, and it is much too close of a race. I feel like we are failing to heed the mitzvah to "Choose Life"

Kamala. I didn't know how much I needed Biden to step down until it happened. I forgot what hope felt like. And hoping and praying she wins by a landslide that the brainwashed cult of the orange nazi clown cannot dispute.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel. Since then, Israel has murdered more than 41,000 Palestinians... some of whom I saw with my own eyes via social media. The war has, quite literally, been broadcast on the internet. Videos upon videos of children blown to pieces. Men carrying dead bodies into buildings amongst screams and cries. It has been truly horrifying to watch; I cannot even begin to understand the pain and suffering. This has made me question so many things: Why does America give so much money to Israel? Why do people feel that religion is justification to commit genocide? What can I do when I feel completely and utterly helpless?

October 7, 2023. This is too deep and upsetting. I am a Zionist, obviously, but I am not in communication with my mom's cousin and his family in Tel Aviv. I can't believe the antisemitism on campuses and social media. I feel existential dread, even though it might not be real. I have no non-Jewish friends to talk to that I trust completely, without having "what about...?"

The war in Ukraine goes on and on. Trump still in the running for the presidency is the latest crises, for the whole world, I am afraid. 4 more weeks until the election. I can't imagine what horror he would wreak, along with JD Vance, and it really, really scares me. Reproductive rights, women's rights in general, cuts to social programs, his fascist attitudes and friendliness with Putin. I can't imagine any aspect of American life that won't be harmed.

The atrocious October 7 attack and the continual bombing by Hamas and Hezbollah are unforgivable. Still, the Israeli government and military have destroyed 60 percent of Gaza and killed 41,000 Palestinians. At the same time, settlers attacked Palestinians in the West Bank while the IDF stood by, Mossad killed many of their leaders, including those who were negotiators, and they are destroying Lebanon. They are creating generations of terrorists. By not considering what would come after the fighting stops, they sacrificed the relations they were building with Arab countries and the world, who would have helped with the rebuilding. Israel is not living up to its Jewish values and will not be safe until the Palestinian people have self-determination and can live economically sustainable lives. Those who have the power have the responsibility. My family is deeply invested in their positions on different sides of the issue.

The explosion of right wing conspiracy theories, and the loss of a broad understanding of the importance of our history and our democracy. I’m dumbfounded every day by the bizarre ideas that people spout as fact. Right now the future depends on the outcome of the election. It’s terrifying to think of what our world will look like if the asshole and his minions win.

Fuck, IDK, I mean, the same shit keeps happening and there is no end in sight. I'm pissed off at people everywhere for not being kinder to animals and other humans. The war in Gaza is particularly disturbing. I feel like I'm losing hope. I don't see the need for more weapons and wars. I see a need for people to come together and be peaceful and supportive of everyone and everything. FUCK war. It's horrible. I really need people to protect the environment and oceans. I'm not feeling great about our situation here on Earth.

Biden giving up his race for the president -- Kamala taking the top of the ticket. Resurged positive energy in the Dem space, but not sure if she can pull it off. I really hope so. I can't take another 4 years of the Donald. The other things -- last year 10/7/23 the Hamas attack on Israelis, killing 1200 and taking >200 hostage. At this moment, a year later, there are still more than 100 hostages being held. Anti-semitism is on the upsurge everywhere and it's disturbing to say the least. It's been especially disappointing that other 'minority' groups haven't supported us during this time. UGH will we always be hated?!?

It was about women's rights and the environment weighing so heavily last year. Clearly this question came up before the hell that was the hatred of Jews and our people and our place and our space and not just in our land ancestrally but across the m************ world.

When I think on the events that are portrayed in mainstream media I can find it difficult to relate. I also try to distance myself from the news because of the impact it can have on my mood and positivity. So the event that comes to mind is close to home but still rocked my world; the passing of our family cat (Beauty) in December 2023, just shy of her 17th Birthday. She was unwell in the preceding weeks and each time that we cuddled goodbye, I wondered if it would be the last time. I was emotional at her passing, because it felt like letting go of my childhood friend and the manifestation of all of the memories. But there is also a silver lining, A friend recently said that pets make a house a home, and she is so right. They show you that life doesn't need to be complicated. There is joy to be found in every day moments and in simplicity. I am grateful for what our little furry friend has taught me - live your life happy.

The failures of the Biden administration. Inflation, open borders, major wars, and the hatred that they try to create between conservatives and liberals.

The ongoing genocide in Palestine has been a real wakeup call in terms of values and activism. Some days the grief and rage are so strong that I can barely get anything done, knowing that my government has the power to cut off funding the bombing and endless murder and is continuing to enable it to this day. At the same time I'm heartened by the strength of the movement to help people flee and survive, both online and in physical spaces.

The continued Israeli-Palestinian conflict is so painful. As a Jew, I don't condone the Israeli response in Gaza or the continued conflict in the region. These responses do not uphold Jewish values, and at the same time, I also value Israel and having a Jewish nation. I don't know. My heart is also broken for everyone who was lost and kidnapped on October 7. I am sitting a lot with the conflict these days, as I have friends who are Israeli and Palestinian; Jewish and Muslim. I pray for peace.

Gaza has been in the news this year due to an escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I know who I’m inclined to support but I’m noticing a very strong resistance to me airing my views. It feels like the conflict has become far too fractious for either side to be comfortable with others exercising their freedom of speech. I have decided against doing so simply because I don’t need the extra stress and anxiety and anyway I have to prioritise my family at this time. I can only do so much!

With the continuing conflict in the Middle East it has made me reflect more on my heritage and the need to stay strong in my beliefs It has also shown me that I need to allow Jeff to express himself but I keep hoping he will allow himself yo see others points of view even if he disagrees with it. Same with my dad

7 Oct changed everything, all of it in a bad way

Oh my God. Is there one Jewish person who would not name the October 7th attacks on Israel? It impacted me profoundly because ultimately it forced me to confront the fact that the establishment of Israel actually was, in a sense, an occupation and that yes, Israel is committing a virtual genocide of Palestinians since 10/7 and that some of the original Zionists (most?) were white Europeans who were racist towards Arabs and didn't mind displacing them or making them into second-class citizens. When I lived in Israel and fell completely in love with the country, the language, the music, the food, the people, the plants, the very place -- I deliberately ignored the inequities, the racism I encountered, the Jewish homes I entered that had been taken without compensation from Palestinians... I wanted so badly for Israel to exist and to flourish. When S. B. told me that it had been a mistake for her and L. to think of themselves as "Pioneers" and she felt it was all a huge mistake, I felt my world turn upside down. It made me question everything I had been taught as a child about Israel and Zionism. I am still struggling a lot with it all. Huge paradigm shift. Painful.

October 7. More than a later, and I still can’t articulate an answer.

The war in Palestine. It has made me feel like our political system is no longer responsive to the demands of the people and pessimistic about the ability to create change in this world with so many complex institutions

Everything happening in the world affects me, even though I may not know how. I am affected by the war on Gaza (having trouble calling it a genocide, but maybe it is that). I'm affected by women being denied abortions in a dozen U.S. states. I'm affected by book bans. Most significantly, I have Trump trauma from knowing friends and loved ones support someone who hates Blacks, says immigrants have "bad genes," has raped women, mocked the disabled, lies regularly, and so on.

The impending election is a super stressful issue right now. Will Trump be elected? It's just the most awful and horrific possibility. It's really impossible to imagine that enough other humans on this planet want him to be the leader of our country that he could get elected. It's genuinely scary. Grateful, in a way, that the next time I read this, I'll know what happened on Nov 5, 2024.

Cancer. It's all cancer. Cancer every day, cancer all day.

The upcoming election. The upcoming election. The upcoming election. The upcoming election. The upcoming election. The upcoming election. The idea of 4 more years of Trump frightens me. I know that when I read this next year, I will have experienced a year of sanity and forward focus OR in the midst of chaos and crazy. Being on tenterhooks is not good.

Kamala Harris running! Biden stepping down. Hoping we get the first female president. It's about time. Hoping Trump gets kaibashed.

Housing crisis. Me & Rylee NEED to get outta here, but due to housing crisis & astronomical prices with pretty much everything, we are stuck in this hell-hole, and it's getting worse everyday 😢😭

Perhaps the obvious answer to this is October 7 and the subsequent, ongoing genocide. For months, I was constantly thinking about it. I'm angry and sad, both about the toll this has taken on the people of Gaza, and Israelis, as well as how the repercussions have fractured community spaces I'm a part of. I'm grieving so many facets of this: the genocide itself, the loss of Israeli life, the ways that communities are being torn apart. I'm angry at the complacency of many American Jews and the US govt.

October 7 has been the unrelenting fuel that has blazed on this year. Over 365 days later we still wait anxiously for our hostages to come home, and continue to be tormented, gaslit and isolated in the community. When it happened, Amy and I had come out of a remarkably joyous two days celebrating my aufruf only for us to open our phones to a bombardment of messages thanking us for a beautiful simcha and to pray for Israel. We mostly stayed away from the news for the week as it was the one leading up to our wedding, and we were advised it was our time to be joyous, and nothing should take that away from us. We considered getting security for our Sydney wedding, even maybe cancelling it, as we found out our Israeli cousins getting married four days later would cancel theirs. In the days after and the weeks since, everyone was glued to their phones and Israel slowly released information of the atrocity. To some extent the slow release of information, to sanctify and respect the victims did Israel it's biggest disservice. Months later and even today after a year, Jews and Israelis have been denied the suffering and barbarism that took place. "It's not proportionate!" "It's a war crime!" are the constant arguments by those who do not understand either of those terms in the laws of war. Conspiracy theories claim the "IDF killed most of the Israelis" on October 7, and "human rights" groups and activists continue to deny the rape and sexual warfare of Hamas, even after testimonies from survivors and literal confessions from the culprits. Amy truly was baptised by fire. She became a jew at the toughest time to be a jew. Members of our synagogue, who's parents escaped the camps of the Holocaust tell us that they have never felt so fearful or isolated as Jews. Just today, a day after Yom Kippur, I received photos of a cafe owned by an Australian Jew, who has spray painted "Palestinian targets" on his shopfront. Two weeks ago "Kill a Jew" was spray painted less than 30 minutes from our house. We are in some way reliving the 1930s and 1940s. We have lost friends who attended our wedding - who witnessed our despair and shared our moments of silence. We have discovered friends who have blocked us online only to share their own virtue signalling propoganda, hidden from us, with no exclamation and without asking us if we are okay or if we could explain our side of this war from our perspective. We can count on our hands the amount of non-jewish friends (many Iranian) who have messaged to check in with us and our families. Israel has, in the past weeks, now entered Lebanon. With a strong Lebanese population in Sydney, we worry what will happen next as Israel attempts to dismantle Hezbollah. It appears Israel is fighting every war while it can, and we are hoping people will see the truth and reason why, that this war is truly existential, whilst we are constantly inundated with propoganda, gaslighting and antisemetism (thinly vieled as anti-zionism, without those understanding they are, for the most fundamental part, the same thing). Few, if any, of our non-Jewish friends and acquaintances, understand the daily stress and anxiety we face. Every night for about an hour we find ourselves endlessly scrolling to see what has happened, and what people are saying. I check X nightly to see what has happened with the IDF, I always try to read both sides of the story, and message or call my cousins regularly to check on their safety. None of the above is to belittle the experience of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and now Lebanese who have fled their homes. There is an unfortunate preconception that as those with opinions on the war, we cannot feel for both sides or hold two truths equally. This is somewhat the core of this conflict. However, we are continuously told by the other side what we feel, think and who we are. The same does go both ways and is with more empathy (and perhaps with future generations) it should stop. For the first time in 35 years, I've felt that my own identity and being has been questioned. In the 1930's we were not white, and taken to the gas chambers for it. My own family was taken to the forest outside of Ukmerge/Vilkomir, Lithuania in 1941 and murdered in mass graves. 90 years later, we are white and are colonizers, and should be genocided again. The "G" word has been thrown around with complete lack of it's historical context. Completely undermining it's true vial and hurtful nature by those people's who have been truly genocided. This claim has belittled the true horrors our people and many other's have suffered, because, unfortunately, there is mass devastation from war. We recently looked at photos of World War II of what photos of European cities. They look the same as Gaza. War is destructive. But a destructive war with casualties does not equal a genocide and to claim otherwise is an insult to the many creeds that have had their families systematically massacred because of their identities. A year one we recently attended the memorial for October 7 with 12,000 other Australians. Whilst protests for the Palestinian cause happen weekly, with police officers controlling those partaking who display flags of "Zionism is Terrorism", Nazi symbols, Hezbollah flags and memorialise the Hitler of our generation, Hassan Nazrallah. We had police and counterism controlling those entering our event. In contrast, it was an evening of despair, memorial and hope. There was no hate. We hope and pray for peace soon.

I (naively) never thought I would experience a world event that could have the kind of impact that October 7 has had on me. It's hard to describe. However, the Dvar Torah that was shared at the Kol Nidre service at Kolenu on Friday night went quite a long way; Alice (I believe her name was) spoke about the 'cleaving' that she has experienced. This kind of internal soul tension where her Judaism and humanism have had to live in tension with the other. I can certainly relate to this, and also how she describes that losing one's community (here, she was talking of the left) feels like a death. That I completely relate to. It certainly feels like there is the time before and after Oct 7. Like I was wearing some kind of rose-coloured glasses before this date, and now I see more clearly; I see the destruction all around us. Not just in the Middle East, but the destruction all around the world and truly how tenuous this life really is. And how remarkably rare it is to live in a relatively peaceful place and time. Peace is the rarity; it's the exception. And paradoxically, it needs to be fought for. I hadn't realised that before.

I don't like any of the wars Israel/Gaza, Ukraine/Russia, I don't like the current election going on. It makes America looks like a circus. It makes me embarrassed to be an American.

The attack on Israel. So worried about friends who live there with children just having to join IDF. The continuing war in Ukraine. Why is Israel castigated world wide for responding to a horrific attack and Russia not castigated for killing civilians for four years in a battle they initiated. How it affects me. I’m angry and I’m sympathetic to civilian casualties in Gaza but feel Israel must defend and respond to attacks.

Unlike previous years, this year this question is for me, unfortunately, easy to answer. October 7th has changed the world as I know it. I was going through my IG archive and I cam upon a post from this time, it said: "Ever heard of Jewish geography? The Jewish world is small. There's only 15 million of us. We are all connected. If we don't know someone who has been murdered, we are only 1 degree away from knowing. We, collectively, are feeling this. We, collectively are not okay. Our souls our hurting." It perfectly encompasses how I felt, how I feel. I knew someone who is murdered, I know people who knew someone who was murdered and my heart breaks for the Israeli and Jewish communities. And what hurts the most is the rise in anti-semitism in the US following these events. To share one other quote that really resonated with me, "Never in my years as an activist, have I see other activists, upon seeing footage of little girls being killed and dragged through the streets, immediately find the burning need to go on the internet and justify their deaths... For complete clarity, the only reason you do this, is because you have been made to believe that the killing of Jews can even be justified. Because every civilization has taught the life of a Jew is less valuable than your own... Your anti-semistism is not unconscious. It is so deeply rooted in your ones and you are so comfortable with it." I pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages and hope for a more peaceful year ahead.

Globally, I am furious at how Netanyahu has prosecuted wars against Hamas, Hezbollah and more. Israel is giving rise to more people to hate them. Domestically, I’m inspired that Biden stepped down as a candidate and how Kamala Harris has stepped up, unifying the party behind her. I pray that she will win.

The war in Israel. Feels like we’re barreling towards apocalypse.

I think the obvious answer is October 7 because it was so devastatingly violent and traumatic. But October 8 was more personal because in the United States, we saw celebrations and justification - even blame for Israel. Antisemitism was always something I knew existed but didn't think it would be so widely accepted and defended. The decline of understanding and fairness is truly heartbreaking. At the time of October 7, I had 1 child in college; now I have 2 and I think about the campus antisemitism a lot.

The ongoing slaughter of Palestinians (and now Lebanese) by the Israeli army, funded by the US government and other Western powers (Canada included) has led me to question almost EVERYTHING about my Jewish identity, my "community", my family, friendships, all of it. It's been exhausting and grief-filled. I've felt untethered from community. Family is mostly just my immediate members and even then, Mom holds onto a "both sides" simplistic approach of "I just wish people would get along" while at the same time, chastising those (like me) who can't seem to bring themselves to go to shul where there's mixed company of Zionists and anti-Zionists because "people should leave their politics at home!". Like I said: exhausting. I'm grateful to my therapist who helped me begin to process my feelings about Jewish identity, how it ties into my relationship with Dad, and all the beautiful, rich, symbolic things I associate with Judaism ... I still have a lot of sorting out feelings over this, but maybe this is the year of establishing new boundaries that keep me firmly rooted in shared humanity with others.

Kamala Harris. Such hopefulness coming from a change in presidential candidates. I’m painfully impacted by October 7, Israel, fear around antisemitism, Trump-ism, etc…. VP Kamala Harris is the hopeful side of that coin.

Overwhelmingly, the atrocities on and since October 7 and the reaction of people around me to them. I've felt a deep loss of trust and heartbreak with seeing how so many Jewish institutions gave Israel license to commit atrocity, treating the atrocities of October 7th as a singular event disconnected from the atrocities of apartheid and occupation that contributed to them and mass death and destruction imposed on a small people resulting from them. I've particularly felt this loss and heartbreak when it comes to my parents, who have not lived up to our responsibility to stand up in the face of our own people committing oppression. And separately, when antisemitism was already suddenly prominent due to Elon Musk and Kanye West, it's been deeply hurtful to know that people associate Jews more now with the atrocities committed by Israel and international Jewish defense of them. And it's been difficult to see people who believe they are committed to justice become susceptible to blinding themselves to parts of history and becoming radicalized against one of the most prominent expressions of Judaism, including by standing with those who support atrocities. I've felt so many things this past year, but some of what has been most helpful has been hearing people committed to peace who deeply understand and care about Jews in Israel while not shying away from the atrocities of occupation inflicted by Medinat Yisrael, to have conversations with like-minded Jews who also view it as our responsibility to see and stand up against when we as a people commit oppression, and also to have tough, intentional conversations with people I care about who see things differently and understand the different ways in which we are all heartbroken and all care. It's been a hard year, and I still constantly feel torn in so many directions. But for all that is bad, I shouldn't forget the pockets of goodness that have helped remind me I am not fully alone.

President Biden dropping out of the presidential race and Kamala Harris stepping in solidified my fear that Donald Trump would win the election. Lies permeate the airways; we have no insurance that Harris will win.

The Israeli attack on Gaza/Palestinians. I see it as genocide. Yes, Hamas did attack and kill innocent people in Israel. But to go and carpet-bomb tens of thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza is wrong. I have lost a friend because of this situation; she says I am not voting (for U.S. President) my conscience because of the candidate I have decided to vote for. That was hurtful.

The massive increase in antisemitism. I have been stunned at the level of hate and the disregard for the people who are still hostages. It is disgusting. And frightening. On the other hand, I have been really happy with my synagogue’s approach to this. I see it as a clear headed approach to the situation and seeing it as it is, not as the pro-Hamas protesters claim it is.

Traveling to another country, where I didn't speak the language. I depended on my kindness to them and their kindness and patience toward me. To be afraid is not an option.

October 7, 2023. Dear HaShem, when will the cousins come together, in peace? Why does evil persist, and good people be slaughtered?

On october 7th 2024 Hamas luanched a missle twards Israel. This killed over 1,000 jewish and israely people. It was really hard, especially beacuse I was hearing about it everywhere and had almost no clue what people where talking about. Well I did...I was probably one of the first people in NYC to have a clue...I had an early tornament that day and when I came into the. kitchen, ready to leave my dad told my mom that he had heard from my uncle, Dany, that israel had declared war. Scince then NYC has when filled with regret, loss, mourning, and great scilence. But amidst the silence is also great noise. People are raising their voices, speaking up for those who cannot. It's truly inspiring.

World events that affected you recently are hurricane Milton. The hurricane that tore through NC. Trump assignation attempt. How? Why? Because they're world events.

Easily - Oct 7. This has been one of the periods of my life when I am most profoundly aware of my Jewish identity and how this identity isolates me from others outside of Judaism, as well as how my more progressive beliefs about Israel isolate me from other Jews and the Jewish community. Reckoning with the pain of Oct 7 - where I remember Emily and I saying to each other that Israel had pushed Hamas and Gaza for so long to lash out this way - and then the subsequent inappropriate and cruel response from the state of Israel with blatant disregard for human life has been shocking. Human life including those in Gaza as well as the hostages, and most recently those in Lebanon as well. It has made me more desperate than ever to defend my Judaism while pushing Jews to recognize the atrocities Israel has committed and non-Jews to recognize Israeli and Jewish pain.

Crazy Trump

It has to be the October 7, 2023 massacre and the ensuing - and ongoing - Israeli (Netanyahu) aggression. It's ripped a hole in so many aspects of my Jewish identity. The Israel of 1967 was at the center of my Jewish identity. We were no longer victims. But becoming a geopolitical military power has created a Jewish nation that I no longer recognize. Or maybe I just never looked closely enough before. I can't talk about my confusion to some Israeli or orthodox friends, nor can I relate to the JVP (Jewish Voices for Peace) position Rachel advocates. I'm just heartsick.

Bleh. The war with Hamas obviously. I have felt embarrassed of Israel and its actions and upset by the way our congregation has responded. Rabbi's sermons have been so divisive and he can't seem to see past his anger and have compassion for the Palestinians. I wish our congregation would do more (anything!) to advocate for those harmed by the actions of Israel

The presidential election!!! Tracy and I have been doing all that we can for Kamala Harris- phone calls, letters, texts, door knocking, donations! I am so terrified about this. She absolutely must win!!!!

I would say the current US election cycle has had a major impact on my life this year. It's probably sucked up way too much of my time and energy. It's made me angry, hopeless, and infuriated, but also hopeful and optimistic. I'm anxious about Trump winning again - as much as I'd like to stay positive and confident that Kamala will win, after what happened with Hillary and the shock of that election, I'm kind of holding my breath until November. Even then, whether Trump wins or loses, there's likely to be violence, and I'm really over it. The fallout from overturning Roe v. Wade and the horror stories from the States - I'm hoping this will be a wake-up call for women, especially white women, because we've been complicit in this bullshit. I'd love it if we could let black women lead for a while, starting with Kamala as president.

I have tried to stay away from world events, it is easy to be manipulated when there isn't time to read and challenge media. But the invasion and decimation of the Palestinians is hard for humanity. Burning a crop to kill a mouse doesn't sit well with a lot of people, nor does watching the ultra rick behave like toddlers while everyone else is barely holding on to the lifestyle they built 5 years ago. It makes me tired

I feel like I did this question with #1 and October 7th. But let's talk about Biden dropping out and Kamala entering the race. Baruch Hashem she wins. What it reminded me is that you never do know: there is always the possibility of surprise, of something unexpected. History is not pre-ordained.

The massacre in Israel and the increasing antisemitism word wide. it was and continues to be heartbreaking. Just sad - worried about my friends in Israel and their kids in the army. And expecting acts against Jews will get worse everywhere.

The genocide in Palestine is just devastating, gutting. It’s hard to watch and even harder to watch other Jews justify what’s happening.

The return of Trump and accompanying shock that it’s a 50/50 chance he may again be president inspires despair. What I considered to be settled arguments are reemerging in new ways with new language-“legacy Americans”, a return to spoils based civil service, Christian nationalism. I thought we’d left all this nonsense behind. And then there is the fear that we will fall into political violence again-somewhere between civil war and South American style right wing violence. This isn’t the country I once knew.

October 7 changed my life forever. Imagine the place where you were born, where you said your first words, took your first steps, experienced the world for the first time. Imagine the place where you came of age, where you lived independently for the first time, where you met your first love, where you tried your first drink. And imagine the place that always felt like home in the truest sense of the word, where you cried tears of sadness when you had to leave and tears of joy when you returned after too long. Imagine that place had a culture, a culture you always felt was more authentic and comfortable and *you* than the culture you were immersed in most of your life. A culture that produced music that moved you to your core, and creativity and art that made you marvel at the inspiration. A culture full of people a little too much like yourself, to the point that you questioned whether your passion for travel and languages and foods really had much to do with you as an individual or simply with your DNA and the place of your birth? Now, imagine that place and that culture suddenly vilified by half the world, as if it was the root of all evil and should be destroyed and cease to exist. Imagine every aspect of your identity tied to that culture suddenly becoming something “controversial” about you. And imagine that place physically defending its existence from attacks coming from 6-7 directions, and all the headlines describing that place as the primary aggressor. That is how October 7 has affected my life this year. The curtains are up. My head is out of the sand. Many inconvenient truths I did not want to admit about the nature of the Left in the US and Europe have become much clearer this year and I’ve been forced into the center (or entirely outside) the political spectrum. The pro Israel folks supporting Trump still sicken me. The IfNotNow and JVP Jews sicken me, maybe more. I volunteered at the empty Shabbat table for weeks, on and off since November. It is still going. Over a year later. Words seem pointless at this point (BRING THEM HOME!!!) I had no words on October 7. I have no words now, at least no words that feel appropriate at all. The words above have been floating around in my head recently to try and get my experience across, but I have not shared them on social media both because they are vulnerable and they still feel not quite right. But I wrote them now and maybe someone will read them.

Can't thing of any event that had a significant impact on me. So much is happening in the world that it's easy to get caught up in the news, politics, and what's going on in Hollywood which has taken over social media. If anything, they are distractions because they don't always have call-to-actions or drive for solutions, mostly emotional and energetic drainage. I would say that I've become more aware of the impacts AI is having on our society. I do feel some pressure to figure out how to navigate all of the different technologies and languages so that I don't "fall behind." Even with the job search, there seem to be many AI tools to help, but I have yet to see how effective they are in helping people land new careers. In fact, there are AI tools that have been inundating recruiters and hiring managers will hundreds, if not thousands of applicants in just a few days of posting a job listing. Crazy times.

Transition from Securities America to Osaic. Meant that the family feeling of our smaller broker dealer, and our connections to our many friends there, was finally gone. Plus, the far-from-see less transition to their platform was an embarrassment and a disaster.

The murder of innocents in Israel, Gaza, West Bank and now Lebanon. It has led me to be deeply angry at a country (Israel) that I have had deep connections with. I am scared for my family in northern Israel. I am devastated about the genocide that is happening and feel helpless to help. I am invested in activism to support Palestinians, specifically within a new group (ABQ Tzedek Collective) which is connecting to activism from a deep Jewish commitment to Tikkun Olam.

God, Gaza. October 7 happened just after the vault closed last year. In fact, I felt guilty about it because last Yom Kippur I didn't fast and then the world fell apart. I know it's irrational but that's how I felt in the immediate aftermath. I also felt terrified those first couple of days. My PTSD hyper vigilance went through the roof and I was terrified to ride the bus home, for fear that there was going to be a suicide attack. This is NYC: there are more Jews here than anywhere else in the world outside Israel, and I was scared we would be next. Over time, my fear shifted to anger when many of my liberal Jewish friends insisted on defending what was unfolding as an obvious genocide against Palestinians. I am watching them get swept up in the asme nationalism and fear that I did after 9/11 and I wish I could help them understand that one day they're going to regret the way they're reacting, the same way I now regret the way I supported the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11.

Besides October 7th, 2023, the rise of American fascism almost completely dominates my thoughts outside of the bubble of work and family.

The murderous attack on Israel on 10-7 was devastating and the hostages are still being held. Equally terrifying is the fact that 101 hostages are still being held in Gaza. AND that the world either stays silent or worse, there are frightening Pro-Hamas/Pro-Palestinian protests. Violence and death are national news and people are normalizing the hatred. We are scared. I am scared.

The genocide of Gaza has totally flipped my world upside down. It has radically changed my relationship to Judaism. Free Palestine!

The October 7 attack in Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza and now Lebanon. It has made me feel less safe myself, as a Jew, but also it has caused so many conflicting feelings, because I feel that Israel has also made some catastrophic missteps over the years in how it has approached living side-by-side with Palestinians. This has currently spilled over into world events, as well as our own U.S. election, all of which which has just heightened my feelings of anxiety and concern for the direction the world is headed.

Who among us is not writing about Oct. 7? I remember the day it happened; as I learned of the news, I said out loud how terribly brutal this would be for Palestinians, and subsequently for all Israelis and all Jews. I knew this was a provocation toward greater violence, but I didn't realize how much it would erupt into an ideological war with my communities, so many of whom are divided firmly between Israel's right to security and self-defense and Israel's brutality and actions as a "settler colony" and part of the white supremacy regime. And here I am in the middle, seeing and feeling the both sides of it, wondering how we got to this place of inhumanity, where these global leaders continue their violence unchecked, and so so many human beings have died and are dying as a result. I'm not sure how it's impacting me other than in my own paralysis, uncertain about how to engage in conversations with my far-left academic friends or with some of my right-leaning Jewish friends, and incredibly unclear on how to act. The feeling of helplessness is prompting me toward checking out for self-preservation, but Palestinians and Israelis and Jews the world over don't have that same privilege.

10/7. I realize how rampant antisemitism is, I’m shattered by what Hamas did and continues to do, and I’m also horrified by Netanyahu’s intentional mishandling of the war in Gaza for his own political ends. I’m kind of a wreck, tbh.

I can't even begin to describe the trauma of world events this year. October 7th was a tragedy unlike anything I could have possibly imagined, and it sparked a real crisis of anti-semitism around the world. I don't understand how Hamas can be so evil to commit atrocities like burning babies, raping to murder, and chopping bodies in gruesome ways, all while taking videos. I also can't comprehend how people around the world could know that happened and still support them and think Israel is to blame. The protests I have seen on social media and the news from seemingly regular people terrify me because it means that there are people who can justify the horrible actions of Hamas through their own narrative. As a Jewish person, I no longer feel truly safe. On dating apps, I'm frequently concerned with non-Jewish matches that maybe they are anti-semitic or anti-Israel and want to hurt me. I thought anti-semitism is something we largely overcame after the holocaust, but I can see now that I was wrong. There are frequent protests in NYC where people shout things like kill the Zionazis or Jews go back home to Europe. This mass demonstration of people who share other political values as me, such as a woman's right to her own body and fighting discrimination against people of color and police brutality, makes me feel like anyone can be misguided with the wrong information and fearful for myself, the Jewish community, and the world at large. It has been an entire year of hostages still being held by Hamas, an ongoing war in Israel with Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran, and raging anti-Semitism in the US. I try to avoid inflammatory social media posts and focus on how I can make the best of each day, but it's been an extremely challenging year.

Kamala being the democratic nomination in an untraditional way. I finally have hope for our country and at the same time I fear what will happen if 🍊🤡 is elected again.

Where to start? Where? To? Start? This year is filled with examples of condemned actions that were harrowing enough... until I added in the fact there were largely no consequences for those actions. Meta harrowing. Then I paused (thanks to being a routine reader of Jamelle Bouie and insominiac consumer of Charles Reznikoff's Testimony) and realized, for the umpteenth time: it's never been very good here except for a very few, blind to their arrogant entitlement. Crimes are largely conducted by the powerful to ensure power stays with them. The rest of us are criminalized to ensure power never accrues to us. I'm not mad about it (at my age), but it allows me to keep a sharp focus on injustice. Every choice I have now has a powerful lens.

There are so many which affect me deeply. The conflict around the world, in Ukraine, the Middle East, and in so many areas of oppression. I am fortunate for being where I am but consider how difficult it must be for those living without the same freedoms.

October 7 even though I don’t have family that was affected. It’s made me re-evaluate my relationship to Judaism and Zionism in both comfortable and uncomfortable ways. It’s also forced me to re-evaluate friendships.

What can I say but that the horror of October 7th and the atrocities committed by Israel in response every day since has tinged every day of this year with grief. So many dead, and for what? I don't know what we are supposed to do in the face of such cynical brutality. And worse still is the willing blindness of so many in my community to the reality of what is being done "in our name". Horror committed is only slightly worse than horror ignored.

How many people on 10Q are talking about the calamitous events of October 7th? I will toss my name into that hat. When the strikes first occurred, my initial reaction was excitement (?) for the freedom fighters—the same reaction I might have for any oppressed and colonized people struggling against their chains. (Sophia would say that excitement is never appropriate when human lives are lost; she is probably right.) But as the time passed, I was forced, at last, to confront my Zionist upbringing. It took a few weeks of intense discomfort, of ripping from my ears and eyes the lies I was peddled by summer camp and heres school where I was told that all Palestinians wanted to kill every Jew, that peace was impossible. It is a relief to be on the other side of that struggle. I am proud, now, to be a Jew fighting for what is right in the world, and I would like to see organizing (perhaps with JVP Maine) after I have graduated and no longer am involved with SJP. The difficulty, here, is that pointing myself towards justice in the world has estranged me from my family. Not at the intermediate levels, but it is a struggle that separates us from conjoining at the depths I desire. I wonder if this year will bring any new changes to them. I want so badly for these people I love to stand against a genocide being perpetrated in their names.

October 7th. The wars. Worldwide antisemitism, that has resurfaced. It's impacted in so many ways. All the things I wanted to believe - the worst of times for the Jewish people being behind us - being challenged. The resurfacing and fueling of secondary PTSD, often feeling alone in crowds. Questioning 'relationships' never, ever, questioned before.

Fucking Israel and Palestine - impacted me greatly and also not at all. I'm still incredibly privileged/lucky/fortunate that world events are more story than my actual life. I've disconnected in many ways, and I feel the ease and also the ways my choice disconnects me from my own values and beloved community.

I don't have the correct words to answer this but I hope I will look back on this response next year and things will be different. I imagine like most Jews, 10/7 is the event that has impacted us the most. Throughout the division, this seems to be something that brings Jews together. My first thought when I read the news was, "things are about to get really bad for Palestinians, and the rhetoric here is going to become more zionist." and it did. I spent so much of the year trying to find my place--in zionist Jewish communities as a lifelong antizionist. As an advocate for radically inclusive, diasporic Judaism with non jewish colleagues and students who were quick to become silent over fear of being called antisemitic. I stopped going to Torah Study for a good portion of the year because I was so afraid of these Rabbis who I look up to neglecting to mention the inherent value of Palestinian life in favor of Israeli life. It broke my heart. Watching community leaders align themselves with people who deny my own Judaism, deny my right to marry or to bring my family to shul, in order to uphold a zionist ideal in our synagogue, far away from Israel. But then to see community leaders shift, say "Gaza" aloud, say misheberach for Palestinians AND Israelis, to continue to welcome me with open arms and engage in tough conversations, it began to feel like repair. How do we fight for peace in Israel and Palestine when there is not peace between liberal Jews on the left??? A dear friend said, "my worst nightmare is to watch Jews act like Nazis." I sang a Yiddish protest song in the middle of a thoroughfare that was being blocked by IfNotNow. It made my family proud, and made me proud. It's not something I've done since, but I would like to again. It was beautiful to say, "this is not okay BECAUSE I am jewish." Mir ale hobn koyech Mir ale loyfn in de gasn Mir ale shrign sholem/oyfer/tzadek sholem sholem sholem

I am delighted that Kamala Harris is running against Mafia-boss type Trump. So far, that's wonderful news, but we have to wait for the actual election to find out who becomes President.

Is there any Jewish person who isn't responding with "October 7" to this question this year? That horrific day, and all the horrific days that have followed, have altered how I think about myself, my community, all people, all communities. No matter our place on the political spectrum, our level of communal involvement, or anything else - this past year has shattered so many families. I have lost friends to the far right AND the far left of me. I don't know when things will be better.

The war in Israel. With close family under attack, and under arms, in a small place with enemies on every side - each day is a day demanding attention. No matter what else is happening, locally or personally, this war is continually present.

I always struggle to answer this question. The world does seem unutterably awful at the moment, with war and climate change and political extremism closing in. But! I really enjoyed the Olympics this year. I always enjoy the Olympics and Paralympics - it’s so refreshing how people are just happy to be there and happy to participate, and getting a silver medal is as greeted with as much joy as a gold. It’s just so joyful. The Labour Party won the election, which is cool as I did a lot of campaigning for them, although they didn’t win in my constituency. Their first 100 days in power hasn’t been without its difficulties, and I do worry that they’ll be a one hit wonder. The best thing about the election was that the Green Party got ?? three seats?? But the Reform Party got ??six seats?? which is depressing. It’s early days yet but I’m hopeful the government can turn it around.

The attacks of October 7 and the brutal, genocidal onslaught of the Israeli military in Gaza, with U.S. political and financial backing and weaponry, has been devastating to witness and has caused immense suffering and many damaged relationships in my community. It has asked me to sit with profound grief, anger, powerlessness, and complicity, and to grapple deeply with my own commitment to universal humanity.

Our election. Donald Trump trying to end democracry. The courage and the connection in the pro democracy community. Great people. Glad to be a part of this. And Primerica. And WW. And of course my family. Also am thankful for Jewish Gateways.

I think the most obvious answer to this question is October 7th. And the antisemitism that followed. Never in my lifetime has anything like this happened. This was the biggest terror attack on Jews since the Holocaust. College campus protests and everyday people coming out in support of Palestine. The overt hate and disgust of Israel has been appalling. The way that Israel has been equated to Hamas and Hezbollah has been shocking. The realization that Israel and Jews cannot live in peace without terror and hate hanging over our shoulders has been extremely sad. In a way though, this event and subsequent events has brought me closer to my Judaism and connected me with a community that I felt far away from. It has made me more proud to be a Jew and a stronger supporter of Israel. The other event that has impacted me this year is the multiple assassination attempts against Donald Trump and the overt attempt to destroy this country. It makes me sad for our collective future, especially if the Democrats win the election.

There are two. The Israeli Palestinian conflict and the presidential election. The conflict has brought up issues about the right to protest, how to think about the loss of so many lives and walk in the two worlds of Israelis and Lebanese friends when there is so much fear and pain. The presidential election is crazy. It feels like its own war. People are so cruel to each other just because of a political candidate you might support or even place a sign in your yard. Many people are silent. It feels so awful and we have to go through this every couple years. Politics shouldn’t have such a large and negative role in our lives. Why do we focus on it so much and why do we have to use it to hurt so many people?

Th spinning toward the widening gyre brought on by Yet Another 12 Months of Trump has been hard on my relationships and my optimism for a future of peace and stability. Every week since January, another log goes on the fire of anxiety: What kind of country will my daughter get old in? One with stochastic violence against people like her as a background feature, climate catastrophe as the weather and a shared culture of tribalism? Winning every election until I die is not a hopeful prospect.

Oct 7 has really put into perspective how people view Jews over others and highlighted the people in my life and the Jewish community. It's also highlighted where people are unempathetic to Jewish lives and empathetic to terrorists, which is terrifying. There’s a real defensiveness I was less privy to before Oct 7 around being Jewish in America and in this world and the reasons for Israel’s existence. I still don’t know if I believe this country should exist as a Jewish state. But that makes me have a pit in my stomach to think about or even to share. And it makes me wonder how influenced I am by social media or nonJews’ views on the topic. This week I went to a discussion on Oct 7 with folks open to discussing - this felt like such a small group and one that doesn’t really exist and I wondered if it even needs to because what we REALLY need is people to stop dying and homes to stop being destroyed. It’s difficult to be in this liminal(?) space and feel alone and wrong or right and unsure and frustrated by friends and family and judging others for their deeply held views on a subject that feels out of reach mostly.

October 7th dramatically transformed my life. It ruptured friendships and family relationships on both sides of this conflict as extreme hardline positions took hold without concern for humanity or any hope for the future. I am tired of defending tribes without a vision for a future. And more emboldened than ever to build community, connection and imagine a better world for all.

On October 7th, Hamas attacked Israel, which was not unprecedented and must be contextualized within the history of Israeli occupation of indigenous Palestinian land. As a response, Israel began a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, while rogue settlers (supported by parts of the conservative government) continue to settle in the West Bank. Palestinians are being genocided, having their resources restricted, and are subject to violent attacks in the name of Judaism. I was involved with NYU's encampment in solidarity with Palestine, and had many dramatic moments where I am faced with my allegiances to colonial power. To go through my Judaism in a time where many Jews are justifying destruction and death in the name of ethnonationalism...of course this has impacted me. I'm not entirely sure how yet.

Ukraine, Israel, and America are hemorrhaging good will. It seems the world is in a place where substantive changes in the world order are about to take shape. Ukraine is fighting for it's life. Israel is searching for its soul and the United States is fighting a civil war that began in 1861.

Genocide in gaza. I feel like a coward often. I feel so angry at jews who fail to see the inhumanity. I feel powerless.

Global climate weirdness. Where is Winter going? I miss you Winter. I want to be derailed by your unforgiving power, by your non-negotiating conditions, your brutalist beauty. You are one of my most respected teachers. I fear loosing you, and I seem to be sitting by your bedside watching you die.

The genocide in Gaza has damaged my belief in higher power, made me question my relationship to Judaism, and cut me off from friends and community. It has also led me to recommit to activism efforts but it also destroyed my hope in humanity.

Bet the majority of people using this site will have the same answer to this one! October 7th and the subsequent retaliatory war against Palestinians in Gaza has been both a huge percentage of the news and social media that I consume but also a big flashpoint of conversation, including in my relationship. The situation made me realize that for many years, I did not consider the Israeli/Palestinian conflict to be a domestic policy issue, and even though I knew it was important, I didn’t see it as “my thing.” And this year made me realize how my specific identity as an American Jew has been used to justify sending money and bombs to Israel, and as a result it really is a domestic policy issue, and I don’t really get to choose whether it is “my thing” or not. Especially because it does impact local elections and accusations of antisemitism within the U.S. So my overwhelming experience was one of sadness, that I was not involved earlier, that there was a movement for peace in the region and for Palestinian freedom that really needed more support, and I wasn’t part of it, and they lost. Obviously the movement has also grown a lot this year, but we will never get back the people who died. It is both always too late and never too late.

I find it interesting that the Ukraine War is still going on. The misinformation continues and gullible US peoples believe it. What will it take for us to wake up and see

Israel under attack and attacking others has increased antisemitism all around and I am reminded of it constantly. I try to have some involvement in the advocacy going on.

GENOCIDE in Gaza. Not knowing how to be part of stopping it or how to live in this world that is so full of atrocities, violence and terror. I want these injustices to stop and I have less and less faith in people to know better. It's strange to feel this way at a time when i have greater trust in myself than ever before. But i don't know how to stand up for human life among so many other people standing up for human life (CHILDRENS LIVES EVEN) in this culture that is so emotionally bankrupt. I think the values instilled in me during my short life on this planet are rarer than ever and I must live by them and share them with others.

We are living in hell. I know I should be saying Israel. But that is just a drop in the bucket. We are living in the most absurd times. The embrace of racism, ignorance, the willingness to accept stupidity. I feel I am standing on the edge of watching Nazi Germany. How do we stop the hatred?

The only thing I can think of is the war in Gaza. It feels like the cliche answer for Jews, but I can't come up with anything else that feels similarly significant. The war, the attack that started it, the broader conflict in the Middle East, has made me realize how much I care about the existence of the State of Israel and how much I disagree with the policies of that state. It's made me realize I'm not as liberal - not as aligned with left-wing politics - as I thought on every issue, particularly foreign and military policy. It's made me realize how intensely complicated and difficult to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is, and how much is not being done to solve it. It's made my identity as a Jew feel more important to me, as embarrassing as that sounds. It has, in short, changed and clarified my opinions on a range of issues in a way few other events have.

The hurricanes the fires the genocide the grief. We all feel it an are reckoning with a new layer of uncertainty and understanding.

October 7th attacks affected me pretty significantly. Beyond the fear, the empathy and gut wrenching heartache that I feel for the parents of young children who were taken as hostages. No one should have to live in fear for their lives. This includes the Palestinian civilians who are caught up in this conflict as well. I have had a particularly hard time grappling with my support of the Israeli people and the country of Israel while not supporting Netanyahu's policies. I have gone down a rabbit hole of the problematic right wing settler movement that seizes on a double standard to enact crimes, steal property and even murder civilians. Hate begets hate begets hate begets violence begets war. The policies embracing peace in the 90's seem so far away, I fear for Israel's future and it's legacy if it cannot find a less violent way to move forward.

The world events seem to be happening and coming at us thick and fast. The world has shrunk in that we are aware of everything taking place everywhere. It's overwhelming and somewhat intimidating and also makes one realize how little control we have over anything. Again, step kindly and do what you can in your circle.

I was doxed very badly. My business has taken a real hit. I’ve been called a baby killer, and that people shouldn’t work with me. I’ve also found dating really difficult. People on dating apps have written the most revolting things because I’m Jewish.

The continuing rancor in politics and other events has caused me to minimally keep up with the news. I am somewhat disturbed by this because I feel I need to keep up with the news enough to be a good citizen

October 7th- one of the most divisive things I’ve felt in my own life that happened internationally. All Jews probably feel this way but being in Decatur made it worse. What happened in Israel was atrocious and I couldn’t believe that the world seemed to forget (and still forgets) about the innocent civilians and hostage situation. Yes Israel has conducted a lopsided war, resulting in the death of many more innocent Palestinian lives, and it’s worth discussing this too. But the “you have to be on one side” and loud voices in the room have really been hard to stomach. And Downer and our school environment has been tough. It’s often felt pretty anti-semetic and hostile at work. I’ve never felt my identity, politics, religion, and world events so interconnected. The Jewish community in general seems pretty torn still one year later.

7/10 it has turned my world upside down, from the horror of the loss of lives, horrific murders of babies, pregnant women, elderly, young people at a concert, then hostages, women and girls raped, to my own experience of thinking I live in a safe country, where human rights are enjoyed and not discriminated, I suddenly was hit by the wave of antisemitism, from individuals and in spaces I could have never imagined

The ongoing genocide Israel is committing is horrific and has radicalized me in many ways. I cannot unsee the things I've seen, and I will not forget. I am sick at the world for not doing better to stand up against genocide when it was so clear, so loud, so recorded in live time. We do not have the excuse of saying we didn't know better. We did, we do. Peace for Palestine and Lebanon and Congo and all others subject to inhumane treatment, war crimes, and erasure of a people and their culture.

World elections. Around 70 countries with general elections. Man, this year has been crazy. If last year it was left vs right, the narrative is tougher now: it’s extreme left vs extreme right. But in reality it is all propaganda, it is all feeding the power, it is all corruption. The worst part is that it is so obvious and in front of our faces but the people don’t want to realize it. As long as the “masses” have their entertainment, they can strip away their liberties and freedom and no one will complain. And those who do, are called extremists… It’s an upside world… It’s tough… It’s tragic…

The War. How could it not? We have lost our moral compass.

Well, definitely October 7. First I felt devastated about the attack. Then I felt distraught about the reaction to it - that being sad about this tragedy was seen as political, that some people were hailing it as a good thing or implying that Israel had brought it on itself. “Not to justify, but to explain.” Then I felt horrified by the counter attack. Those perfect children dusted with crumbled cement and streaked with blood. The Israeli children, splattered with their parents’ blood. The horrors everywhere you looked, and everyone choosing sides and declaring their own position the only righteous stance. Ugh I am sick of it.

I think the two big events that have captured my hopes and fears are: 1) Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, and the ensuing war in Gaza and now Lebanon, along with the public reaction to all of the above. 2) Kamala Harris becoming the Presidential nominee and still seeing how many people are drawn to MAGA. The first set of events really shook up my own complacency about Israel/Palestine and helped to crystalize many of my view about Israel and about my own Jewish identity. It also propelled me to find and create the Jewish community I needed and to explore how to bring my Jewish self more fully into progressive spaces. I'm really grateful for how this event enabled me to clarify my work in relationship this large complexity and what I most care about - protecting space for a pluralism/diversity of views in the Jewish community, and being unafraid to share the complexities of my Jewish identify with my non-Jewish friends and colleagues particularly in how it related to social justice work. I still feel very often numb and far from the scale of violence and death that Israel carries out against Palestinian, their leaders and allies. And also very despairing about the possibilities for peace. With the Presidential election, I am feeling many of the same feelings I've had in recent elections and in the Trump years but in a more muted fashion. I hope it is possible for Democrats to win this election and I'm trying to push myself to take consistent action to make it so. And yet, I feel clear that after the election no matter the outcome there will continue to be the MAGA backlash and this work is far from over. That's scary and uncomfortable.

The devastation of October 7th and the attack on innocent Jews in Israel and the resulting fierce war on Palestinians has been devastating. I don't know where to get my news. I don't know how to grieve for the innocent on both sides, whom to talk to, or how to talk about it. I have felt silenced and alone in my Jewish community when I want to question the Israeli administration or discuss the travesty of innocent Palestinians, and I feel helpless in talking about the issue with people who think that the Israeli administration is a monster. I am trying to educate myself about the past so that I can better understand the present, and again, I don't know where to go to get a balanced perspective. I am having a crisis of faith community. I only just talked to my Rabbi and realized that I'm not alone. I need to do more to move forward.

October 7. This has sparked many conversations with my friends, some of which agree with me and some disagree with me. I am Pro-Israel, but not to the extent that some people are. It has forced me to question my views on Israel and how the United States is handling this conflict and make me think about my organization as well.

I don’t remember anything significant in the world this past year, except a lot of hurricanes.

OMG. October 7. Devastating, terrible, traumatic. As a Jew-by-choice, there's no question that these are my people. None.

October 7 and all that has come after. I could probably write a lengthy essay about how all of it and its impact on me bot personally and at work keep me up at night and make me scream and cry. But I'll leave it at this.

If I had been asked this question a couple of weeks ago, I probably would have said the election & Kamala Harris' entry in the race. However Hurricane Helene has overtaken everything since she plowed through the NC mountains. Places I've visited both as a child and adult, washed completely away. The town of Chimney Rock - I so fondly remember going there as a child with Pop & Belle, Mama & Daddy and Becky - gone. Blasted to shreds in the bottom of Lake Lure. It will take years for towns and people, businesses and attractions, to recover from the devastation. Every night, we hear the death toll on the news, which is reminiscent of 70s Viet Nam death tolls I heard as a kid. App State shut down for weeks. People we know were stranded on Beech Mountain. Here, we had flooding from the lake. Our basement had a foot of muddy water in it. It took me 3 days just to clean the floor. But at least I still have a home.... I guess it weighs on my heart that we just never know when life as we know it could change in a second. It is heart breaking.

The aftermath of Oct. 7 has clarified my sense of my own Jewish identity and my positionality regarding Palestine. I feel a lot less meek and apologetic about my aversion to apartheid and genocide than I did before.

Oh G-d. I don't want to. It's too horrible to talk about. It has made me wish so many times to not be Jewish at all. The utter and despicable betrayal of our values and of humanity itself. I cannot bear it. And I think back with shame to the early parts of the year, when I felt defensive because of our own suffering. But what Israel has done since then, it feels to me that it robs our suffering of any meaning in comparison. It makes me ill to consider acknowledging and indulging our pain when they are demonstrating how little we have learned from it, when they are enacting the same pain on another people. They're killing so many. They're making the world hate us. And they're making it so near impossible for me to blame anyone who does hate us. It makes me hate myself, for my complicity, for my association, for the ways I didn't understand when I was younger and brainwashed. It has distanced me so far from my Judaism. It's made it something I'm ashamed of, uncomfortable with, something I wish I could slip out of. But recently, the past few weeks-being in community with other Jews who feel the same way. It's reminding me that what I love about Judaism is its values, its teachings about the sacredness of life. It's helping me to reconnect and to begin to realize that just because Judaism is being utterly desecrated by Israel, doesn't mean I have to give it up. That would be letting them win, and they cannot be allowed to do so. No matter what, in any way. They're destroying so much and I can't allow them to destroy what has been so important to me my whole life.

10/7 The anniversary was just the other day and I was in grief. A year since the attacks. The division. The cruel reality the hostages have still all not been released. Some whose bodies are still in Gaza. It's unthinkable. And painful. And then so much division inside of the Jewish community. What can I talk about? We talk about? Questioning if certain friends would disappear if they saw the Israeli flag on my fridge. Should I take it down? Recognizing that I am a zionist. Who would have thought. This has been a very hard year to be a Jew in the world. And I've gotten to lean into certain friendships to feel seen. But there has been so much silence. And anger. And grief. And it's all very hard to hold.

October 7th massacre and kidnapping of hostages taken to Gaza

Yep, there it is. Palestine. Where do I start? It’s not like I wasn’t already aware that the illegal occupation of the West Bank and the siege of Gaza were appalling. I’ve been protesting them for years. But the blatant transition into full-blown genocide and the idea that the rest of the world would turn a blind eye for so long and that even a year down the track, Australia would officially be an apologist for a genocidal right-wing regime — it’s been devastating. Thousands of deaths. And half of the Jewish community arguing that any condemnation of this genocide is antisemitism, that it’s antisemitic to decry Zionism as the extension of the colonial project it is? It’s gutting. We don’t need a land built on other people’s bones. We must work together for a Palestine where all of us can be free together.

The rise of antisemitism around the world, or the revealing of it. It's terrifying and paralyzing and feels unreal but is so real. But it also seems like there are still allies and people who haven't gone crazy with the kool aid. But being exposed to all the imagery and invective and blatant, unchallenged lies has deeply changed how it feels to be Jewish in the world.

The election is the main event for me. No matter what happens I want to know that I did all I could to prevent the return of a right wing autocrat, and to elect our first woman president. I don’t want to be doing all this election work, but I must. I feel very anxious, but less so when I am taking action.

is this a joke question? oct 7. anitsemitism is alive and well

Gaza, Palestinians in Gaza, it just shows how much suffering there can be for some people and they have no way out they just have to live in it and with it.

The event is clearly October 7th. It made me realize that very large numbers of people can no longer tell the difference between right and wrong. And I'm not prepared to navigate a world like that.

The 2024 presidential election, the economy, rising prices and wars in other countries have taken up so much space – in the media, in conversation, on social media platforms and in our brains – that I think most Americans are looking for an outlet. It feels like that outlet has been football this year. It is a topic of conversation everywhere I turn. In Michigan, U of M and MSU are always being discussed anyway, and then the Detroit Lions had a great year and fans spent most of the off season discussing how excited everyone is for next season. Taylor Swift dating Travis Kelce caused a complete media uproar. As the 2024-2025 season is gearing up, it is again the main topic of conversation everywhere I turn. Ultimately, the presidential election will be the biggest news of 2024. Quite frankly, both contenders scare me and I have genuine concerns for the future of our country. Waking up on the morning of November 6th to hear election results does instill real fear in me. From a political standpoint, our country is not in great shape at all.

10/7. So much unspeakable horror.

October 7th. Israel under attack. Rise in antisemitism and overall increase in nonsense propaganda about Israel being the aggressor. It has led clients who don't know I'm Jewish to say nasty and hateful things during their time with me. I choose not to engage because so far I can tell that comments are made more out of ignorance than hatred, but it has made working with some of them increasingly difficult as tensions continue to rise.

The event that has impacted me the most this year is participating in the annual European meeting of the Global Ecovillage Network. I have had the opportunity of participating in the sociocratic election of the board during the General Assembly. It was the first time I was exposed to sociocracy and the process has been very inspiring. Seeing all the energy and projects that all these communities are dreaming of and implementing has filled me with hope for the future of our humanity.

October 7. It's too much. I am several days behind. I need to make the matzoh ball soup for this afternoon's pre-fast meal. I can't explain October 7. Do I even need to record this for posterity? Am I going to forget sometime what I thought and felt and feared and mourned? It is hard to take in all at once. I've tried all year to reframe. Not Jews versus non-Jews, Israelis versus Palestinians, but civilians versus corrupt, autocratic governments. Children versus adults who should have known better. In the early days of the war, I would tune in to a radio show partway through, and hear interviews with parents trying to shelter their young children. They told their toddlers the bombs were fireworks. They wondered where they would find food, water, diapers. Until I heard a name, I wouldn't know which side of the border the person lived on. Then the focus in American media coverage shifted to college campuses. Students would be quoted: "I feel unsafe. My extended family who live abroad are under attack, and there has been a rise in hate crimes against my people here at home. But everybody on campus only cares about the people on the other side. They have no sympathy for my pain." Again, without reading the name, you would have no idea -- Jewish American or Palestinian American? We are mirror images of each other. Then there's the talk of "those people." They are not like us. They are inhuman. They're religious fanatics. They will never compromise. They want all the land to themselves. They don't want peace. Brute force is all they understand. This language is all over social media, being levied against Israelis, being levied against Palestinians. Mirror images. And the people who tell me, "If I were Israeli, I'm sure I would feel differently." "If I were Palestinian, I'm sure I would feel differently." Why not run with that thought? Why not imagine yourself in someone else's shoes? "Because when my people are under attack, it's time to look out for my own." But where does that leave us, when we cannot also look out for each other? Rabbi Hillel said, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?" As my nephew was being led in handcuffs to a police car -- arrested with a Jews for Ceasefire group at his university -- he was surrounded by students singing “Olam Chesed Yibaneh - We Must Build a World of Love.” Rabbi Menachem Creditor recently asked If Not Now and Jewish Voice for Peace to stop using his melody for those words. But he had previously supported their use of his music. In 2019 he said, “This music is bigger than one political stance…There has to be a way for the music to serve as a bridge between people who disagree.” I stand with Menachem Creditor’s 2019 self. At the end of Yom Kippur we will hear the final shofar blast. The Talmud says that the cry of the shofar is the sound of a mother's cry. Some say: the cry of a woman in labor. Some say: the cry of Sisera's mother, when she learns that her son has been slain. Sisera was a Canaanite commander, killed in war with the Israelites; the biblical Song of Deborah celebrates his death. Yet the Talmud likens the sound of the shofar to his mother's wailing. The shofar calls us to an empathy so great it extends to our enemies' grief. From such empathy, might we birth peace?

What hasn't impacted me. First and foremost, the Gaza/Israeli war. Having been to Israel twice and grown up in Judaism , I was both appalled and sadden by two areas of the world that cannot find concessions and empathy rather than use bombs and rifles. It made me look at other similar areas using power to rid themselves of populations of "others" Why can't we all just get along??

Again, October 7th. Seeing the world cheer for the destruction of Israel, for the horrors that happened that day. The gaslighting by the media and the progressive left. I always knew antisemitism existed, but it has gotten extremely scary.

I think about Palestine every single day. Certainly more than is emotionally healthy, but what else can I do? My view and understanding of American military imperialism has changed for good. I don't think I will ever visit Israel again, until Palestine is free.

I am having trouble understanding the issues with Gaza, Israel, and Iran. The whole thing is devastating even to think about, even though I do not have family in any of the affected areas. I feel like all humans should be upset by this war and aware of the consequences. I am not Jewish and to an extent cannot understand the true historical relationships between these different peoples, but I can't help but feel like Israel is going too far with its so-called defense. They are committing a genocide in Gaza, and it just sickens me that they of all people could do this to anyone no matter what provoked them. They have killed way too many civilians, too many CHILDREN, for this to be anything but a deliberate destruction of a people. I absolutely get that Hamas did something horrible here, and that something had to be done. But way, WAY too many civilians have been targeted for this to be a simple reaction. I don't understand it, although perhaps I should: this is akin to the reaction that the US had after 9/11. An insane overreaction, attacking entire cities, fucking up governments, killing or demonizing swaths of people because it could be claimed they were connected. I hate it. Everything about the situation shows the very worst parts of humanity. And — there is a quote from a book, that's basically "Children are dying. That about sums it up. Children are dying." It's all I can think about some days. Children are dying.

The wars in Ukraine and Israel have weighed heavily on me all year long. There seems to be no end in sight and this is very dispiriting.

October 7, 2023

October 7th. It made me think of how special I am to be Jewish, and how we all come together during times of unease.

The attack on Israel (October 7) has cemented my belief that the world hates Jews. We think that we are accepted - we are not. We think we are safe - we are not. We compare our lives to the time before the Holocaust and fail to recognize that we are guests everywhere but Israel.

October 7. It’s divisive amongst friends and people within political affiliations. I’ve given up talking to anyone beyond my close family/friends about it. I was pro-Israel easily at first, but as time goes on it’s all but impossible to support the devastation.

October 7, it was a terrible, massacre, that Hamas did to Israel and our people, they violated women, children, murder children in front do they parents, and parents in front of their children, they took 275 hostages to Gaza, and made a terrible destruction of the Kibutzim and Mishavim of the South. Israel respond to it , and since then already a year, that there is a terrible WAR aún Israel in all his fronts. Also and antisemitism in many Us universities and in so many parts of the world. Very very sad !!unacceotable how the world has change and vote for the evil in stead for the good.

The ongoing genocide being committed by Israel against the Palestinian people, animals and land an endless viewing, witnessing of horrific images and videos, of stories of those lost, those trying and fighting to survive not only for themselves but to care, look after and shelter others. It's a constant that you cannot escape, as well as it feeling disrespectful to look away, to luxuriate in the luck of being born where I was. A brutal indictment of the western world, government s and those in power. Daily exposure just wears away at you, down to the bone. It is impossible to remain unaffected, and impossible that we have to continue living our normal lives during this.

There is a high increase in inflation. My country, Nigeria, specifically is wallowing in poverty and hunger, increase in fuel scarcity, commodities, food and in all areas. Currently, there is an ongoing war in Lebanon and I pray for the safety of the families of all my Lebanese colleagues.

Oct 7 2023…the Nova Music Festival Massacre and Kidnapping. Its started a war I don’t think I can see the end of. It also opened up my eyes about how people really feel. Terrible anti-semitism in the world out in the open. It’s always been there but now people feel free to show it.

Elections - my favorite t-shirt: Voting Prevents unwanted presidencies. Getting ready to go to Northern Europe and having Mike say we could move to Copenhagen! The war in Ukraine continues and now we are more than a year into the Hamas debacle. When will mankind learn?

I guess the war going on in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Russia, Ukraine are pretty significant. I'm very much anti war, and am lucky to not live in a war torn country. It's made me appreciate safety and peace, but also made me feel for so much of the world at the same time, people living in war torn conditions.

The ongoing genocide against Palestinians strips my heart away bit by bit every day. I feel irrevocably severed from my spiritual community. Is nothing sacred? Is not every life a whole world?

Oct 7. Oct 7. Oct 7. Horrifying. Hopeless. Helpless. Disappointed. Afraid. Panicked. Disconnected. Ashamed of not speaking up enough. Ashamed of the Israeli govt and radical right there. Ashamed I can’t help the movement more and can’t support my friends more. Wish I knew how to be a better leader.

The genocide in Gaza has been absolutely devastating. It's been almost a year. And yes, I knew it was atrocious before, but this has been a whole new level of atrocities. Israel is clearly trying to destroy the land and break the spirit of the people living on it. Bisan has been such a light and I'm glad she's been winning awards for her on-the-ground people's journalism. And at the same time, she's so young, and it's just so depressing.

The Wars in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza as well as the upcoming election here in the US are having a disturbing influence on my peace of mind and trust in the future. I have fight the urge to rage and/or fear.

The war in Israel, how its existence is threatened while on the home front (USA) antisemitism is on the rise. I’ve been pleased to have friends who have voiced their support of Jews, but I also have to face the reality of living in an area with very few Jewish people. My response is that I recently took down my mezuzah from my front door. Never in a million years would I have thought that in the USA, the place that my family fled to in the 1940s, I would have to be scared to be identified as Jewish.

Welp. It was truly the worst time since the Holocaust to decide to become jewish!! I know I am not alone in the conflicting feelings the Israel-Hamas war has stirred up. It can feel very confusing to have bound yourself to a peoplehood/nation where it's leaders are trying to protect their citizens but in the mean time creating a large wake of death and destruction. I don't know what the answer is but I just want peace. I don't know how they get there after this. I want to stand up for Israel but I feel so self conscious and so overwhelmed by the whole conflict. I heard the "not knowing what other people think of you [being jewish]" is like a right of passage. I still have a hard time distinguishing between what is a criticism of the Israeli government and what is antisemitism [mostly comments online]!? I am so eager to find out where the dust has hopefully settled this time next year. Hopefully the hostages are returned, Palestinians can find peace and new leadership, and it doesn't escalate to WWIII....

The war between Israel and Hamas has been front and center the whole year and it's really impacted my personal and professional life. Professionally, my colleague C hosted those events on behalf of our entire team, but never consulted me and even explicitly excluded me from a conversation about them. Navigating that in conversations with my senior colleagues that didn't go well was beyond difficult. And the fact that it's all be so politicized made it hard to even share with friends what I was going through, for fear that they'd judge my position. But it at least helped me build a relationship with my department mentor. Personally, it felt impossible to find a "home" in the conversation -- as liberal spaces became pro-Palestine at the expense of Israel and Jewish spaces were pro-Israel at the expense of innocent lives lost in Gaza. Where was the place to hold all of the hurt at once? The surf collective we wanted to go to said "No Zionists allowed," which felt emblematic of the ways in which I had to carefully navigate spaces I would have otherwise found community.

The October 7th attack on Israel happened last year, and this year we’ve seen the decimation of Gaza. It is difficult not to see Israel’s action as genocide as many say. Early on, Israel cut off food and water. How can this be justice? Netanyahu has made Israel a pariah and seriously hurt the Biden administration here - and by extension, Kamala Harris. I fear his goal of staying out of prison will have a side effect of electing Trump. The images from Gaza are staggering and sobering - destruction of so much of the landscape, doctors operating without anesthesia, children and adults starving. I’ve gone in and out of periods When I’m consumed by the horror and grief of the situation there. I put myself in the place of the parents trying to care for their children and keep them safe - nowhere to stay, nothing to eat, no one to provide support. It is truly sinful.

Wrote a long (of course) answer for this that somehow I didn't save--grrr! Here's a briefer (better?) version: The war between Israel & Hamas & Hezbollah/Houthis/Iran. It has been a gut punch--a deep pain in my heart & soul. I can't bear to discuss it with anyone who can't understand the nuances of the situation, and I'm not interested in debating or otherwise working to change anyone's mind. When I am around people who do seem to approach the situation with real empathy and nuance, I am grateful, but then all I want to do, really, is grieve together. I am furious at the leadership of all parties--so furious that it is a sickness, which is not helping anybody.

October 7 and everything that has transpired since…the horrors of the day, the heartache for the hostages that have spent over a year in captivity and for those who did not make it out alive, the antisemitism and all out hatred against Israel and Jews that is rampant all over the world, the Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel that miraculously didn’t kill any Israelis. So many things have impacted me this year. On a more trivial level, I’ve gained 15 pounds in the last year and perimenopause is to blame. It sucks, but I’m working hard to try and lose the weight and gain strength so that I can age gracefully rather than painfully.

Since last year, October 7th... and finding out how many of my "friends" are anti-Semitic and needed to cut them out of my life for my own mental health.

World events have paled in comparison to my personal events but I guess the October 7th attack and how much it shocked me and hurt that there's so much antisemitism just right there out in the open.

The genocide in Gaza has affected me emotionally quite deeply. It's shocking and a bit frightening how little it has impacted my life in a tangible way. It is on my mind every day.

When Hersh and the 5 other hostages were killed by Hamas, a terrorist organization, my soul's light flickered for a moment. Why are we still having to scream to simply be acknowledged as humans? Hersh represented the hope that the world would acknowledge the evil that carried out Oct. 7th and unite in getting him and the rest of the hostages back home. Instead, we fell silent in realizing how many had turned their back on not only us, the Jews, but also humanity. We need to do better and I continually feel more committed to be a part of that education, healing, advocacy, and policy implementation. There is no other choice.

October 7. Period. This event proved how vigilant we must always be if we want to live in, and with, freedom! Don't take anything for granted. Remain vigilant that many people hate and can't stand you. That doesn't mean you should change anything. It just means to be vigilant and aware of the nature of reality and the reality of nature. Every organism is out for self and that includes you and me and everyone we know. Stay aware and remain free.

October 7th.

It's an election year and the world is more siloed than ever. I'm so over the status of politics in the US and wish we could fire everyone and start over with different rules and requirements. I live in fear that Trump and the republicans will take office again because it will be unsafe for our country and the world. Colorado does a pretty good job of being fair and supportive which I appreciate but damn does the country make me worry. As a woman, I worry significantly about my rights, the rights of my daughter, and the environments being created for my son. In equal parts, I want the election to be over so I know what is going to happen and being terrified of what it could actually mean.

The GENOCIDE in Gaza has been extremely intense and hard to fathom. As an anti-zionist Jew, I feel like I am screaming into a void of rhetoric that is so freaking stupid and zionist and racist and conservative. I don't know what to do and it has left me utterly devastated.

October 7, 2023 it showed me who cared for me and what kind of world I was living in. I was disappointed in the Woodson community fo the rise of hate since 10/7, but I have been positively impacted through my work with Israel Outdoors. I have also been affected by Hurricane Helene & Milton. The thought of losing Longboat Key and Banyan Bay for ever.

October 7, 2023. How can that senseless and brutal episode NOT have impacted any human being, let alone those of us who are Jewish. As the daughter of Holocaust survivors, I am acquainted with persecution and its aftermath. I grieve for those in Israel killed on (and since) October 7, and for those who spend every day living with the loss.

In the US I'm excited about the candidacy of Kamala Harris -- this is the first president in my lifetime that will look anything like me, or with whom I'd have any shared background.

The world is literally burning- FL just had two back to back hurricanes, and while it's lovely, I'm concerned about how warm this Fall has been here. I feel guilty for bringing my kids here honestly- I'm so glad they're here but I'm worried what their experience of the world, especially later in life, will be. I also feel a little hopeful? about the election? but I'm hoping a year from now I'm not reading this with profound disappointment in the American people.

Obviously, it’s October 7. It has totally in forever impacted my life in ways I can immediately discern and define, as well as long-term effects that remain obscured by the chaos of war and recrimination.

The war in Israel and Gaza. I can't even write about it. It hurts too much.

OMG. BC United's downfall and the BC Conservative rise. Nothing has been more horrible for BC than this cesspool of racism and bigotry that has emerged from this mess. I hope Kevin Falcon goes down in history as the rightful architect of hate and division in this province. He was smart enough to know what he was doing. John Rustad is just an idiot with too much privilege to see what he's causing, in my opinion. Dear lord I hope the BC NDP win this election.

October 7 consumed the year. Antisemitism, violence, hatred against Jews. So many challenges. It was like the mask was lifted off society. Very scary.

I'd say the wars and the economy have had an impact on me, even though I am much more insulated in my own country from negative impacts. I teach, and one of my students sent me a lovely note thanking me for being so supportive of her and Jewish people after the October 7 attacks. To understand how a 16 year old might feel so vulnerable hurt my heart, but I was glad to have a positive impact on her.

Oh God... so many. On a personal level, the explosion of homelessness in my town and in the town where I work. And no one seems to have a plan to help. It's heartbreaking--people sleeping in the bus shelters, on people's front porches. My congregation has a very busy Food Pantry, and we've seen an increase in clients as well. I'm on the board for a low-income housing corporation, and we're trying to see if constructing or repurposing local buildings for temporary shelter is within our charter.

The attempt assassination of former United State President Donald J. Trump. It deeply impacted me inside. It changed the way i look at the world outside. It renovated my hope and courage in helping people and the society.

The war in Gaza has made me rethink my relationship to Judaism, my relationships with my family, and my identity as a Jewish American. The Jewish Currents' perspective of anti-Zionism, in my mind, is so afraid of "weaponizing" antisemitism that it minimizes the very real fears of American Jews, and minimizes the suffering on and after October 7. The American Jews who yell "antisemitism" every time someone criticizes Israel or who insist on an AIPAC mindset are ignoring the voices of Palestinians. And in the middle of it, you have genuine Jew-haters who post "free Palestine" every time someone Instagrams their holiday brisket recipe. I am 53 and have never found it more exhausting to be a Jew. I want a diplomatic solution. I want an Israel that is safe for Jews, Muslims, Israelis, Palestinians, Druze, Bedouins, and anyone else who lives in the region. I can oppose the killing of civilians by Hamas, and the killing of civilians by the IDF. Yet it feels like there is no place for me in the conversation; in my own home, my teen sons have wildly different views of this conflict. I am sharing this post even though I've always made all of my 10Q responses private. In addition, my comments from last year echo today, word for word. I am disheartened by the continuing rise of fascism and the willingness of average Americans to go along with it. I am scared that Trump will be elected again. His followers live completely outside reality, and the Republican party refuses to hold any of its members accountable. This feels untenable.

Oh look, Trump was my answer last year. Boo. Still happening. Maybe he'll go away on November 10th or whatever. Please, let him go away. Anyway, the biggest event in the Jewish world this year was unquestionably October 7 2023. I still wish Israel were being more careful in Gaza but I also don't think there's a way for them to do that besides doing it as fast as possible, whereas at the moment it seems like they're going about it in the SLOWEST way possible. If they'd killed the same number of people all at once, it'd have been a big deal for a short time and they'd be back in the world's good graces (I mean, parts of it) but this prolonged war is really bad for Israel, Jews, and really everyone. And I can't imagine that it wouldn't have been possible to move quickly. I blame Netanyahu and I think he's doing this to avoid jail time. And possibly to help Trump get elected. The Israeli system of government is completely screwed up that this is allowed, that he is allowed to continue being in charge after the MASSIVE intelligence failure (or complicity?) that led to October 7.

I don’t think I could answer this with anything other than October 7th. Jews around the world and our community as a whole have been forever changed. I can’t believe I’ve been on March of the Living in Poland and I’ve seen such a level of antisemitism that I never thought could exist again, and yet in present time we are seeing such parallels between behaviors/language that existed in the beginning stages of the Holocaust and behaviors/language that exist now. There are still hostages stuck in Gaza and the world is turning against Israel/the Jewish people. It’s truly scary to be a Jew right now. I remember when things really first started to get bad in the states - students in college campuses across the globe were camping together in their quads to protest Israel, and visibly Jewish students were being targeted. If they walked on campus minding their business, pro Palestinian students would surround them and not let them move. People were (and still are) spray painting swastikas in the subway and on the properties of Jewish public figures. Many of us started to get scared to be visibly Jewish and took their identifying jewelry off…myself included eventually. I felt so broken to feel like I needed to take my hamsa necklace off and to take my Magen David keychain that my sister got me off my keys. Things got pretty bad for me mentally eventually, mostly because my TikTok algorithm became almost exclusively about this war, mostly showing the protests and anti-Jewish hate. Every video I watched was of violence and people wishing for the destruction of Israel and celebrating Hamas. Then the comments were even worse - people were wishing to gas the Jews and saying that we were poison to Earth that needed to be exterminated. I couldn’t believe people were actually saying these things, and the amount of likes on those comments was even more defeating. When I would try to report those comments, some as literal as saying to gas the Jews, TikTok would tell me that they didn’t find a violation of community guidelines. It felt like, and still feels like, there are no guardrails for antisemitism. It feels like we’re living in an alternate universe and only the Jews seem to be bothered by it. None of my non Jewish friends have really said anything about what’s been going on, and when I take the time to think about that, it breaks my heart and makes me wonder why. I can’t imagine they aren’t seeing or hearing what’s going on, so why are they not reaching out? Maybe that’s how the world works - if it’s not your problem, it’s not a problem to you. I don’t know. I just feel very defeated and scared. But I have to remind myself that the Jews have always stood alone. No one was there for us at the time of the Holocaust, and pretty much no one seems to be here for us now. We’ve stood alone in all of these obstacles and yet in all of them, we made it through together. Hopefully the same will be true again and we’ll come out of this victorious. Regardless, I don’t think life will ever be the same.

I don't know if it's the access to world news or if there is really a lot going on, but things are a little crazy lately. Of course, the war between Israel and Hamas just reached its 1 year anniversary and it's been a very present topic on the news. Ukraine is still at war with Russia trying to invade. There are floods and people dying everywhere, the big one at the moment being the US with Helene and now Milton. It feels like WWIII is just around the corner and we add the climate going nuts on top of that...not to mention the scandals coming out more and more with pedophiles and rapists. The big one now is P. Diddy. I just can't understand how humans can be so horrible to each other, to children. It makes me sick to know we walk among predators and sick people without knowing it. It makes me so sad to see that the world is going to shit and I have so little hope for humanity. We don't deserve to survive whatever shit show is unfolding.

The Gisèle Pelicot Case in France. Made me feel sick, terrified, sad and so so angry. She’s so incredibly strong and brave to have a public trail, she’s standing up and being loud for so many victims that couldn’t. Made me cry so many times but also gave me raging energy to fight harder.

10/7 irrevocably changed my life. Growing up in a country with few Jews, and used to almost always being the only one in the room, I was no stranger to antisemitism. But I never thought this growth of hatred and antisemitism compared to 1939 would happen in my lifetime. Yet, the harder they pushed to destroy us, the more connected to our people I felt, past and future generations. The louder I could hear HaShem calling out to me, asking me “where are you”. And I found myself attuning to that still small voice, to answering without pause “hineni, here I am”. I can’t be grateful for the suffering we’ve endured and for the loss of so many radiant worlds on 10/7 and after. But I am grateful that in our pain and grief we returned, and turned back to HaShem and our people. We are one people and one nation, no matter where we are in this world. And 10/7 delivered me back to this chain.

Without a doubt, that's October 7. It's amazing it happened just a few weeks after I answered this question last year. Lol to a hurriquake being all I could think of, and then October 7 rocked me in a way I couldn't have anticipated. I was devastated and in shock for weeks or more, fought with and even maybe lost some friends, grappled with my politics and faith and beliefs and what I've been taught and even my integrity online (I posted something I didn't vet, and it was wrong). All year I felt really alone, horrified by all the people celebrating the attacks and the way I felt alienated by other people on the left. I think this year changed me in a permanent way - my relationship to Judaism (closer), to antisemitism (more scared, it's more real now), to Israel (it's complicated), to Gaza (it's also complicated), and to the left (god it's so complicated). I just wrote about it on THIS October 7, and I finally feel like I'm moving into a new emotional space about it. But it really defined a lot of the beginning of this Jewish calendar year.

The conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. It's utterly horrific and I feel really helpless.

Same as last year: I cannot think of a single event that has affected me. The political situation in the United States has me in despair. The Israel Gaza Lebanon Iran situation/war is horrendous. The war in Ukraine is horrible. Also awareness about white supremacy and indigenous genocide has made a difference but none has really impacted me.

I’m pretty sure every Jew answering these questions would say 10/7 and everything that’s come after it. I woke up that morning to the news, completely shocked, horrified, and afraid. About 20 minutes later it hit me that something awful was coming for Gazan civilians, too. I sensed there was a very short window of time where the world might be sympathetic to Israel that could be leveraged to push the international community into action toward a true peace process. Even if it failed, the effort would have meant something. I also knew it wouldn’t happen. I am still angry about that and so much else about the way Israel has handled the last year. I am just as angry at other actors. Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis hate Jews and ALL Israelis and intentionally push for their own civilians to suffer and die. I am disgusted at so many people on US domestic Right and Left for using the conflict as a political football for their own purposes. I am disgusted at Jews who support Trump even though [all the reasons] I’m disgusted by the Christian Right and their leftist children who still view the world through a dogmatic, Christian lens. . I’m convinced most of the far Left is simply blue MAGA. They’re just as willing as Hamas to sacrifice Palestinians lives. It is a complete joke that they pretend to care about human rights or women while denying 10/7 when Hezbollah has fought on the side of Assad and sent fighters to shoot women/life/freedom protesters in Iran. A sizeable chunk of Jewish liberal Zionists and nominal Zionists like myself would have been the first to join protests if they were actually about peace. I still think it’s possible to be an anti-Zionist without being an antisemite. But it’s rare to see these days - perhaps especially among antizionist Jews. If they’re not antisemitic, they shouldn’t have a problem calling out antisemitism when they see it. Online I’ve been called a genocide apologist by pro-palis and a “hamasling” by pro-Israelis for my views. I am truly grateful that I haven’t lost friends over this. Most of my friends are Jewish or know how much they don’t know. The person in my life whose views are closest to mine is a friend lives in Beirut. I am worried sick about him. Likely why my answer to this question is so angry and hopeless. .

Floods in western NC- it scared me for the people I knew and shattered a bit of my idea to go back or have a second place there.

I continue to be surprised that the war in Ukraine is still going on. The war in Israel is added to the list. It feels a bit silly to let people fight even if you know the war isn't just. Quiet support so as not to appear to choose sides is BS. That said, I don't really want people warring with each other to begin with.

Fucking everything. The world is in so much turmoil. It's exhausting.

The War in Ukraine, the terrible events of Israel and Palestine and Lebanon, the war in Sudan -- all the divisive political rhetoric. The anxiety that surrounds us is vibrating in our bones. Because I work with young people as well as older adults, I am experiencing their anxiety and despair which turns (many times) into more divisiveness. I must practice each day all of my spiritual practices to remain grounded and equanimous during a time where I, too, could fall apart.

The election, specifically Biden dropping out because now we have hope that maybe Trump won't win in a slam dunk landslide.

The war in the Middlr East. Netanyahu is way out of line and out of control. Hard time to be a Jew.

Obviously October 7th, and the war since. Close friends dying, security of israel breached, stopping everything else in life for helping serve. Specifically how it's impacted me aside from the obvious stated above is the really deep feeling of being part of Jewish history and living for something greater than my own life. And revognizng how far off so much of the world is morally and anti semitically.

The attacks in Israel a year ago + Israel's retaliatory war in Gaza(and now Lebanon as well) has been one of the most painful things to deal with as an American Jew. It feels like my Jewish communities are fracturing along the fault lines and it hurts. I want so badly to find some way toward peace and healing while it seems like political leaders keep hurtling the world toward war and death.

The 7/10 massacre in Israel. I never felt a strong connection to Israel and I certainly wouldn't ever have described myself as a Zionist before then. I never felt the hatred a large part of the world has for Jews until the last year.

October 7th. The absolute horror of it. Of seeing the events that transpired and even though I know no one who was killed, kidnapped, and who has been killed from the war. I feel it in my bones. The sadness, the children who were lost. The trauma that has ripped Israel apart. I feel simultaneously more tethered to my people than I have ever been and free falling at the same time.

The Oct 7 Hamas attack and the past year of bombardment of Gaza has been horrific. It has been intense to watch it all unfold and feel so helpless. When I first heard the news about the attack, I thought "this is bad for the Jews", knowing that the response would be so many hundred times worse, knowing that antisemitism would rise, knowing the complexities. I couldn't even have imagined where we'd be today - still bombing Gaza, over 40,000 Palestinians dead, and now starting a war with Lebanon. It's been interesting to see the world paying attention, and people in my life who never knew anything about Israel or Palestine suddenly having an opinion. I am bracing for what's to come, hoping that there is a ceasefire, knowing that the impact of this past year will be felt for decades.

Biden handing the mantle to Harris. Though I was going to vote for Biden anyway (obviously), it energized me and made me optimistic for the election, the future, etc.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has affected me this year. I evolved from feeling fear to feeling immense pride for being Jewish. I have a newfound appreciation and respect for the religion, and it has caused me to realize I can only be with another Jewish person. It is important for me to pass on this religion and keep it alive.

The hurricanes in Florida have significantly increased my insurance premiums.

The war between Israel and Hamas has been the most impactful world event. Hamas conducted a terror attack that killed 1200 Israelis and they kidnapped 250 people, many of whom have now been murdered or died. This affects me as a Jew and as a Zionist. I am angered and conflicted by what I view as Israel's overreaction and cruel destruction of Gaza and civilians there. At the same time I am upset by growing anti-Semitism and people who don't accept Israel's right to exist. In the last year the war has spread to the north of Israel with attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both terrorist groups are clients of Iran. I fear a wider conflagration in the entire Middle East. Anxiety is the dominant emotion among my Jewish community.

I'd say it's the war going on between Israel and Hamas, and now Israel and other regions of the world. I never knew much about Netanyahu, but the few times I heard him speak, I was impressed by what a bad-ass he sounded like, and admired the lengths he'll go to protect his people. At this point it's obvious he is going too far, and now I'm horrified by the scale and atrocities he's commanding, and what he's allowing the IDF to do. I'm also horrified by the fact that this terror is sponsored by the United States. As a new citizen, I suddenly feel the guilt of responsibility by association. I wish citizens had more (any!) control over where their tax money is going. The Israeli military is basically pillaging other cities and towns, raping and murdering people in the name of protection for their people. Obviously this is going to be a lose-lose situation for everyone.

The war is Gaza, Ukraine, the possibility of nuclear war. The fact I don’t have a right to my own body. I mean, the world is heading into absolute chaos.

The war in Israel has shown me that religious fundamentalism is the biggest threat to society today. And not just Islam, but Judaism and Christianity too

increasing global instability with fighting in the Ukraine, Palestine and Lebanon. I feel that borders are starting to close and the rise of nationalism in many countries. What will the world look like in 20-30 years?!?

October 7th and the global amplification of the "Free Palestine" movement. My own political and moral attitude towards zionism, towards the "question" of the Israeli state, has undergone significant transformation. In the immediate aftermath of October 7th, I found myself parroting attitudes that endorsed violent resistance and diminished the loss of Israeli life given the colonial context, with statements like "Who else is defending Palestinians if not Hamas?" and "Israel shouldn't exist." I had many months of heated correspondence with Israeli friends and felt myself drift from aunt, from my cousins, from everyone who moved to Israel from Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. In this past year, I've had to decouple my support for Palestinian resistance from my own internalized antisemitism - my need to prove myself as "innocent" and therefore as worthy of life. Written into my total rejection of Israel is the fear that Israeli state violence is proving to the world that Jewish people are bad, evil, corrupt, deserving of annihilation. Connecting to an existential sense of dignity and worthiness as a Jewish person has been a tender healing process. I have been protective of this and now notice an instinctive, defensive activation when I hear pro-Palestinian rhetoric. I'm hoping to find my way back to balanced, compassionate, heart-centered investment in and advocacy for the liberation and self-determination of Palestinian people. I want to continue to affirm the humanity of all people, to continue to retain my own humanity.

7/10, the day that will never be forgotten. It has changed my perspective on people into an even worse way of how to view the world in the diaspora. I used to just not feel comfortable around non-Jewish people but now I don't trust them until I know them. and there are some Jewish people who have so fare left the fold that I don't trust either.

On October 7,2023, Hamas terrorists crossed from Gaza into Israel and slaughtered over 1000 civilians and kidnapped over 100 as hostages. The ensuing war has been waged in Gaza at the expense of thousands of civilians who have died, and thousands more now without sufficient food or shelter. The effect on me as protesters for both sides have sometimes turned violent, has made me feel empathy for the suffering of innocents, and anger to the fundamentalist leaders of the governments involved.

That such a blatant conman, malignant narcissist, 34 count felon and his MAGA sycophants could infect the GOP and be viable candidates and yield power over fellow Americans lives. It has affected me because I have lost hope that there are enough thoughtful caring humans left to safeguard democracy, our country, and the planet. I just feel so sad for what we have left our children.

It has to be October 7th. That attack and the ongoing, seemingly unstoppable, level of violence breaks my heart every single day. I believe that peace is the only answer. I'm pretty sure that death and destruction is not the best way to get there.

10/7 has changed the way I see the world. I have decided to cut ties with certain people in my life, it has changed the relationships I have with others, and I feel like I've been on tenterhooks all year. Things change so quickly and it feels like I'm always waiting for the next piece of awful news. The US election and the repeal of Roe v Wade has been on the forefront of my mind, too. I can't imagine what will happen if Trump wins again. He just can't.

OCtober 7th. And then October 8th. Which sucked honestly worse then October 7th did. Hearing nothing. Being so expendable.

The event that has impacted me the most this year was the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel. This tragedy made me acutely aware that the hatred towards Jews and Israelis has not diminished since the Holocaust; in fact, it seems to have escalated. However, this painful experience has deepened my connection to my culture and religion. I can honestly say that I have never been prouder to be a Jew.

Following the astrology more these days and energy updates (thanks Sheila 🙏). News is just worse and worse, so much manipulation and greed coming to a head hopefully, chaos before crumbling down and rebuilding something much better. Keeps me determined to focus forward on love, connection, appreciation and joy. Just take the next step, less hesitation overall and judgement about speed or lack of ,- trusting it all happens in the right time just need to feel good and follow that feeling (emotional guidance system) and don't get caught up in the lack mentality (i.e. it's so expensive, hard etc). If you want anything you can find the way, I know I can :)

An event in the world that has impacted me this year has been October 7th. Like many Jews we have a strong connection to Israel. It has made me realize that there are numerous misinformed people with extreme biases. 10/7 has also made me more proud to be a Jew but also shy to always share my opinions with those I don't know. I truly hope that this war comes to an end soon and the hostages come home. It is odd to me because at times I do not even feel like my brain can comprehend all this- I feel numb to every headline but yet ever so connected. I have never lived in a world without Israel and I hope that day never comes. Am Yisrael Chai.

October 7. Nothing more needs to be said.

October 7th - the start of the genocide on Gaza with the excuse to rescue hostages that were used as mere pawns. I had never taken the time to understand Israel until then. I took since the time to realize it had been a mightmarish colonial project since the start. I stopped seeing it as a safe haven against antisemitism for me and others.

10/7. I think like 9/11, there’s a before and an after. Life as a Jew in America has fundamentally shifted. I’ve been saying for years that we’re on borrowed time and I think that it’s coming true. It’s been a good run here in the US, but scratch just below the surface and you’ll find antisemitism, an unwelcoming country, and a sense that it’s close to time to move on to the next place. I’ve also said for years that antisemitism is anti-Zionism. What we’re seeing all over the world is this merging of these two isms. Jews are not safe in any country. Ok maybe it’s by degree but there’s a real looking over your shoulder and waiting for the next flare up. Seeing what’s happening around the world—after Israel is attacked the world calls for either Israel’s invalidation as a legitimate country on this planet or demise (cease fire). In either scenario Israel ceases to exist which is what far too many are advocating. To hear people saying that Jews and Israel are committing genocide when what happened was an attempt at genocide but of Israelis makes no sense. Yet none of this makes any sense. Keeping Israelis as hostages in tunnels or slaughtering them in cold blood makes no sense. Seeing hundreds of thousands of people protesting and calling for the destruction of Israel makes no sense. I feel like I’ve been on hold for a year. Time stopped on 10/7 and life hasn’t returned to normal. I don’t think it ever will.

October 7 and its aftermath. I never felt much connection to Israel, and really never felt any antisemitism before. Now it feels rampant and shocking. Was it always this bad? Why does everyone hate us so much? It has really shifted my identity in a way, and changed how I think about many things I overlooked or took for granted. I don’t believe in religion but it is making me want to feel more connected to a Jewish community.

I am really surprised that there is no set of supplemental questions for the war against Israel, comparable to what there was for Covid, for October 7 of last year was the single most impactful world event on me and every Jew, in ways too many to count, but chief among them, in the explosion of antisemitism, and the loss of the sense of security, when the idea of "Never Again" was so brutally undone.

The ending of abortion rights in America. I think my generation took it for granted, and we didn't pass down the importance of keeping the rights to our own bodies. It's horrifying to see people completely ignore the woman to only focus on the unborn. Even if you believe that is a "person" it still isn't MORE important than the woman. Ireland was so upset with ONE death that they changed their laws. America shrugs at the many deaths of women. Just devastating.

Oh, my, well, it has to be the October 7 attack in Israel. It was horrific; I didn’t know what to do (I still don’t). It seems to be another aspect of a world that seems to be falling apart. I expect next year I’ll be saying something about the November elections, but the fallout from the Oct 7 events will continue to eclipse even that. It’s very scary and while I think I feel safe day-to-day, I feel less safe psychologically (for lack of a better word).

When President Biden succumbed to pressure and withdrew from the presidential race and threw his support behind Kamala Harris, I felt a surge of hope! Hope that we might finally have a woman president. Hope that we would NOT have a repeat of Trump. Hope that we at least had a chance, because I am truly frightened by Trump and the religious right.

Again, I say which one? Gaza is never ending. The election terrifies me and I hope the asshole doesn't win. That scares me more than anything. I don't want this war to keep going, but I would like our country to still have rights and a government that isn't perfect instead of a dictatorship. The gun violence at schools. more death by police and a corrupt government. I don't know. Every awful thing that happens - hurricanes, heatwaves, floods.... it makes me hate everything all the more.

I’m sure everyone’s answer is October 7th. It just causes such a low level ache that never goes away. Especially being in the States and being able to safely sleep in my bed feels disconnected but also completely connected in this weird way. And opened up a small rift in our interfaith marriage since he just doesn’t get it.

The continued evilness and craziness of the Democratic party and the increase in cost of everyrhing.

October 7 ripped my heart out of my chest and Israel's subsequent genocide of Palestinians has completely gutted me. It's forced me to really live into my values as a Jewish person, to grapple with and question my own beliefs and obligations, and to examine assumptions I had about every part of this story. It's also really highlighted divisions in relationship and understanding that I didn't anticipate. The overwhelming loneliness of being a Jewish person who is pro Palestinian liberation and also grieving Jewish loss and fear has sometimes been paralyzing. I've had to really practice returning to my own moral obligations when I feel exhausted, and stepping away when I need to without fully checking out. On the anniversary of October 7, I found myself startled by the depth of grief I felt - I think there were so many things to grieve over the past year. The hostages, some now dead and 100 still missing. What that would feel like as a mother. The tens of thousands of innocent Palestinian human lives, taken in Israel's relentless genocide. Tiny bodies, crushed under the rubble of what was once their neighborhoods. The sheer number of babies Israel has killed before their first birthday. Friendships I'd assumed were safe that suddenly felt fraught - in which I suddenly felt I had to hide my own Jewish grief despite the many things we agree on. A lack of ease in my own Jewish community, and my own frustration when we are not grappling together. The ask of me to show up as a leader through this, in my own invisible grief, and the critique of my words and thoughts and beliefs. I am realizing there is deep grieving, healing, and spiritual leadership and partnership that I need in this moment and am thinking about how I can find those things.

The war in Ukraine is still going on. This is an election year and if Trump wins, he will "make peace" by allowing Russia to keep all the territory they have stolen. As mentioned, the war in Israel has expanded; she is fighting on several fronts: Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria as well as the IRG in Iran. Israel has had bomb, rocket and/or drone attacks EVERY DAY starting on October 8. I have not been this worries about Israel since the Yom Kippur war.

The Palestinian Genocide. I've seen more dead children than my heart can take. There's too much pain in the world to feel comfortable in my present comfort. But I'm sure war will come for us all, eventually. Interesting times

The election is giving me all the feels. The Democratic national convention was thrilling to watch. A feeling of hope washing over me again. But there’s also a ton of fear - the fact that our former president could be president again is unthinkable. People are not overreacting when they say that this is a dictator putting himself into eternal power. Stalin. But the idea that really and truly we might have our first female president and that she will be African-American and Indian and from the Bay Area, and the children of Marxist intellectuals, is almost too dreamy to stand!!! I have loved writing postcards for democracy every Wednesday night with friends.

Kamala running. (God I hope by the time I read this next year, Cheetoh Hitler isn't president again. I hope he's in jail using mattress lint as his hairpiece.) Anyway, I feel hope again. I really like her. It's been awhile since I've felt hope—Bernie, Obama. Now Auntie Kamala. And Tim Walz! Make this happen, please. Make our country whole again. PLEASE.

October 7,2023 has made such a huge impact on my life and my heart. I am proud to be Jewish. I love Israel. I want peace for everyone. I would also like to see the hostages freed.

Israel. I have strong feelings that I feel embarrassed/scared to share in a divided community. It’s made me reflect on my own ambivalence about being Jewish, raised in the UK by a secular American Jew and a British non Jew. The patterns of assimilation, and fear of the consequences of not assimilating or passing, which I can do by default of my non Jewish last name and presentation. Where do I stand? Where am I counted? Does my voice matter? Do I need to have public opinions about this or can I afford to not? I’m Jewish enough for Hitler as are my children, but isn’t this kind of catastrophic thinking perpetuating these grievances?

The October 7th attacks….feels like it affected everything, and coming on the day of our 2nd oldests Mitzvah made it especially impactful.

Uggggh. The world is such a heavy place. The war between Israel and the Palestinian people. Trump running for president again. My parents have gotten very into politics and they are so worried about Trump being elected. Let me tell you something that is hard: being a conservative Christian democrat in suburban Texas. I feel so alone and misunderstood. I am grateful for friends and family who think like I do, but it still feels isolating in the overall community.

Oct 7. Obv. But maybe even more the wave of antisemitism we saw on Oct 8th. I, like so many others, really thought we had moved past some of this.

The massacre on October 7th has changed my life forever and I will never be the same. I can't think about it without without getting emotional. Our country will never be the same, there are scars that'll never heal.

As for all Jews, the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023 have had a profound effect. The overt and rabid antisemitism that have manifested have been devasted. We in Australia have been betrayed by our government. I have visited Israel, where I volunteered and am now seriously considering aliya. I now question whether I belong any longer in Australia.

October 7th is the giant pink elephant in the room that one cannot help but focus on. And not because it happened "to me" directly, but rather because the shockwaves of it rippled violently through the cultural and social fabric of my life like nothing has before. My sense of identity as a progressive, as an artist, as a queer person, and as an American Jew have all been upended and rearranged. Appropriately, or perhaps, perversely (given the context), the best way I can describe the feeling is one of "displacement." I feel like I woke up, concussed and confused, in the middle of a battle. I don't remember how it got this bad, or the steps that led to me being here. I only know one thing: I am behind enemy lines. And I am wearing their uniform, so they assume I am with them! But I know the truth, and I am terrified of what they will do to me when they find out. And right now, it doesn't matter how much I disagree with the fighting itself, or wish that everyone could hold multiple truths. It feels like any appeal to reason or common humanity will get lost in the fray. I can intellectualize it and dissect it once the danger has died down. For now, my primary concern has been with finding my way back to my people. With getting myself to safety. With reconnecting with the folks who will *actually* have my back and not call for violence against me simply because it's fashionable to do so. I have been using the metaphor of a dye test (aka fluoroscopy) as a means of explaining how October 7th has affected me. It's as though it flooded my life with contrast, and revealed where the fractures and blockages have been all along. Problems existed in these relationships long before October 7th, but they were subtle then, and seemed tolerable to me. But I cannot ignore them now that they are screaming in my face. We used to be able to agree to disagree. I used to be able to afford grace to my friends and peers when they were petty or desperate for social approval or increasing their visibility. I too have had ambitions of rising in this world, so who would I be to judge them? But I can't unsee what I've seen. I can't un-know what I now know. How easily people I used to respect, people I *love* can be co-opted, how quick they are to turn against their friends for even the smallest morsel of approval from an angry mob. How gleefully they spread misinformation and hateful rhetoric, so addicted to the dopamine hits from the likes and comments that they don’t see or care that their behavior is causing demonstrable harm. The old Jews warned me about this. My grandparents warned me about this! I didn't think it would happen in my lifetime, but I have watched it play out with the same old tired tropes and plot arcs. Just as they said it would. And yet, and yet… I am resilient. In the words of Vanessa Hidary, “What I have lost in people, I have gained in backbone.” I know, in the long run, I will be grateful for the results of this dye test. Better to see the true face of those around you. Better to find out through a test scenario that they would not actually stand by you, when your life isn’t literally under threat. There are many who have not been afforded this gift of space for clarity, for whom it is not a test, but rather, a hellish reality. And so, I am grateful. By letting go of these relationships, I am making space for new relationships to form and flourish. I want to be with people who can explore the gray area, who can discuss and debate this world we live in with compassion and complexity. Who can and will hold me, and where I am coming from just as I wish to hold them and where they are coming from. Without glomming on to glib catchphrases in order to write off entire swaths of the population. This is not what I thought “growing up” would look like, but I think that’s what’s happening here for me. It was easy to be snarky when I was younger and the world was entirely abstract, a story of things and people “out there.” But I have been in it long enough to know that it is real. The people are real, their pain is real. And this is one of those moments where growing up means growing apart from those who have hardened their hearts to that truth.

The war in occupied Palestine. It continues to be on my heart and mind as I watch colonizers kill and hurt within the land they have occupied. And to watch folks conflate this war with zionism is awful, especially as people continue to die.

October 7th has impacted me, and its impact has increased over time: there was the original horrific event, and then there was the aftermath, which just seemed to get worse and worse. The upcoming Presidential election has also occupied much of my time and attention, although we can't yet describe it as an event since it doesn't take place for another month. I would not even hazard a guess here as to how it could all turn out. I don't want to come face-to-face with next year's me having made any sort of prediction of the outcome. I'm terrified, and everyone I know is terrified.

There have been many events, all involving man’s inhumanity to man. It’s very disappointing that with each passing year, we don’t improve in how we treat each other and the world in general.

It's pretty hard not say climate change again. The hurricane damage to my friends in western NC was heartbreaking.

OMG, the war, the election, hurricanes getting WAY stronger (as I type this, Florida is prepping for Milton, due to arrive tonight. Helene left N Carolina in shambles). Climate change seems like it's intent on shaking the world up and it IS. The insurance industry is going to have to change and that is very SCARY!

The war that Israel is waging on the Palestinians, which is growing ever larger, has been really horrible. I know many, many Jewish people and understand the horrors of anti-Semitism, but I also think that we need to learn to separate Jewish people from the state of Israel, and particularly Netanyahu, who seems to be a bloodthirsty villain, not dissimilar to Trump (but more intelligent) or Putin.

Well how can I not answer October 7th. That was definitely one of the most life altering days for me and that's because a) It was horrible for Israel and 2) it revealed a ton of anti-semitism in the Bay Area but specifically the East Bay which has been horrifying. Also the school protests and the rhetoric. It has also forced me to learn a lot more about Israel and the history and while I still have tons to learn, I feel more equipped to answer why Israel has a right to exist and protect itself. And I don't trust Bibi at all so while I know Israel has a right to protect itself, I just don't know that that way it is going about it will lead to long term success. And i know there is so much beneath the surface and it really showed me how biased the newspapers generally are which just showed me how what happened in Germany can happen again, in new ways with new technologies.

I'm sure everyone has the same answer for this one. The attacks on October 7th in Israel have changed everything. I don't even know what to say, where to begin. My heart breaks every single day. Every day, we have our routines and events and activities and we feel joy, we feel safe. But right there beneath the surface is always pain. Despair. Heartache. As this war drags on we have no choice but to continue to live our lives, to find the good in the world, to MAKE the good in the world. And yet. How can we live our lives this way? How can we laugh and smile while young Jewish men and women are fighting for their lives. For our lives. For the survival of the Jewish people... A few days after Rosh Hashanah I went onto Facebook and saw this beautiful happy new year post from a friend I grew up with. He was born in Israel, moved to the US in kindergarten. He lives in Israel now with his wife and children, he has a beautiful family. And his post was of smiling photos of them and hope for a sweet and happy and healthy new year. And I sobbed when I saw it. The beauty and the pain and the resilience and the terribleness of this world. Sometimes it's just all too much to bear. But still. Am Yisrael Chai.

Hurricanes and our political race for President. To have a Presidential candidate who is now blatantly racist, telling absolute lies over & over again & it doesn't even matter to people following him, realizing they are completely bought in to his cult, is EXTREMELY DISTURBING. Migrants to this country have a very LOW crime rate. That is the truth and fact. I fear for them, I fear for this country's future.

The war between Israel and Gaza, and the conflict with Hezbollah, has deeply affected me this year. It’s been about two weeks since Israel assassinated Nasrallah, and I feel a great deal of anger and frustration towards the Israeli government and its representatives. The situation fills me with dread, particularly for the hostages still being held in Gaza. At the same time, I feel immense sadness and empathy for the innocent civilians in Lebanon, and a deep fear for my family living in Haifa, which has been under bombardment. I struggle to see a way out of this, and the uncertainty of how long this will last weighs heavily on me.

There was a UK general election at the beginning of July. I followed the campaign closely, listening to the daily "Newscast" podcast from the BBC and reading occasional articles in the "Guardian". I was desperate for the Tories to be voted out and they duly were trounced. Labour won a big majority and my party, the Lib Dems, made a big comeback with a very strategic campaign that focused on the few seats where they had a genuine chance of winning - mostly in Conservative marginals. It was clever stuff. I stayed up all night to watch the results come in. My highlight was around 06:00 when Liz Truss lost her seat. I now pay less attention to politics because I trust Labour and Keir Starmer to get on with the business of governing with less scandal and more integrity than before. (Turns out, they are not immune. They won't spend as much as they need to; and they're happy to take lots of freebies.) I also read a book recently called "Failed State", which has begun to change my mind and not blame the Tories for everything. It's not all their fault; the institutions of government are themselves failing - whoever is in power. But the problem is that the government is too busy to actually reform the system and would probably be criticized for not focusing on the important and immediate things. It's all fucked, basically, but there are ways to make it better - mostly by decentralizing power, investing properly in local government, changing the system of patronage and incentives for MPs, changing the culture of the Treasury, which always seeks to limit spending. It's been nice to be on the right side of an election result for a change. The Lib Dem won in our local, redrawn seat. The whole of Oxfordshire is Tory-free! I suspect that this government will just try to steady the ship and it won't be until the next election when they are able to campaign for more radical changes. I was disappointed that there wasn't enough focus on environmental issues. There's so much shite talked about immigration in a negative sense. There was one SNP leader who actually spoke in favour of immigration, arguing that Scotland's economy needed it to thrive, which was really refreshing. But I certainly feel more at ease now that the Tories are no longer in power. Of course things will still go wrong, people will misbehave, decisions will be botched, the wrong things will be funded. But that's government. An ill compromise. I was nevertheless very proud of the dignified, swift, and peaceful transfer of power the day after the election. There are some things this country gets right.

I guess the general poorer economic situation has meant that I have less spending money, and work is less wanton with its money, but not really anything else I can think of.

I am so lucky that world events really haven’t impacted me. I see so many things happening in the world and am just eternally grateful that my family is safe. Living in California feels like an extra buffer from the craziness of the country and I don’t take that for granted.

I don't understand the Israeli government carrying out a genocide, repeating history but on the side of the bad guys. How can I not be shocked by what they are doing to the Palestinian population, and how can I not be surprised by their resilience?

Reflecting on world events brings me out of my bubble. The war between Ukraine and Russia, the one year anniversary of the attack in Israel by Hamas, the intense/catastrophic storms we’ve been experiencing, and the inhumane/volatile political landscape in our country. I fear what’s to come for us, our family, our kids lives, etc.

The hostages in Israel....It is just very upsetting and sad a year later

The obvious one is the Israel - Hamas war. As a Jew, the news is harder to take in, I have received less support from my friends and community than I expected, and the whole conflict shows so much sadness for humanity in general. One thing I haven't discussed is intrusive thoughts. As I drive up to the JCC, sometimes I envision the JCC being attacked, blown up, or a shooter coming in. These types of intrusive thoughts aren't new, they occur sometimes when I drop the girls off at school. It's very distressing and I just deal with them in my own quiet way. But if I stop to consider what it means, it is truly sad that I even imagine this as a possibility and it is no wonder that I need mental health help! The other thing is the US presidential election. A woman is running for president and she seems amazing. Donald Trump is running again against her. I'm sad to see our country tolerate someone like Donald Trump and I'm proud and excited to be able to vote for a woman. I hope that she wins and our country will continue to move forward supporting wonderful women and men instead of giving attention to angry, entitled narcissistic people.

My commitment to not following current world/national events continues. It feels selfish and drips with privilege. It's also made space for personal growth and sets me up for better mental health days.

Wow. This one is easy. It's been the war in Gaza. I have to be honest in saying that I was aware of the conflict but not until the war have I been committed to learning the history and understanding the modern day challenges for so many. It's also played out in unique ways for me because I work on a college campus and the activism has been real and present in ways I've not experienced prior. I still have so many questions. I don't understand all of the nuances of the conflict and my shared humanity with and for the people of both Palestine and Israel has deepened.

I've been anticipating this question for a whole year, since the Hamas attacks of October 7. I remembered, immediately, the feeling I had on 9/11... I was only a freshman in high school, but I knew right away that America's retaliation would disfigure the world and the political landscape for decades to come. How did I already know that back then? The islamophobic atmosphere, the imperial wrath and reach of my country, must have been so obviously pervasive, so bone-deep? Like Arielle Angel at Jewish Currents, I felt my heart leap up when I saw the bulldozer break through Gaza's border wall--the seeming simplicity of an image of liberation, familiar to me from other systems of confinement... our own border wall, our prisons and ghettos. Then later, so disturbing to learn about the casualties at the music festival, kibbutzim. But the dread for Palestinian life immediately filled me. For my whole life, "Palestine" had been a dirty word, taboo, impossible to articulate without associating yourself with terrorists. Never mind the unrelenting daily violence of the Israeli occupation--not only of Gaza, but the West Bank--and the fact that the IDF has killed so many, many more Palestinians than Hamas ever has. Never mind AIPAC's chokehold on American politics. I remembered my grandfather, an anti-Zionist Jew and friend of Edward Said, cautioning me against taking an internship with the New Republic. Still, even knowing all of this, I could never have predicted just how extremely vicious the campaign of ethnic cleansing became, so quickly, or how directly this violence would impact my professional life. In late October, I signed the WAWOG letter condemning the occupation and calling for an immediate ceasefire, and within the week Jazmine Hughes was "let go" (read: fired), Jamie Keiles resigned, and my editor told me I'd be fired if I didn't immediately stop tweeting (even retweeting fact-checked news articles) about Palestine, even though I'd never been disciplined for political speech on social media before, and I'm not even a staff writer so I'd never been told those policies applied to me. No open letters, no protests--which I might have felt more comfortable agreeing to if it wasn't so obviously targeting pro-Palestinian speech in particular. My editor and I argued on the phone. She admitted the policy was draconian and inconsistent. But I said I'd be circumspect, that I'd follow the (unclear) rules, and I figured I'd organize with the other contributing writers and try to wait it out. My Mona island story had already been assigned, and in January they renewed my contract with no new language about political speech. But our conflict wasn't finished. Over the next nine months--from November through July--I was alternately threatened, placated, and threatened again. In March, after I finished my big feature, I had dinner with my editor, who told me that under the new leadership of Joe Kahn, the political speech restrictions--on Palestine especially--were getting more rather than less strict. She suggested I might consider being a regular freelancer instead of a contributor, which would mean I wouldn't get paid half up front, and I wouldn't get raises. I told her I wanted to keep my current position. We were supposed to discuss pitches at that dinner, but we didn't get around to it because we spent the whole time talking about political speech, the situation at NYT, and the state of the "discourse" on Israel and Palestine. She says she's against the Occupation, but she asked me to defend what she sees as extreme rhetoric among pro-Palestine activists. The dinner left me with a sense of foreboding. In the next month or so, she kept canceling our phone dates to discuss pitches, but we had a brief exchange about the protests at Columbia (where I was teaching). I told her I was worried about students and teachers who had been arrested, and she reiterated her suggestion that I get demoted so I could "feel more free to live out my principles." She said that as a regular freelancer, I could "attend protests but not tweet about them all the time." This is not consistent with the NYT's official rules, and I told her again that I had complied with the policy, and was not interested in changing my position. At the end of May, my editor finally kept a phone date. I tried to talk about pitches, but right away she cut me off to say that "the masthead" is considering getting rid of the contributors who signed the WAWOG letter (even though we didn't know we were violating any rule when we signed it, and our call in November led me to believe we'd already worked through that issue). She told me that she would "go to bat" for me with the Magazine's editor in chief, but that he had to choose how to spend his "capital," so she couldn't guarantee that he would advocate for me with Joe Kahn. She admitted that the policy is enforced unevenly, and painted Joe Kahn as the bad guy, but at that point, I wasn't sure what to believe and now I suspect that my editor has exercised more agency in this situation than I thought at first. I really don't know. In that call, she told me she could not assign me any more stories until my "situation is resolved," but she did not give me a timeline or process for resolution. She also said she understood if I had to take assignments from other magazines (lol) because she knows this is my literal job. I still don't know why I, in particular, attracted the Magazine's ire. I now suspect that someone was monitoring my tweets and noticing I'd gotten looser about retweeting news articles, following the lead of other NYT contributors who had not gotten in trouble. There were other contributors who had signed both the petition about trans coverage back in February and the WAWOG letter in October. There were other contributors expressing their views about the conflict online. Whenever I tried to ask my editor about the uneven enforcement, she avoided answering me directly. Now, I feel like trying to analyze the "why me" of it all is a neoliberal distraction given the fact that writers and artists all over the world--to say nothing of the many murdered journalists in Gaza--have been censored, disciplined, and fired over the same issue. A tenured professor was even fired recently. Everywhere, any defense of Palestinian life or criticism of Israeli policy smeared as antisemitism. So I've gotten quieter and quieter. So quiet it makes me sick. On June 19, my editor finally texted saying they were reaching a resolution and the Magazine's editor-in-chief would call me in a few days, and would I like to pregame the call with her? I accepted. She told me that he needed to hear that I wanted to obey the rules. I told her that I *would* obey them. But no, she said, "the wanting is important," that whatever my reasons might be (money, she knows, and to some degree reach/prestige), I "wanted" my affiliation with NYT. Wild, to me--the way power knows it can't control your inner life and so settles for the profession of compliance as a show of force. She told me I could ask questions, but that he wasn't looking for a debate. She said everyone who signed both letters was under scrutiny, that I wasn't the only one being disciplined, but I have no evidence of that (I know everyone who signed both letters and none of them were contacted). The call with him on June 24 took a slightly different tone--he told me that all the departments who use a lot of freelancers were under review regarding compliance on political speech, and they were looking at particular freelancers such as myself. He said that when we're under contract, the rules are the same for us as they are for staff, but that contributors are sort of always under contract. Petitions are a huge no, but he said that social media was "not as big a deal" and that I wouldn't "be fired over a tweet." Still, I shouldn't tweet in such a way as to compromise the NYT's independence or my capacity to report... very silly, since all my essays for them are partly personal, obviously politically invested, and valued for the specific experience and perspective I bring to the page. I agreed. He also brought up the idea of demoting me to become a regular freelancer, and said that while they haven't negotiated that status change with anyone so far, "the rate would absolutely remain the same" and that he thinks getting paid half up front could be negotiated. He said there would be no hard feelings if I decided to change my status down the line, but I have no reason to believe that, really. (Side note: the editor-in-chief's parents literally met in my grandfather's lecture, through an action he supported in defense of free speech on Cal's campus!) Since 2020, this contract has been a dream--I've loved working with my editor, making use of the Magazine's resources--but now I see that my contract can be effectively suspended at any time, for any reason, according to the corporation's whims. Over the summer, I was plunged into financial chaos. Without that contract, freelancing just isn't possible. Nor is it possible for me to maintain, long term, obedience to such hard-line censorship. It's at odds with my ethics and the ethics of my writing. So now I'm applying to academic jobs, and will demote myself to the status of freelancer as soon as I've secured a job for myself. So those are the facts. But emotionally, I'm still spinning out. I've always been cynical about American empire and its allies, about liberal institutions, etc. Yet nothing could have prepared me for this level of violence and repression. Mahmoud Darwish says: "Gaza does not propel people to cool contemplation; rather she propels them to erupt and collide with the truth." Why is Palestine such a third rail in western life, when liberal institutions (begrudgingly) tolerate critiques of American police violence, or colonialism in the Caribbean, etc? I think there are a few answers: Israel is a settler-colonial ally... if Israel does not have the "right" to exist and expropriate indigenous people, then we don't either. But really it's the money: how rich US weapons manufacturing gets by selling insanely sadistic bombs and planes and guns to Israel. And of course, oil: the US needs a western ally at the center of the world's most productive oil region, and access to Gaza's offshore deposits. Once you start uncovering these flows of capital, it becomes really clear why a threat to Israel is a threat to western capitalism and the whole world order with the US at the top. There are also other dynamics at play--the way Europe, Germany especially, is eager to shift the focus from their own history of antisemitism--culminating in the Holocaust--to the Arabs as the true enemies of the Jews. It's transparent and shameful. It makes my head spin. Every time I start to educate myself more deeply, I am shocked by the depravity and deliberate strategy of American and Israeli violence. This year I've really had to wrestle with myself about why I write, under what conditions, and what the relationship is between my deep work on the page and my daily (perhaps inconsequential!) speech online and in other public spaces. Am I just a stubborn, bratty big mouth with inflated notions of my own political importance? Or am I a principled intellectual with views that are worth fighting for despite the professional costs? And if I'm both--I *am* both--then how do I navigate these threats strategically given the fact that I remain in a very financially precarious situation? Managing my money smartly has never seemed more important. Does my actual writing already bear the marks of assimilation to a neoliberal world order that is complicit in the murder of children? The silencing of the press and the targeted assassination of journalists? What is the value of a public square like the NYT relative to the compromises I must make elsewhere to take advantage of it? What are the longterm costs, spiritually and socially, to withdrawing from the public conversation on genocide? I know that some people in my life--my mother, even Joseph and Elisa--feel I've been too reckless with my online expression (not incorrect, but loud) and others feel I've been too restrained (Elisa thinks this too, I suspect). I may never regain the trust of certain people who've risked more, or who don't face the same professional restrictions and financial hardships in speaking out. And I know for sure I'll never regain the full support of my superiors at NYT. I'll be on thin ice there forever. And maybe that's how it should be. When I turned down the job at the New Republic for political reasons (also: love), and ultimately took a job at Transition instead, that was a fork in the road and ultimately I did not regret where that took me, the community I gained that way, etc. Maybe this is another fork.

Is anyone answering anything other than October 7? I was reintroduced to the local news media, and held my own. I was asked to write an essay for our local paper's Sunday Opinion section (along with local clergy, which I did not know about until publication). I've still got some imposter syndrome - how did I get here? I was comfortable with public speaking before I got sick, when I got paid for work, and it seems to have survived. It's helpful now.

The Oct 7th attack on Israel has and continues to affect me. It has opened my eyes to the community I'm in and their values. It saddens me and I have a hard time accepting it. I wish there was more I could do to support everyone who was affected by this, but I also wish I could talk some sense into people.

It's hard not to say the Gazan genocide, since it weighed so heavily on everyone for months. It should still weigh heavily on us now, but it's hard to stay engaged in distant suffering. And they know that. Closer to home, the continued crusade of trans people in the United States is pretty terrifying. I feel like it's so scary to be used as a scapegoat. It's the thing politicians have latched onto the hardest and villanized so completely that I don't feel safe appearing visibly trans in most public places. Pittsburgh overall is great but even just outside the city I'm too afraid to go swimming shirtless. A Trump sign in your yard is like a sign telling me I should NOT feel safe. And it's just crazy that people don't understand that - or they do and think "yeah this is normal and fine." And I know the right has fear mongered so hard that they think the left is threatening and violent because they're pro-immigration and letting trans people exist and have access to healthcare. And it has affected me personally. My girlfriend's dad said he didn't want her to be influenced by me. When I pointed out that that comment was thinly veiled transphobia, she confronted him about it and he said he thinks trans people are "unstable and delusional." I know trans people have never been safe and a conservative man would never have been happy for his daughter to date a trans person. But the language feels so aggressive for like 1% of the population and you probably don't even know any trans people?? I think it's one of the other things on the back burner for me. But it's not one I can address, it's so fully out of my control.

I believe a lot of people will mention the same - October 7th. I believe in shared liberation and that you can't bomb your way out. A year to the day (late with my answers, how ironic), it's very sad to see that the hostages have not been returned to their families, but worst, see a genocide happen in front of our eyes disguised as freedom (from the hands of people that know too well the pain of being prosecuted and targeted for simply existing). One of my favorites quotes, from an incredible Brazilian educator and philosopher is: "When education is not liberating, the dream of the oppressed is to become the oppressor." - Paulo Freire This has divided my family even more as some can't see the atrocities carried out in Palestine and admit that it's not in the name of freedom, but in the name of greed, extremism, power. Other wars also have affected me - the enslavement of people in Congo due to the exploitation of cobalt. Congo is a very rich country, destroyed by western countries and their greed. I visited it in 2022 and met some of the most kind people I know. It pains me to see the west once agin looting Africa. War in Yemen, Sudan, Ukraine, ethnic cleansing in India - this has saddened me, made me feel powerless and hopeless. But it has brought me closer to my friends, made me cherish my privilege more, strengthen my convictions of equality and socialism and made me work harder for the causes I believe in.

Israel's wars have really distressed me. As a Jew with family in Israel, who's lost a cousin in the war already, and also as someone with Palestinian and Lebanese friends who believes in a two-state solution, I don't really want to talk about my nuanced feelings online and I am quite upset reading everyone else's reactions online — many of my friends are saying things that just make me feel sick. It makes me feel isolated and fearful, even though I'm not a person usually heavily emotionally impacted by the news.

I mean. Everyone's going to say it but it's true. The war turned everything upside down, it's hard to imagine going back to the world that we were in last now that things have flipped upside down. It has made me feel more invested in the opinions that for the most part I already had, and it has made it harder to share community with almost anyone. I feel less assured of myself and of my community, and I'm supposed to have the right public opinion??

The ongoing genocide in Gaza haunts me every single day, especially images and stories of babies and children killed. My heart is broken and it seems like there’s nothing being done to stop it.

If anyone answering these questions describes anything other than October 7, I will be very surprised. I recall well coming home from shul on Simchat Torah, learning the news of what happened in Israel and crying as the magnitude of the tragedy unfolded. I cried for my people. For people who are, I am sure, my distant relatives. I cried for Israel. For yet another episode of true, deep and abiding hatred against us rooted in lack of understanding and unwillingness to understand. Rooted in pure hatred. I witnessed the depths of antisemitism unfold and watched the polite seal that kept most of it in whispers and behind closed doors ripped off and I watched the hatred spill over into the streets - including my streets - as people yelled at me hateful, threatening slogans that they probably didn’t understand. I watched intelligent friends buy into propaganda and spew hate at me. I lost friends who refused to accept that this hate existed. Or who “did their own research” and discovered antisemitism in the process. I have never felt so defeated. So hated. So much in danger. So much a target. And so very very small. And yet - as I think is typical in jewish values - I felt empowered. I felt more jewish than I ever had. I felt a stronger part of a community with strong, decent and human values. I remembered what it was like to stand up in the face of hate and evil and face it down. I didn’t do this every day in every way, but I did. I did on my own and I did in my community and I did for my community. As we approach the one-year anniversary of that horrific day, I find myself less devastated than I expect and more strengthened. I find myself more a part of the community and more proud to be a jew. I find myself more willing - and more able - to stand up for what is right, for my people, for me. Today I stared into the depths as the biases showed up in news, and antisemites marched in the streets calling for my extermination. Today I stared into the depths as my fellow jews cheered on death of the enemies and called for more war and killing. And often, I stood alone. But as this day ends, whether I stood alone or with those few who understand, I stood. I am still standing, and I will be next year and the year after.

I have fallen behind on this, but today is October 7th. I am sure most of us are writing about October 7th. How could we not? It's been heartbreak day after day. I saw the NYer posted a poem by a Palestinian poet today. It's weird to feel betrayed by a publication but it's nothing new this year. The NYT is pretty bad, but not as bad as The Guardian. I have unfollowed so many people and publications this year. It's an unwritten requirement that to be left wing in the US you must call for the destruction of Israel. Maybe I have said it before here, I think it a lot, but people want a return to 1948 as if Israel wasn't already a fully formed thing now? With most citizens that have no where else to go? It's magical thinking of the nth degree. Israel made the desert bloom and no one cares except Jews. I went to work today and no one said anything. Just another day. I feel so far apart from everyone, how could they discard our suffering? They see us as blood hungry settler colonists who want to kill all the Palestinians. And no one listens when we try to explain. So fucking exhausted.

Politics. Gah.

The brutal Hamas attacks. The loss of life and the rise of Jew Hatred in my country and my community. It’s been traumatizing and depressing. I have lost friends over it. It continues to freak me out that people feel emboldened to attack Jews any and everywhere because of this. First I was taken aback when people (friends!!) questioned Israel’s right to exist. But this is not new. So that wasn’t exactly shocking. Just tiring. And also felt like they were really saying that people living in and visiting Israel at the time of the attacks should not have been there? Are they saying the violence is understandable? Did the victims somehow deserve what happened to them? The level of shock has dulled somewhat but the reality of it all - hostages, war, global Jew hatred - has become part of me. The air I breathe in. My skin. My blood. My DNA. The air I exhale. I am incredibly grateful that my therapist is Jewish. I cannot imagine seeking support from a non Jew. I have friends who I’ve considered family who lack basic compassion about this. Otherwise kind, warm, empathic people. They just don’t get it. I attended my scheduled therapy shortly after 7 October and just looked at my therapist and cried. And she made space. And she knew. She shared her own distress in a way that helped me feel completely heard and seen. This is a big one. I am forever changed. I am all over the map. I’m a peacenik and now I feel overly niave about wanting peace. I believe in a two state solution but I’m scared it won’t happen in my lifetime. I’m actually scared of losing Israel. And I want to be in Israel. I want to be in a place where we are all Jews. I’m sad. I’m confused. And I’m proud. And I feel the strength and resilience of our people and that’s what keeps me going.

There have been many impactful events this year. Wars are going on in the Middle East. Hurricane Helene hit Florida and devastated much of the East Coast. Tennessee and North Carolina suffered a lot of damage. There is another one coming that will likely wipe out much of Tampa Bay. All of this is disheartening, and it's been difficult because I worry for the future of humanity. Between war and climate change... how will we survive? I've noticed myself becoming more and more nihilist in the last couple of years. It's hard to be positive when the future looks so grim.

The terrorist massacre that Hamas committed against Israel shook me to my bones as I understand that I am marked for death by certain groups because I am a Jew. This sad realization still happens too often.

I found that the Ukraine russia was deeply impacted me. It breaks my heart that in 2024 we still have young men dying for the pursuits of old men. I do think if there wasn’t forced service war would become something of the past. It impacts me because I’m now 27 and I would be on the older end of the men fighting. To imagine my little sister going to war and dying from a drone strike before she’s even had a legal drink is sickening.

The realization that the western world — liberal democracies — have pretty much all failed. That by choice as the result of broad, profound corruption.

Obviously October 7th and the Israel-Hamas, now Hezbollah and soon to be with Iran probably, War changed my perception of antisemitism. The reactions by people on October 8th before Israel went into Gaza made it so much more clear how anti-Zionism = antisemitism. It made me realize how important Jewish Civil Rights are, and how quickly people forget or don’t care or don’t speak up for Jews. And how prevalent leftwing antisemitism is. Very depressing. I hope by the time I’m reading this next year, there’s peace.

I am sure most 10Q responses will say the attacks on Israel on October 7th of last year. 2000 Israelis died, hundreds of hostages taken, and then the Netanyahu government trying to use the attacks as an excuse for genocide and land grabs. I lost one friend--not a particularly close one--for voicing support for Palestinians early on. I think we all knew what was going to happen the second the story broke. Israel would get funding, weapons, help rebuilding, and Palestinians would bravely try to to defend their ancestral lands with sticks and stones. It is hurtful seeing non-Jews and non-Arabs complaining about Israel being a colonizing force, an occupier. I feel like this is an interfamily squabble and far more complex than just "freedom fighters" vs the big evil industrial empire. Jews deserve safety. But I refuse to let it be at the cost of another people's safety, their homeland, their history. Jews have suffered uniquely throughout world history in constantly having to face state violence and forced migration. Let's make sure no one else ever has to suffer in the same way ever again.

Everything in the middle east is making me edgy. It's also making my loved ones, especially dad, edgy and then I'm edgy that they are edgy.

Massacre and kidnapping by Hamas of Israelis on 10/7 followed by all out, horrific slaughter of Palestinians for the entire year since. It's so horrible and I don't know how it stops. And people are so bad at holding multiple kinds of grief at once.

This election season has been a ride - one week you're at a family getaway camp hearing about an assassination attempt, and the next you're at church reading that the president is not seeking re-election after all. But what really gets me is the hurricanes. Some part of me is always aware, living in the PNW, that earthquakes are an ever-present threat that could strike with zero warning. And then you watch the other side of the country get just inundated and destroyed with torrential rains, even though they technically had warning. Whenever "the big one" comes it is going to be a mind-bogglingly destructive generational hole, because we are so very bad at long-term planning.

Doubtless the event that impacted me is the one that impacted most of the Jewish people: the horrific attack on Israel last holiday season on Simchat Torah, the ensuing war that has gone on for a whole year, as well as the continuing hostage crisis. It's heartbreaking because of all of the ongoing loss on the Israeli side among both civilians and young soldiers, as well as among Palestinians in Gaza and now people in Lebanon. (My Israeli spouse has made war coverage the soundtrack of our days.) It's all so tragic and seems to be spiraling out of control. The right wing government of Israel (that I wrote about last year!) is one that I and many, many Israelis distrust. It feels like the hostages have been abandoned by them. Early on, I felt especially hurt and abandoned by American progressives. I felt comfort in attending the big rally for Israel and the Jewish people in Washington, DC last fall. Yet I also feel morally conflicted: I advocate for Israel even though I disagree with the policities toward Palestinians in the territories, and the path that their government has taken in the war and negotiations. Overall, it's more deflation of my youthful dreams for the State of Israel as the "first flowering of our promised redemption" (as the prayer goes).

Weirdly enough, the Kendrick Lamar v Drake rap beef was oddly inspiring. Kendrick’s intensity gave me the resolve to keep fighting for a new job and to push myself to be more proactive about my values and perspectives and when necessary defend them from a place of confidence. That and the magic of bbl drizzy being everywhere was awesome to experience!

Joe Biden’s decision to not run for his second term started the series of events which have led to the creation of hope for the USA. Kamala Harris’ ability to rally Democrats around her; draw in various other supporters both Republican and Independent has allowed that hope to blossom. Joe Biden chose country over his personal desires and my hope is his legacy as a great President will be achieved! An additional event is the war in the Middle East.

This is the year following Oct 7. This morning i said to my spouse, I mourn for the loss of life on Oct 7, for the heart-wrenching tragedy following it, but mostly, selfishly, I mourn the loss of feeling safe as Jewish person in America, the loss of pride and comfort in sharing my Jewish identity. The role of Jews in the US is damaged in ways we never imagined.

October 7th changed my life. Not in the way that people imagine Jews to say it did; in a way that radically upended what Jewish ethics meant to me. Prior to the 7th, I could have been described as vaguely pro-Israel--I loved the *idea* of the nation and sang Yerushalayim Shel Zahav and Hatikvah both with genuine emotional connection. The green, red, white, and black of the Palestinian flag (deeply shamefully) made me feel threatened, brought up murmurs I still found valid of "antisemitism on the left." I could never have imagined that less than a year later, I would be marching while screaming "Free Free Palestine! From the sea to the river Palestine will live forever!" There is antisemitism all across the political spectrum, hiding in often innocuous-seeming places, but what this last year has taught me--what I learned since October 7th--is that the vast majority of the pro-Palestinian movement embraces liberation through radical solidarity, and that I am more than surrounded with antizionist Yiddish comrades.

Hamas's terrorist attack on the people in Israel and the world's collective response. I always had my anti-Semitism antannea up, but I still had no idea just how many places really are unsafe for Jews. I'm also disgusted and disappointed by the ways in which people disguise their anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish beliefs in a BS oppressor/oppressed anti-colonial facade. Don't get me wrong, I'm furious with Bibi and his extremist coalition. I stand with all those protesting that piece of human garbage. I'd put him in cherem if I had that power. I weep for the actual innocents who live in absolute fear and inhuman conditions. But I also feel betrayed by my liberal friends. People here in the US say that Jews should go back to where they came from. Well, we've tried that and the Arabs have been fighting it for a hundred years. Hamas's war crimes were just another example of how we Jews just don't count.

We have had a complete reorganization of my department. It has really changed my love for my job. I no longer really enjoy coming to work and that really saddens me. I really want to love my work. But I just can't.

The attack on Israel. No question. For the first time in my life I felt unsafe being a Jew in the US and now I am sensitive to where and how I disclose my Judaism. It was extremely depressing to realize that Jews did not get even one day to mourn. And then there is Trump.

The atrocities of October 7th have impacted me, although not in the expected ways. As a convert, I don't have any family in Israel and have never even been there, so it's not "my" country. But still, world events have pushed me to consider what side I am on, and I am proud to take a side. Never mind about being on the right side of history, these people are my people, and they might not be the underdog in the fight, but they are sure as hell the underdog in the whole middle east. I suppose this country is my country - it's my insurance policy. Now I am Jewish, even if by choice, it is possible I will need Israel. It is a safe-ish haven, and my own country needs to support it.

The annihilation of *hundreds of thousands* of innocent Palestinian lives, primarily women and children. The silence of my friends. The turning away, the widespread refusal to say the word: genocide. The targeting of my colleagues, the witch hunts. And the brave voices of my anti-Zionist Jewish community, the moral clarity, the true courage.

October 7 has been in my mind every day and impacted every aspect of my social life. I can't maintain a close relationship to my non-Jewish friends right now.

I think October 7th (2023) is a big one but I don't really know how I feel about it/how it impacted me directly. I think a larger impact was my father being in the hospital for 6 weeks. I'm far away. He's aging. I'm going to lose him. I tried to see and speak with him more in the last year. That was important.

7 October and onward. How has it not impacted me, and the world, seems a more appropriate question. This is a generation-defining series of events, that continues to spiral out of control. I was feeling called to my Judaism before, but now so much stronger - I feel I need to find and asset my own definition of Jewish values and practices, lest the horrific narrative driving this madness both drive me away and project on to me what I absolutely cannot tolerate.

The war between Israel and Hamas. October 7th had a big emotional impact on me. Then it became very “uncool” in my liberal circles to support Israel’s existence or survival, so that I felt/feel like I have to be silent, or be cancelled. I feel very alienated from and disappointed in the far Left. I saw a lot of acquaintances post poorly informed takes both against and for Israel. People are so stupid on social media. It has created a huge gap, even in my marriage. We had some very unpleasant conversations and it was the first time we were really on different sides. I still don’t feel like I am honest with him about how I really feel. And I’ve been shocked at his lack of understanding or curiosity about my history and connection. He did eventually hear me, but it was the first time that my Jewish identity has felt like something he just can’t understand.

October 7th is pretty self-explanatory and likely the answer for most Jews this year. This war has made it nearly impossible to deconflict being a Jew and politics about Israel, which has made both being a Jew and having counter opinions difficult. The day of the attacks, my immediate reaction was that thousands of innocent Palestinians were going to die in response, and unfortunately I was right. Yet even I am surprised with the level of violence and total disregard for innocent lives, including the hostages who are still captive a year out. It is nearly impossible to be a Jew and try to criticize Israel, and I hear from family members and people I genuinely love and respect rhetoric that is so hateful and one sided and lacking of basic humanity. I’d be lying if I said Israel’s actions have added to my reluctance to participate in any sort of Jewish life, and I’ve struggled with my lost identity as a result.

I am answering this Day 4 question a couple of days late, so on October 7th, 2024. Today is the first year anniversary of the most recent major Hamas attack on Israel. So again, the event that stands out is the start of this horrible genocide, the genocide that my mother initially denied and the one that my father continues to publicly deny. I feel fucked up about it, just like everyone else. Vicariously traumatized, but even more so because Israel claims to be doing the genocide in the name of all Jews and my father supports this and participates in the propaganda and my mother and brother support him. It's all deeply disturbing and shameful. It is betrayal of the highest order. So I have to learn live with all of that.

As mentioned earlier, 10/7 and the genocidal violence that emerged after it, has totally cracked open my life and the worlds around me. It's led to many challenges, but also many opportunities. I've reinvested in my Jewish practice, partly as a commitment to not allowing this horror done in my name (as a Jew and Israeli) to define my Jewishness, and I've been part of inspiring, beautiful new collectives like the Global Mizrahi work, Shoresh and Halachic Left.

Oh the attacks in Israel on 7 October and the subsequent war against the Palestinians has affected me greatly. I feel so discouraged and, perhaps worse, so much less free to talk openly about my thoughts and feelings. The situation feeds anti-semitism and anti-islam sentiments and makes me feel hopeless about the world. But it has also led to some amazing conversations and connection with friends. On some larger level, I know that often great destruction is required for great change and change is certainly needed. I just know how easy it is for me - safe in the US - to say that when others are dying or losing loved ones.

October 7 and the aftermath has been horrific. Humanity at its worst. Selfish, brutal, cynical and nihilistic. Who’s suffers are the innocent who become the next generation of hopeless terrorists. Biden’s debate debacle was monumental in the presidential race but actually might have saved our democracy. The race was just so terrible at that point with 2 old guys and an inevitable Trump win. Now there is hope w/ Kamala but those were the darkest of days.

broken record here - it is oct 7th and what came after. Watching real time everything I have suspected and believed about Israel to be true was brutal. I always say - I don't want to be right about these things - but I was. One year later, no one is safer, everything is worse and we are on the verge of a world war I think. Also - my community I grew up in. I have never been so disgusted and disappointed in my life. They are blood thirsty vengeful traumatized people. I will never look at some people the same way again

October 7th and the ensuing Genocide in Gaza is the only answer I can think of, and I already wrote about it. I saw a venn diagram on IG and the two sides were something like "the organizing and resistance in support of Palestine and against the genocide brings hope and inspiration" and "we have not yet had the power to stop the genocide" and i feel that a lot. JVP here has grown which is beautiful from a community perspective, although of course would not have been worth it. But our organizing efforts feel more and more bleak each month.

Absolutely 10/7. It has turned my world, sense of self, my concerns for Emmit and Asher’s college experiences, my sense of belonging and identity upside down and an absolute anguish about war, suffering, hostages, psychological warfare and trauma and I am not directly impacted in the way that my family is all alive, my home intact and yet it has broken us all because what happens to one, happens to us all. I pray that a year from now there are stories of healing and the remaining hostages safely home and that there is peace in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, Africa, Lebanon, the list goes on and on.

The nonsense with student protesters in this country is really frightening, because it really shows how much the youth of today don't know or understand history, and they don't have the drive to learn the truth or the facts before they react. They also don't seem to know how to find or understand the underlying reasons for things. The Israel-Gaza (and now Lebanon) struggle is complicated, but the actions of Israel are also understandable. Students who love their freedoms here choose to stand on the side of nations who would throw then in jail or have them executed for protesting, for women showing their faces and bodies, for anyone being gay or trans, etc. This whole thing highlights the perpetual anti-semitism that has existed since the beginning, and I bet you most of them either don't know why or are even aware that they are carrying on misguided beliefs about a people they don't understand at all. Never forget? They have. It scares me, because these are the people training AI.

How many of us will say the war in Gaza? The horrible news and images coming out of the region, the stark destruction of all infrastructure, the humanitarian crises - and the added pain that comes from knowing that it is being done in the name of my safety. I have been involved with Jewish activists and organizations that are speaking out against the genocide and for a ceasefire, for a cessation of arms to Israel. And, it is also painful to see and experience the fractures this has caused within the Jewish community.

As I wrote in earlier answers, the escalating violence in the Middle East weighs heavy on my heart. Israel fighting Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and incursions into Iran are deeply destabilizing events. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser al-Kidwa lay out a peace plan. But, with just 10% of Israelis and 6% of Palestinians believing that peace is possible, it is challenging to keep hope alive. I am working with Democrats Abroad to elect Kamala Harris and I am profoundly troubled that the man I don’t even like to name could be elected. I believe he would increase violence in the US and globally.

October 7th 2023 was a life changing event for every Jew. Jews connected with Jews to check in on them. The days of silence from non-Jewish friends was painful. It was like everything we had always been told was coming true again. I monitored what I said to who. As the war has unfolded there have been questions and trying to entertain different perspectives. I have remained hopeful that there is not as much anti-semitism behind people’s placards as others might think and then I also think that I may be naive and not exposing myself to reality. I have been hyper aware when my kids start singing Hebrew songs on the tube or talking about being Jewish. We have all wondered how much to display our Judaism and how much to hide it. And then there is wrestling with loving Israel, trying to understand the history and not loving what the Israeli government is doing at the moment but also having no idea if it’s the best option to bring peace to Israel for a longer time in the future.

7th of October. For months I was glued to my phone checking updates that were not happening. Just feeling scared and sad and angry all at the same time. Feeling like the world really doesn't care about me or my people - and if that is true, where do I belong? Going to events to try to persuade governments to change their mind and also mourn those who we have lost. Worried endlessly about my brother and friends - those who are in the army and those who are just living their lives. Terrified of the day that it might be me who is a relative or close friend of one of the people killed. It has been on my mind for a year and is still on my mind.

october 7. shock. delusion. loyalty. confusion. questioning. shock. horror. heritage. hope. fake news. heartbreak. tally of dead. tally. tally. witness. avoid. children my daughter's age in the army. children my children's age dying. babies dying. starving. destruction. corruption. look. look away. city council meetings. stop genocide. stop israel. red. white. green. white. blue. look at hamas. look at the damage. escalation. escalation. netanyahu madness. hersch. hersch. hersch. rachel and jon. hersch. hopelessness. hope. revolution. silence. now what? how to parent? how to sit in stillness? how to be a jew? where are we safe? what does israel mean to me? to my kids? how will anti-semitism evolve if fuckhead wins the election? will i get a united states flag and a peace flag? will i put them up?

The massacre in Israel on 10/7/23 made me realize I had become a bit complacent in my freedom as a Jew. Not that I should be looking over my shoulder every minute of every day, but the reality is there are a lot of people who hate Jewish people, and that's never going away. As long as there is a group that is different from another, someone is going to hate it. And I shouldn't let hate harden my heart. There is pain on both sides.

I feel very impacted by the on-going genocide in Gaza. It's so horrific that the world is standing by while so many innocents are killed. It's hard to know how to respond, I feel powerless and deeply sad. There is so much suffering in the world at the hands of humans.

Half the country still thinks Trump is the answer. In the Mideast, Isaac and Ishmael are still in either/or conflict. We could use a Savior but I don’t see anything on the horizon. Almost always, the events of the world only bring me down. However, they also turn me towards my family.

OMG - I just KNOW everyone (nearly everyone) will be writing about October 7, 2023, when the terrorists from Hamas massacred so many Israelis and took hostages. I pray for Omri Levi to be returned alive, and every Jewish service now has more kavannah.

It may be a cliché but probably the atrocities committed against the Palestinian people while everyone else is watching. I find surprising the power of the Israeli government, and how powerless the Palestinians are. It doesn’t matter how cruel the news are, we all seem to accept it

The current presidential race. How is it possible that Donald Trump is still so popular, and might win? I have little faith in my fellow Americans.

With October 7th, the level of anti-Semitism across the world, and in the US, has been stunning to all of us. We thought the world had gotten past this! Especially the US campuses--although Dan Kamin has been experiencing it for a long time now. In my bubble of a world, I haven't experienced any anti-Semitism personally. Several people from Personify reached out to me to show support that week of October 7th to show support. In particular, Jake Kim and Nick Pokoluk stayed in touch to show support. Unfortunately, Nick passed away in a jacuzzi in February. I still can't believe it and often pray for his daughters (both autistic and left in care of a mother who finds them difficult to care for). I haven't heard from Jake in a while. I did get my Canadian citizenship. It doesn't make a difference really. If we wanted to move to Canada, I could sponsor Aaron, but the anti-Semitism there has been worse than in the US. My kids get no benefit from my citizenship at all. Israel's government with Netanyahu and his right wing crazies is still a major issue. The election here in the US is this year with Trump running against Kamala Harris. Thank you to Joe Biden for stepping down. Why aren't there more political mensches out there? It would really help the world!

October 7th! Ugh this has been the hardest year. It’s really hard to reflect on the year because I feel like it’s still October 7th and I’m still living in this nightmare.

Hmmm. I am impacted by the sufferings of many people who now live in terror, hunger and destitution because of war. No-one wins from war except those at the top who let their own egos have sway.

The explosion of violence in the Middle East has caused me to examine (again) much of what I believe about this particular, ongoing, political, moral, human conflict. That conflict is steeped in a multitude of oppressions that align, then counter, then re-align often faster than the regular people on both sides can respond to or protect from them. It is regular people who bear the brunt of decisions made by a few; and this is true all over the world. The few don't seem to want peace even when the people do.

The various conflicts around the world have both been very upsetting and have also caused internal and external conflict with friends and family members being passionately on different sides.

An event that has impacted me this year is the continued evolution of remote work and flexible work arrangements. It has reshaped how many organizations, including ours, think about work-life balance, employee well-being, and productivity. This shift resonates with me because I’ve been reflecting on my own career and personal growth, seeking a better balance between work and life. The emphasis on flexibility has made me reconsider the kind of work environment I want to be in, particularly as I look toward larger firms with better benefits and more adaptability. It’s inspired me to prioritize my own well-being and authenticity in both my professional and personal life, as I believe these are key to achieving long-term fulfillment.

No question oct 7th. My politics have made such a swing from how they were when I was younger. I still love Israel, and the idea of it, the need for it, the beauty. But the way this war has been handled has been despicable, as wars are. The Israeli PR and Netanyahu are horrendous and I don't understand how anyone can support Israel's war tactics, murdering TENS OF THOUSANDS of innocent individuals when Israel has some of the best defense known to man.

The world continues to burn...and the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East seem to be growing. How can we sustain life on this planet for humankind? What world did I bring my children into? We are ruining all of it...

Doh. Nothing has been the same since October 7. The world seems poised on the brink. Each day we could receive news of the death of a friend or a relative. We are one step removed from war -- and when we were in Tel Aviv, that was about 0.3 miles as the Houthi drone flies. October 7 and the war has made our friendships more difficult, R's work more complex, the world less certin, Jewishness more precious and precarious.

The genocide in Gaza... now expanding into Lebanon. The deeply disappointing willingness of too many "progressives" to throw their support behind genocide and Israel's aggression. It has caused me to have less hope for our humanity, and to be significantly less invested in electoral politics. I've also increased my charitable donations and mutual aid efforts related to this.

The obvious answer is the current presidential election. The last one was dirty and I don’t expect this one to be any better. The moves going into. It have already been very dirty. Trump 2024.

We have another female candidate for President! And she’s pretty awesome. I’m excited to vote. I was not hopeful for my home’s future after the first debate. She brought back my hope.

Israel. Wow. I can't believe in 2024 I am having to defend my Judaism to people I thought were friends. I can disagree with the Israeli government and still want to see antisemitism stop, see the horrific treatment of all people stop, see Israel continue to be a safe place for the Jewish people.

October 7th. It has changed everything. I had no idea how antisemetic our world is, I was truly complacent because I have lived in bubbles. Our world is scary. I feel scared as Jew, I feel scared for the future of Israel. I am heartbroken for the families of the hostages and the families of the victims in Gaza. I feel more biased than I used to about people who support the Palestinian plight and I do not like that about myself.

October 7, 2023 - it gave me a whole new set of fears for the academic world my older daughter entered in the summer of 2024. It made me feel like I couldn't open my mouth and say some words in public for fear of being attacked. I don't want to live like this - I don't want anyone to live like this.

Gotta be Israel's genocide against Palestine. Being surrounded by such a radical group of unapologetic advocates for Palestine is something I'll take with me my entire life. I became so frustrated at my time at Synergy with the amount of self righteousness that came with it and the exclusion that was synonymous with it, but I'm proud to say I live there and am proudly endowed with the awareness of our responsibility to advocate against the Apartheid state in Israel. I am so afraid- the power the election holds over this and the domino effect that's happening with Iran and Lebanon. It's so scary to feel so helpless but also in a position that without our own willing involvement is entirely removed from what's happening. But Patti Smith reminded me yesterday in a crowd of thousands of people... it's our power and responsibility to demand what we want, which is so inspiring. I have a goal and resolution this coming year to get more involved in protests and advocacy. Moving out of synergy has made me feel like I'm not actively contributing to the movement and its certainly a void I need to fill in order to be satisfied. Free Palestine, free Sudan, free Lebanon... forever and ever and ever.

nothing has had a direct impact on me but indirectly the war and the election has created a sense of instability and everything is a lot more expensive now

Honestly, nothing. We’ll see if the US is going to elect the first woman (black at that) to the presidency.

October 7. An event that needs no description. I was in Israel preparing for the wedding of one of my daughters on October 9. Friends and family from the US were there to join the celebration. We spent the day running to the bomb shelter. The wedding went ahead, but the big party was delayed until June. It's still impacting all of Israel. As someone pointed out, you can't have PTSD if the trauma isn't over yet. It's not post traumatic. It has impacted Israel and the Jewish world in so many deep and profound ways. Shaken our sense of security. Led to an outburst of antisemitism. It's been a very tough year.

October 7, 2023 was a horrendous and heartbreaking day for Israel and for the world's Jews. At the Nova Music Festival, peace-loving Israelis were butchered, raped and tortured in the largest terrorist attack and the worst civilian massacre ever in Israel. More than 240 hostages were taken by Hamas. Over 1,200 Israelis were murdered. We were visiting family in VT when we woke up to a text from Jessica telling us there was a terrible event and now a war. The day was dark and windy, the waves as though an ocean. Tumult from the sky and lake to match our devastated hearts. I was in a daze for the rest of the trip - especially when we continued our trip and went to Montreal when we were no longer with family and instead out in the wide world. And now, currently, Israel is stepping up attacks against Hezbolah in the north as Iranian backed militia bomb Israel. It's a horror and the death and destruction on both sides is devastating. The anti-semitism in this country and around the world is also devastating. I feel worried all of the time. Will the October 7th memorial evening tonight at our JCC be safe? It felt awful when we went to Europe this summer; we felt it in London and in France where we encountered loud protests. I wore my Jewish jewelry in neither place - left it at home. How will this end? Netanyahu must go...he and his settler appeasing ilk. This wouldn't have happened with another leader. But now we are so far down this path. Sometimes I feel like Israel may cease to exist. I hate saying those words. Who shall live and who shall die? It's a devastating thought. Right now though am Yisrael chai.

I've said it before, I've lived life a lot of life with plenty of life experiences, from losing a daughter to being on the front line of the Iraqi war as a combat medic. There really hasn't been any world event that has truly impacted me. That may be callus of me to say but almost 50 yrs in this world can do that to a person. Or just maybe the world is so redundant that everyone is just running through their own lives oblivious to really what's happening around us. We are selfish creatures and if it doesn't affect us 1st hand then we are conditioned not to worry about such things. Which thinking about it is pretty sad, there is life outside of our own and maybe I should slow down a bit and really stop to see the world around me.

Once again, the October 7th invasion of Israel. I budgeted money to donate to non-profit groups and started watching Israeli television and reading many news groups.

The war in Israel/Palestine has been a huge world event. It has impacted me greatly, and I think I've had some emotional walls up the whole time and feel a little numb.. It has impacted me in the sense that I did feel connected to Israel. Its not something I thought about very much.. and I was already feeling disillusioned about their role in the conflict, but now I feel just shame and disgust.. Is it fair? I still think the people and culture have beauty.. its just the state. I think that has waned in and out of focus. But I dont know for sure if the people can actually be there in a good way. The amount of death and devistation, another holocaust, caused in the Jewish name, is crazy. And painful. I feel my connection to Jewish community and institutions, and ancestral connection to the land of Israel is tainted and fractured. Huricane Helene in the last week feels like the largest natural disaster we have seen in my adult life in this country, in a place where I know and follow on instagram so many artists, activists, farmers, herbalists. And I dont feel numb to that. I feel so sensitive about climate catastrophe after my experience in Oregon fire. And this feels even more awful and ongoing and apocalyptic. Oof. I don't fully know how it will impact me since it is so recent.

I think like most people the attacks on Israel on October 7th have colored so much of Jewish life and identity this year. As someone who converted to Judaism, has never been to Israel and doesn't feel a strong connection to Israel, it's been hard to balance supporting Israel with the violence Israel is also inflicting on others. The voices of restraint and ceasefire and living in peace seem hard to hear.

October 7th. I keep going back to this, but it has penetrated every facet of my life.

The genocide in Gaza and the expanding war in the Middle East. The IDF response to the October 7 attacks, and my social group at the time, not to mention all activists/ political persons who I do admire being Pro-Palestine and anti-human rights right wing Republicans being pro-Israel, forced me to take a really hard look in the mirror about my lifelong beliefs supporting Israel. I’ve started following Palestinian journalists like the IMEU, Bisan Owda, and Mondoweiss. It’s hard and heartbreaking to read about and I go back and forth, and most of my friends disagree with me, as I’m either more pro-Israel or pro-Palestine than them. I wish there was a better future I could believe in. Last year I wrote- the backlash against trans rights. It’s still terrible.

Oct. 7.

Oct 7 massacre. So many I know have been impacted. I fear millions will never know peace or security. The pain at the Temple, five thousand miles and 9 months away, was almost unbearable.

The day Joe Biden left the presidential race was incredibly difficult. Not just for me, for a lot of people. I don't exactly know why, the ageism obviously but I kept saying to myself, He wasn't even your candidate. It just meant that some last shred of the prime of my life or some era or the other was completely over. The rules had changed. Not that they ever really do. I was surprised how hard it hit me.

I suspect that this will be a popular answer, but 10/7. Look, I'm a 9/11 survivor, and after the WTC, it seemed like the entire country, if not the world, had an outpouring of support for NYC. Tourists came to spend money and help our local economy. Disaster workers came. Dog teams came. Grief counselors came. People I know from all over the country and all over the world checked in on me, sent me things I needed, checked in on every anniversary for years and years. So really, it didn't seem like a stretch that people would ask me if I was OK. If I was scared. If I had family. Silence. Crickets. So, I grew up Jewish in a heavily Catholic community. One of my earliest memories is when my best friend and next-door-neighbor told me that the nuns at Catholic school told her that the Jews were responsible for killing Jesus; my friend told the nuns that I did no such thing and was as nice as could be, pretty nervy for a seven-year-old. I grew up with people visiting the house who had numbers on their arms. I grew up in a section of my town that was heavily Jewish because Jews couldn't buy anywhere else. I grew up knowing that children no older than I were pulled from their lives and killed because they were born with the wrong credentials. I grew up knowing about anti-semitism, but I live in New York City, a melting pot of so many people, and a city that's heavily Jewish. It never seemed scary and it never seemed personal until October 7th. A close friend is Muslim, specifically Egyptian-American, and lost no time is decrying the news reports as a hoax and propaganda. She never walked it back, and she's an ex-friend; I understand that Yom Kippur, fast approaching, is about forgiveness, but I will never be able to forgive her for not publicly saying, "oops, I was wrong. People really were massacred." I've been attacked on social media as a "dirty jew," had people tell me that I "have to understand," have had people tell me that it's my fault, and Jews should "go back where we came from." I really thought that finally, we had reached a point where Jews could just live their lives, like everyone else, but the Great Enlightenment has proven to be a hoax before, and I feel like cosmically, or in a geo-political sense, Lucy has once again pulled the football away from people who just want to live their lives without being targeted and killed.

The issues in Israel and Palestine. It’s been so violent and it breaks my heart. I pray for peace constantly. It also makes me concerned about what it might grow into globally.

The war in Israel has saddened me, sharpened my sense of being Jewish as I move through life. (On the UWS and in the theater world of NYC, it's not quite like being a fish and noticing water, but toward that.) While I sense there is a majority of people, Jewish and non-Jewish, who believe both that Israel has a right to exist and that Palestinians have been denied the civil rights and equal opportunities that Jewish values demand, and > that Netanyahu is now threatening Israel's existence and the safety of diaspora Jews with an out-of-proportion multi-front war to protect his own power. But there is no sign to carry, no slogan to chant for that... beyond the Sh'ma, I guess.

October 7 made me reflect on who I am as a Jewish Zionist American, and the atrocities of that day gave me a much greater cynicism for anyone who is not Jewish, Israeli, or a true ally. It has been isolating to experience such trauma and not be able to turn to your partner to go through it because they don’t understand and don’t see what you see when hatred is hurled. I am grateful that it has made me more engaged with my community, but I would prefer my family be safe above all else and right now I worry about my boys. I am fortunate to have been able to volunteer and bear witness this past April, but that trip only strengthened my (long dormant but once deep) desire to make Aliyah.

Again, is there anyone who isn't answering October 7? Today is the anniversary -- I can hardly process how long this has gone on. I worry about my family and friends in Israel every day, sometimes every hour. I worry about the continuance of the State of Israel at all. And I hate the stupidity with which so many progressives approach this issue -- it makes me feel so alienated from people with whom I normally agree on most things.

As I'm sure most you use this platform have said, Oct 7. Hamas attack. But I'm not a Zionist. What Hamas did was terrible. But what Bibi is doing is also terrible. None of this will end well.

It's the election stupid. The division and corrosiveness of our society today makes me very sad. For a country that prides itself on being built on Christian values, I am at a loss for how we treat each other. If we don't straighten this out, we are doomed for this country to be recognizable in the future.

So many events, but just seeing how there was a loss of empathy towards innocent civilians, whether they are Israeli or Palestinian, was incredibly sad.

A family friend was killed by the Israel Defence Force. They targeted her. I've watched from afar as my sister has dealt with the loss of her closest and best friend in the world. I saw her body on the news, as if nobody cared enough not to broadcast what a bomb does to a body. The outcome of the inquiry was that it was a piffling accident, when, you don't strike an aid convoy three times by accident. I then watched acquaintances who did not know her, use her death as a political football and not consider that this was a human being who deserved better, and who deserved to be known after her death, in her own right, aside from how she was killed. She was murdered by Israel, and my sister will never see her best friend again. Of course, her own NGO sent her in there, their superstar CEO is as culpable as the forces. She was I think probably the only person who saw inside my family and saw the best in us, foibles and all, and opened my eyes to a more compassionate way to view our short tempered oddities. This is the second event this year that has finally opened my eyes aged 38, to the fact that there is no such thing as justice, no cosmic justice.

The war in Gaza/Israel. My sister is a strong supporter of Israel, and I am not. This has led to me being very careful when I am talking to her, and I don't like that.

I already wrote about Oct. 7 in Q1, but the magnitude of that day will be with me the rest of my life. The impact on Jews worldwide cannot be overstated. It frames the way I look at the world, and every day that the conflict in the Middle East continues, the Jew hatred increases. I attended a rally in support of the hostages yesterday, and every car that passed made me anxious about what they thought about a group of 100 Jews marching. Were they supporters? Haters? Apathetic to what we are going through? I honestly don’t know which is worse- apathy or hatred. I’m not comfortable as an activist, but I am no longer willing to just quietly accept the judgement of others. We need to fight back and stop anti-semitism, calling it out for the evil that it is.

The terrible Hamas attack and the terrible reactions to that.

Nada ha estado tan presente ni me ha impactado tanto como el genocio en la franja de Gaza.

Obviously, October 7th. Do I really need to explain??

Vienna Taylor Swift concerts being cancelled. We were there for the event and very excited for what lay ahead. Unfortunately, two nights before our concert, the event was cancelled due to a foiled terror attack. Lots of focus and finance to go to this City for this concert. It is very frustrating for that to be taken away.

The upcoming presidential election and the threat to demorcacy that Trump poses. I have been writing postcards to help others vote easier. I think I will start making phone calls.

Oh gosh, this is a heavy one. October 7th. I think most Jews can relate in one way or another. I can't believe tomorrow will be a year. I don't think there was a single day that I didn't think about Israel, the war, being Jewish, etc. At times I feel numb and helpless, other times I feel sickened, distraught, and consumed. The upcoming presidential election is significant, and even though I'm trying to be as informed on each candidate that I can, it's overwhelming, confusing, and frustrating. To add another layer, hurricane Helene devastating Western North Carolina was so unexpected and deeply upsetting. My heart hurts. It's where I got the start to my career and had many wonderful memories (trips with friends to the mountains, meeting mentors, etc). It feels selfish, but I was so looking forward to a camping trip I was planning where we would be able to enjoy the beautiful fall colors, and after the storm, I've just been feeling very depressed. I want to use the grief and put it towards action to volunteering to help the WNC community. I'm overwhelmed at the options, but I just need to start somewhere. I wish I had more positive things to remember about world events this year, but nothing comes to mind so far.

Well of course, October 7th. That has been the main catalyst of change in my life this year. From the moment I arrived back home and really fully understood the intensity of what had happened mere hours after my flight back from Israel, I had changed, something in had fallen, I could not feel the same as I had during that month. I started year 12 and I was a mess, smoking was my only avenue and even that didn't make me feel better anymore. I was broken, and worse, I felt so alone. And then empower u came and October 7th influenced my decision to stop smoking, and then everything changed. For the first time in 3 years I wasn't thinking about where and when I was gonna smoke that day or thinking about if I had substance to smoke, or thinking about who I was going to smoke with. My thoughts were free, and as scary as that is, I needed it. I needed to find new friends that would have fun without smoke in their lungs, I needed to find new things to do with my time. I needed to focus on the things that made me happy rather than focus on the things that don't. And here I am, a year later, almost 11 months clean of smoking. With beautiful friends and a beautiful family and a beautiful dog and house and life. With outstanding results at school, almost finishing school. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Though I still mourn, I am always grateful for this life I have built.

Like just about every Jew, it was October 7th. No matter whether only your mom is Jewish (my case), only your dad is Jewish, or both your parents are Jewish, the past year has been a nightmare you can’t wake up from no matter how hard you try. Even though I have the privilege of hiding behind a shiksa name, I’ve seen hate from people I could have least expected it. Do I think they were fully aware they were targeting me and they know I’m a Jew? Not necessarily, but this is the part of the vitriol that makes it all the more dangerous. I have found myself no longer feeling comfortable in spaces where I used to feel part of without question. I deliberately chose to skip events because of social media activity I saw from people who could attend (specifically my high school reunion) and I have stepped back from offering to volunteer more actively in those spaces because I am worried how or if people would accept me as a Jew who believes in Israel’s right to exist. Most of my closest friends aren’t Jewish, and it’s absolutely meshuga I have had to ask whether I could hide in their houses if they started coming after us. It makes me feel so alone, particularly because I never felt Jewish enough growing up. When the world reminds you of all the things your grandparents told you about that you shrugged off as moments of the past never really went away, it’s then when you realize that even if your version of Judaism is not perfect, you’re still a Jew. Yet again, I have never been brave enough to ask my friends what they’ve thought or felt as non-Jews. All I want is for them to love me and accept me no matter what. I don’t have an Israeli passport and don’t control if Bibi or Ben Gvir is in power, but because of how antisemitism works I’m lumped in with them in a dual loyalty trope. I shouldn’t have to be terrified every time I see posts on social media. I shouldn’t have to think everyone in the world hates me because I’m a Jew. I don’t want to have to feel like I have to stay silent on Instagram, but the world is not capable of nuance. We have had no time to grieve. Instead, I feel like I am living in a parallel universe where I am in a constant state of anxiety where I am treading water trying to live like a shiksa contending with an existential fear of my place in society as a Jew. I’m exhausted.

OMG- hamas brutal attack, netanyahu’s self-serving plans that is not helping hostages, settler violence, increase in antisemitism etc, etc.!

The apocalyptic flooding in my home state has difficult to process and provide solace for my family. Being a health care professional going through the pandemic and surviving then going through the devastation of the flood is exhausting and my mom’s death has a huge effect on me and my family. We cling to our faith and each other.

US elections!!! Anxiety!!!! Why people trust Trump, a liar, a jerk, a promoter of violence and hatred…. He inspires white supremacy. Why any Jews support him makes me craaaaazy!! I’ve become an activist to promote KAMALA and the gal running for Oakland City Council at Large Charlene Wang!

The Presidential election. This is different from past elections. It is good vs evil. There is so much hatred, animosity and stupidity whirling around.

Obviously the hostages and the war. Appalling that it's still going on. Horrific what has happened to my people. And absolutely vile that so many are pro terror and antisemitic to others in this world. Having to have serious conversations with my 5 and 7 year olds about Jew hatred and safety is so upsetting but this is the world we live in, where innocent people, even children, are murdered simply for being Jewish. That being said, the support I have gotten from others about their love of Jews is also uplifting. May every Hamas terrorist be destroyed in the coming year. Good riddance.

While the change in the top of the Democratic ticket in the US is huge, the results are unknown. What impacts me is the election in Mexico, where they did elect a women to lead the country. It is a moment of pride for me to see Claudia Sheinbaum,a woman lead my adopted country. She is smart, eloquent, and Jewish. As she said in her inauguration speech, “It is time for women...Women have arrived to shape the destiny of our beautiful nation." I look forward to seeing her shine.

The US election in November could have a major impact come January next year, but for now, this has caused me an acute sense of nervousness. When it was Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump, it wasn't looking good. I still thought Joe would pull it out in the end, but you never know with the people in America. Now, with Kamala Harris running, I have this feeling that we're not going to go deeper down the autocratic rabbit hole we could with Trump because she appears to be more likely to win than him, but we're not out of the woods yet. All I can do is cast my vote and hope that more than enough Americans vote for Kamala (along with down ballot Democrats in the House and Senate) so that we can have a better chance to pivot away from what those crazy-ass MAGA Republicans want to do to this country.

October 7th, no question. I have such a vivid memory of seeing the NYT alert that Hamas bombed Israel, and I thought "whatever, this again." How utterly wrong I was. I'm deeply shocked and saddened by the devastation in Israel, and I am baffled by the world's utter idiocy and ignorance in their acceptance of a terrorist organization over the humanity of Jews. On a personal level, I've become more of an advocate than I ever though I would be, and I am deeply involved in building Jewish community and promoting antisemitism awareness and education. Personally, this has sparked a deep introspection about my own Jewish identity, how I define being Jewish for myself, and what elements of Judaism and Jewish ethnicity are important to me. For one, I see my Jewish identity as an ethnicity, not just a religion, and on race and ethnicity questions I now select "other" or "do not care to identify" instead of selecting "caucasian," as I don't feel that label accurately represents the Jewish minority. It's a small but significant shift in my own understanding of my identity

October 7th reminded me that just my identity is enough to get others to hate and wish violence on me and my family. And that the situation in the middle east is murky, murky, murky. So many people want to have the right answer when I am certain there is none without some heartbreak. No one can say they know what to do because it is an impossible situation, and I have no faith that it will end peacefully or permanently regardless of the blood shed.

Whatever it is that inspires people to support a self-serving liar like Donald Trump made me despair a little more for humankind.

I'm sure this event will be featured on the majority of 10Q respondents for this year: the massacre conducted by Hamas on October 7 occurred soon after the High Holidays last year and has developed into a crisis/all-out war in the Middle East. I deferred the opportunity to go on Birthright twice; this conflict is bigger than my ability to go on a free trip to a place that I have already been. In the meantime, I am glad that my family in Israel continues to be safe in such close proximity to the posed danger; they have used humor to cope.

The obvious answer is October 7. How did it affect me? For the first time, it made expressing a Jewish identity more a concern for me than being Black. There were times I hesitated to wear a Magen David whereas that was not the case before. It also inspired me to wear them more than I have in past years. It may be an obvious answer and yet I don't feel the need to think of another.

The continual march of climate change is really getting to me. What will the world be like for us, and for this tiny human who will hopefully outlive us? Then, there is the Israeli war with Gaza (and now Lebanon?) I know I'm supposed to know how I feel about it, but I don't. It makes me constantly anxious, though, and the antisemitic blowback is real. I don't really have a space where I feel comfortable sharing my feelings or fears.

Despite the horror of October 7th, my world event is the fact that Joe Biden stepped aside. The fact that there is a momentum of the Harris campaign is the only reason I am holding on to any hope.

The genocide in Gaza and Lebanon continues to shape every facet of my life. I know there is hope for a better world and freedom for Palestinians. However the pain and suffering that is being witnessed in the meantime and the falling away of people not aligned to those values has been really painful. It has reminded me to examine things more closely and check for alignment sooner rather than assuming people’s hearts are in the right place.

And 2024 slapped me upside the head for my 2023 answer! Turns out we can't rely on the rule of law in the U.S. anymore, after all. The vast majority of people in the U.S. have been harmed and will be even more harmed/killed if this continues. However, I'm not as depressed about it as one might think. I see amazing whistleblowers, researchers, investigative journalists, get-out-the-vote volunteers, and a widespread effort on the part of Republicans who remember what the party used to be standing on the front lines saying 'this must stop now or our Great Experiment will be over'.

I haven’t been the same since October 7th. It’s like I have a whole new category of things that make me unwell. The constant exposure to antisemitism has taken such a toll on me. Feeling betrayed my friends and also reacting quickly and damaging relationships. But the truth is I feel more proud to be Jewish than ever. I feel like my whole life of Jewish experiences has led up to set me up for success in my Jewish identity now. And although my mental health is significantly affected, my pride in my Judaism gets higher every day.

October 7, 2023 only needs description for those unwilling to recognize all humanity as priceless, unique, and invaluable. Its impact has removed the ground on which I stand. I am befuddled by my felt responsibility to live a tenuous balance between particularism and universalism. I am overwhelmed by sadness that the life I am leading makes more challenge for my children. The only response I can muster to ‘why?’ is because people still have a deep fear of Jews…that is beyond frightening.

*October 7, 2023/Simchat Torah 5784* Even with the blessings of the past year, this has been the most painful year I can remember. People I thought were at least friendly towards Jews turned out to be raging antisemites. I am heartbroken and filled with rage and sorrow. And there is so little that I can do. On October 7/Simchat Torah, the world as we knew it saw a seismic shift when Hamas brutally murdered 1189 people - mostly civilians - and kidnapped 250 - most of them unarmed civilians, including babies and children - into Gaza as hostages. Wide-ranging antisemitism and anti-Zionism (which are the same, btw) started almost immediately, almost as though it had been coordinated - and I suspect that it was coordinated by Iran - especially on college campuses. It's the highest number of antisemitic hate crimes, insults, bullying and vandalism ever recorded in any single-year period since ADL started tracking in 1979. The incidents, recorded from Oct. 7, 2023, to Sept. 24, 2024, represent a more than 200% increase compared with the same period a year before. Jews around the world were afraid to show their Jewishness in public. Wearing a kippah or a Magen David could trigger physical assaults. Jewish college students were threatened with bodily harm. *August 29, 2024* The world shook again on August 29, when Hamas executed six hostages the night before Israeli forces reached the tunnel where they were being held, government officials said Tuesday night. The victims, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, were killed on the evening of Aug. 29 in Rafah’s Tal Al Sultan neighborhood, the Israel Defense Forces said, citing postmortem examinations of the bodies. International outrage has been clearly aimed at *Israel* rather than Hamas. The UN, never a hotbed of love for Jews and Israel, took its merry time in condemning the attack and "demanding" the release of the hostages. In March 2024, the UN Security Council (which is a joke) passed a "resolution demanding ‘an immediate ceasefire’ during Ramadan." No such resolution was passed or even considered for Rosh Hashanah 2024.

I’m sure this will be the answer for most people this year, but October 7th changed everything. I’m worried about my cousins in Israel, but things have been bad in the US too. It has been very disappointing to see how many of my peers believe that Israel doesn’t have the right to exist. Although antisemitism had been getting worse in the past few years, I thought that the concern about it was overblown, compared to other issues. Now it really seems true that now just like during almost all of the rest of history, nobody cares about Jews except Jews themselves, nobody is looking out for us.

Israel joyfully Slaughter of Palestinians, surpassed by the world accepting it. Surpassed by us people losing jobs, kicked out of school just for being pro-Palestinian. The long fingers of this will change the future. And even my activist friends not willing to even‘like’ this cause

Once again I have to write about politics. When Kamala Harris stepped up to bat (so to speak), I felt an energy running through me and through the country that I haven't felt since Obama was running for president. It feels like a person of reason, logic, empathy, and compassion is stepping up to the plate, ready to go to bat for truth, justice, and (let's face it) the American Way.

Everyone doing 10Q will put October 7, 2023, since it happened after last year's HH days. First, even if one did not care about Israel, October 7 has a global impact. For example, in our four-month voyage, the route was changed because the Houti's had made the Red Sea dangerous. It is surprising to me that the world has let the Houthis control this water body for a year. On a personal note, the cognitive dissonance of yearning for peace and the lack of peace is emotionally draining. The most frustrating part is that, from my perspective, most people in the world do not understand what is going on, have no idea how to solve the problem, and yet they are sure who is doing wrong. This goes along with the rise in anti-Semitism, which it seems has been smoldering under the surface for many years. I have been drifting away from the 'woke' for many years; their response to these events may be the last straw. The problem, of course, is there is nowhere for me to go politically. (I do recognize that the main stream Democratic Party has supported Israel to date, even with its vocal Arab apologists.) The other side is still worse on most issues, and is driven by its own ideology which is as rigid as that on the left. So, the final impact is that for a socially liberal Jew, we are alone. Our allies have forsaken us; they have forgotten that much of their gains came from arduous work by Jews, and they have not done the due diligence to understand the history of this situation and the duplicity of the Arab world. My bottom line is that I will be less likely to support organizations that do not hold Hamas responsible for the conditions in Gaza and actively work to communicate that to their organizations.

Immediately following the horrific events of 10/7, a dear friend called to console me. She said that she hoped this would create a rising tide of sympathy for the Jews of the world. I was touched by her sentiment, but I had to tell her that it was far more likely that it would go in the other direction. I told her that I hoped that history would not repeat, that I would be wrong in my expectations. But I am so saddened to see that I was right.

What Israel has been doing and has been doing to the Palestinians and now Lebanon. The silence from so many people but not about Ukraine…..If I post about the need for a ceasefire, crickets. I belong to a country that spends billions to do really challenging things to innocent people. I truly believe Palestine has the right to exist and that Palestinian and Muslim lives matter just as much as Israeli and Jewish lives.

This past year I have been, and continue to be impacted by the war in Israel. 🇮🇱 Ever since 10/7/2023, there has been mass killings and death, with destruction that would be unnecessary, but for the hate people have towards Jews. This event has struck a chord with all Jews and non-Jews throughout the world, and expanded the movement against Jews everywhere.

I guess the general election. It's a bizarre combination of relief that we no longer have the Tories in power, that we don't have to fight continuously against conscious cruelty and avarice; and weariness at the knowledge that our enemy is now complacency and liberal delusion. I know which is less bad. I wonder if we will ever have a government that works for the people.

The genocide in Palestine, and Israel's attacks in Lebanon, have horrified me. I cannot stand hearing fellow Jews only express sadness for Israelis while completely eliding the tens of thousands of Palestinians Israel and the US, by extension, have killed. I'm disgusted that mainstream Jewish culture demands allegiance to an apartheid ethnostate.

The 07 October attack has colored everything else that has transpired this year. I worry about Klal Israel in general and our extended family living in Israel in particular. With Trump's nomination as the GOP's candidate for president, I worry that populists will carry him to victory and the U.S.A.'s democracy will be sorely tested.

Oct 7, the campus protests and encampments, the insanity. It's effect on everyone. Thoughts of seeing my bloody children's bodies kidnapped. Solidarity walks on campus and vigils to plan. The ongoing horrors. The Jewish people being threatened. Israel weakened. We purchased land to be our buyout Justin case. Really feeling a true existential threat to my life and those of my family for the first time.

The conflict in the middle east has been so incredibly heartbreaking for so many reasons. I remember the feeling of dread on October 7th not just because I was heartbroken over the loss of life but because I knew the retaliation would be so so so much worse and I wish so deeply I had been wrong. It is hard to conceptualize the community I know and love who raised me to say 'never again' not process that this is exactly what we were talking about and that survival should not be contingent on loss of life for anyone else. I don't know the way out but I'll keep working to find a place for myself in the american jewish community while advocating for my jewish values

well, that's an easy one, isn't it. October 7th has made me, for the first time, feel and understand the uneasiness of being a Jew. And, it has made me re-think casual political stances re: Israel and the Palestinians. I find myself explaining "why Israel?", and am often at a loss to explain or excuse the actions of its government--or the seemingly blank check support that my own government extends to the state. I'm tired a drum beats and sabers rattling. Everyone deserves to live their lives.

October 7th massacre and taking hostages Upset and horrified me. Because it was so horrible- ghastly forms of torture to innocent Israelis - and sense of foreboding where it would all lead. Sense of foreboding getting worse as anniversary approaches - and there is nothing useful one can do about it.

The brutal attack on Israeli citizens by Hamas and the world’s immediate anti-Jewish, anti-Zionist response. What the FUCK world? I grew up believing the Holocaust was history, that everyone understood that kind of hatred and evil could never happen in my lifetime. How hideous and threatening the world is today.

I can add: the new election in Mexico has had a huge impact in my family and it will also impact out lives in Canada. The dictatorship attitude has had a huge impact on my perception of the world. I grew up in a democracy and did not know any different. Unfortunately, now I realize how fortunate I was to be born in the tiny segment of the world's history that was the brightest it had ever been and possibly will ever be. It saddens me to leave such a world to our future generations.

You know. October 7.

In October the war began with "Hamas" but Palestine has suffered so badly. I cannot believe it has been a year of this horror. The worst part is what it brings out in people. Nationality isn't morality. Zionist New Yorkers fantasizing about vacation homes on blood-beaches. If anything, this year has shown me that even though a free trip to Israel *sounds* amazing, there is a catch. I do not think that I will ever take my "Birthright" trip. It makes my heart ache with sadness.

Every year this question throws me. An event that impacted me? It feels like every year is insane and just flies by. At this point it's really hard to phase me (or probably anyone, really). Trump had 2 assassination attempts in 3 months and I barely clocked it. I feel like at some point in the past that would have meant something beyond just "well, sounds about right", but now it's a moment on Twitter. I'm sure there are many reasons for this, from the speed of social media to the absolute nonstop clusterfuck that is American politics, but truly every year just feels like another farce.

Little by little, it’s all becoming too much.

I feel that I’m supposed to speak to Israel - and yes it impacted me as a Jew . But the biggest impact for me ( surprisingly) was when Kamala stepped into running for President. I was invigorated and the hopefulness was lessened. I try hard not to allow myself to be drug into the dark abyss of shoulds, resentment, sadness as it makes it that I have no hope simply because I feel drained and without resources . Instead, I am writing post cards to encourage others to vote in key states . I’m meeting others that feel the same way I do and it feels hopeful.

THE VICIOUS AND VIOLENT ATTACK BY HAMAS ON ISRAEL ON OCTOBER 7. IT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. The anti-semitism that the response has created here in the US and around the world is terrifying. I have never before been fearful of being a Jew.

It was a terrifying experience to see President Biden completely and utterly bomb in his debate against the evil that is Trump. Many nights I woke in a cold sweat worrying what our lives and this planet would look like if that maniac sat in the Oval office again, this time without many of the guardrails that reigned in his worst instincts. I'm still very very afraid of such a possibility. But with President Biden's unprecedented patriotism and courage in stepping aside, VP Harris and her blockbuster campaign have allowed me to have hope.

Seeing the real fallout from Dobbs, the unnecessary deaths of young women, is making me insane with sorrow and fury. I was 20 when Roe became law & the idea that we are going backwards to the dark times many of my friends experienced is not to be borne. And the men who don't care about women, like the non-Jews who don't care about Jews - it is so wrong & sad & unbearable.

Somehow it has been almost 1 year since 10/7 massacre and hostages and subsequent genocide and denial and weaponization and resurgence of antisemitism and division and moments of connection and feeling more isolated from the Jewish institutions I crave but am profoundly disappointed in than ever. Questions of violence and its uses, of rhetoric and the distraction (necessity?) that is arguing over slogans/signs, and most of all of confronting the communal inability or unwillingness to (or overwhelm at) mourn and be with grief. I've softened through learning so much about what I don't know about Israeli and Palestinian lives. I've felt so small and powerless and disconnected from Jewish organizing and from meaningful relationship with Palestinians. I've learned so much from being around shoresh folks and am realizing how little I've actually engaged with Palestinians since the start of the genocide beyond reading/watching. I am more and more disgusted by Jewish spaces that seek to honor our people by elevating the loss of Jewish life over Palestinians. I do not feel I can choose between the songs I prefer and the humanity I require from my bimah.

October 7th. I'm not Jewish, but my family and community is. I feel so much more alone/disconnected from progressive movements, which makes me really sad. It doesn't seem to matter how I feel the issues, it just feels like, this is a movement that's willing to throw Jewish people under the bus, or at least not stand up to antisemitism.

October 7 has had far-reaching impacts. I think the October 7 ramification that has had the most impact on me has been the dialogue on social media and the ways in which different groups have come out in response to the attacks and the subsequent war. As a liberal whose social media feeds are full of LGBTQ and social justice voices, it was made really clear how anti-zionist these spaces are as a whole. While I knew to some extent that support for BDS and pro-palestinian retoric were common in liberal movements (like BLM), I don't think I understood the extent of it. This led me to feel abandoned by my communities and it also led me to a great deal of doubt about my relationship to Israel. In some ways it has been an incredible opportunity to reach out of my comfort zone and try to teach myself more about Israel and the problematic parts of its history. It has also led to reflection about Judaism and the role of whiteness/diversity in the Jewish community and the ways in which I identify with and benefit from whiteness. But it has also raised the ways that antisemitism still underlies so much of social dialogue and is baked in to our thought processes--and the ways that antisemitism affects my own beleifs.

The ongoing war between the Ukraine and Russia is getting to me. As we watch updates, discussions and videos my heart is aching and I'm striving not to think badly about the Russian people. Their government started this and is throwing their men through the war machine as if they were logs thrown on a fire. It's disgusting that greed and power cause so much destruction and waste of human life. The destruction of the land, the way other countries are either supporting or withholding support, the torn lives. It's traumatic and tragic.

I've tried to remain unaffected by world events beyond my control

The election has impacted me very much. This election is, to me, about the United States remaining a constitutional republic or gicen over to the autocracy. I see the events in tbis election which mirror 1932 Germany. I am very vested in this event!

The massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023 was devastating and horrific. It has affected me because of the rising anti-Semitism, ongoing aggression in the Middle East, and fears that wars will only escalate.

Clearly Oct 7th has been the watershed event of the past year. It made clear how many people actually hate Jews and choose a fundamentalist Islamic regime over Democracy just to hate Jews. They are willing to support a theocratic regime that murders LGBTQ folks, treats women women as property and livestock, executes atheists, and oppresses non-Muslims - in other words, completely abandoning everything progressives supposedly stand for, throwing every principle under the bus, just to hurt Jews. The threat of violence from both Muslims in the US and antisemitism on the Left and the Right has cast a shadow of the threat of violence over every event and observance. There is no way forward from this. I have withdrawn monetary donations and volunteering from nearly every organization I used to support due to antisemitism, and redirected all those funds to Jewish orgs. I can't imagine I'm the only one who has done so. But I will never trust these orgs who made proclamations in support of Hamas and terrorism again. Never.

I think watching the swings and balances of world leadership. It's quite unsettling. The far right gets elected in some countries while others are heading more left. Watching the American Presidential Race has been quite a thing. November will be interesting.

COVID.  Getting Covid in February. Long COVID.  I feel like I continue to go in and out of brain fog.  I wonder if this will be what the rest of my life is like. The Hamas invasion of Israel and everything that happened subsequently. The tension it has created between Jews, between Jews and the rest of the world. Sometimes it feels like there is no place for Jews.

I mean isn't everyone going to say 10/7. I still don't even know how to begin to hold the grief. Even as we approach a year (tomorrow) I don't think I've really let myself feel it for more than a few moments. Watching Hersh's funeral, Rachel and Jon speaking about their beloved son, was one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever witnessed. I've felt guilty for taking up any space in the world with my own 10/7 grief and feelings. But my therapist pointed out how insane it is that I had moments of texting my friends to make sure they were still alive. And that got me. I'm so lucky that my job now helps me feel grounded in this work. We are so far from peace and yet it gives me hope that so many are working so intensely on it. I miss Israel and I don't know when I'll be able to go. And I am worried about my friends in the West Bank, I know they are not okay. We need this year to be better.

Winter is still approaching; evil continues to manifest. We have an election coming that will decide the future of America for quite some time. It is hard to believe that evil, the drive for power and fame and riches, and ignorance and subservience are all converging to put more and more autocrats in power and turn us more and more away from "the least of these." The war in the Middle East with Israel, the Palestinians, Lebanon, and Iran is ready to explode. Where are the peacemakers? And Russia and Ukraine continue to grind away their nation's lives and resources. Where are the peacemakers? I think of the Star Wars movies, Lord of the Rings, and those epic battles between good and evil. So many people die and suffer as that eternal war continues. Will we ever reach a time when our consciousness has evolved enough that we can see how we are all connected to everyone and everything. May God help me to grow more and more in that direction. I need to look in the mirror and do the work to change the person I see. Can't change anyone else.

I think we are all still trying to recover from Covid. The world is changing so quickly and sometimes I fear what the future looks like for my children. Nothing particular in this world has personally impacted me and for that I’m grateful, but there is lots of change and it’s scary.

I can't answer this. I'm sure many of us can't.

Omg--the war in Israel/Palestine. It makes me question what it means to be a jew, all the impotence, rage, and loneliness of finding myself outside the majority of Judaism. Unlike my mother, I don't like that feeling. I couldn't bring myself to go to services for Rush Hashanah. I felt mad at Israel and American Jews for allowing the US to support the genocide of Palestinians. Mad like a little kid that retreats to their room after a fight, even if going back and getting a hug from the person you are mad at would be comforting. I did not want to allow myself to be comforted.

Well, of course, the events preceding our upcoming presidential election: Trump running again, Biden dropping out of the race, and Harris becoming the candidate. The 2 possible outcomes of the election of the election would mean very different futures, for democracy, for women's rights, for the environment, etc. Very worrisome.

Israel and Palestine. And how every American Gentile suddenly had huge opinions about it. I was like, "Where y'all been?"

It's difficult to imagine anything more impactful than the unfolding war in Israel that has been happening since the awful October 7th 2024 attack. Tomorrow marks the 1 year anniversary of the attack and it's surreal to think about that. I don't feel like we are coming out of the other side of it, it sort of feels like the end of the first year of COVID (2020) and not knowing if and when a "new normal" will be established. I think in addition to worrying about my immediate family there and wondering what will happen in the State of Israel I think the biggest impact has been the global response, and more particularly the American response to the Israeli/Jewish community. It still hurts so much that the term Zionism has been coopted and redefined as something ugly and devoid of goodness and merit. I sometimes feel betrayed by my peers for their lack of understanding and willingness to see their own inherent biases when it comes to the Jewish people. But it feels so out of my control, and like a new form of prejudice I just have to exist and cope with moving forward.

"An impact?" Singular? Oh, I don't know. How about the rise of antisemitism? Or the attack on Israel? Or the threat to our country that is posed by Donald Trump and his Maga followers? I revere our Constitution. They are trampling it to the ground. The upcoming election scares me. Either the bad guys will win, or they will not admit to losing and take to the streets. Everything I've feared all my life seems to be coming true, and I am helpless.

When Israel was able to take out terrorists who had terrorized not only the region but Americans as well. It impacted me because it gave me hope.

Israel-Palestine made me think a lot about how much I stand up against (or don't stand up against) injustices in the world. Very sad that my people, a people who know well the horrors of genocide and persecution, would ever do that to another group.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza. Never had I seen one event separate so many people. As if we were sealed off in our own echo chambers. Shutting down any opposing views. I’ve been afraid to take a stand on this issue to avoid conflict.

ongoing wars, terror, israel vs palestine vs hammas, the conservatives taking power in the US and Canada. I am hopeful Kamala has a chance Stressed and sad by "humans are no damn good" as dad would say.

WAR WAR WAR --- I have such empathy for our brothers and sisters who cannot find peace. I pray every day and every minute that Love Will Prevail.

I always think it's fun to watch some of the Olympics, especially the Opening Ceremonies, because it's a global event that is supposed to bring peace in friendly competition. I loved seeing this happen in Paris this year. The closing ceremonies was fun because they were passing the torch to Los Angeles, where I live. It makes me wonder how the City of Los Angeles will clean itself up in four short years...

I can't imagine anyone answering this question with anything other than the October 7 massacre and the ensuing, seemingly endless, war. The rise in anti-semitism and anti-zionism have been terrifying. I have a lot of fear that my daughter will end up growing up in a world without a Jewish homeland as a result of the megalomaniacal dictator who has taken over our beloved Israel and the deeply ingrained worldwide anti-Jewish sentiment that could only be dampened in the immediate aftermath of the holocaust. Even if Israel survives, it feels like things may never be the same. I would love to travel there with my daughter, but I can't imagine that happening now.

The American election– and it has impacted me negatively. Mid-year or so, my partner got very interested/invested in campaign news, and was listening to a lot of podcasts about it, mainly from those in the Right vein. He wanted to talk about it, but the way he presents it rubs me the wrong way, not to mention he gets a bit upset if I'm not seeing things his way (even though he maintains "I don't have to be right")– and we ended up having a few really unpleasant arguments about it. Ultimately I said: this is not important enough for me to ruin my relationship over– a relationship that is deeply important to me. I think he's come around to this way of thinking, as we've avoided political arguments for a few months now (thank goodness). The silver lining: us realizing we don't have to be in lockstep about every damn thing in order to have a loving & rewarding relationship. Also: him realizing that he was expending a lot of energy on following the election, that was draining him instead of filling his cup– and right now his business life needs all the cups filled to brimming.

October 07. October 07. October 07.

The Oct 7 attack on Israel. 🇮🇱 It woke me up to the latent antisemitism that exists in the US and around the world. It changed one of my longest friendships, perhaps irreparably. It made me seek out more Jewish connections, and jumpstarted my search for where else in the world to live.

The 2 assassination attempts on Donald Trump during the 2024 election has been one of the most impactful moments for me. The first attempt nearly ended his life. Donald Trump moved his head at the last second causing the bullet to take off a piece of his right ear. If he had not turned his head at that moment, he would have died. This shows me that God really is involved on a grand scale. The chances of this happening in the milliseconds of change that could have caused this to happen the way it did, statistically, is down right unbelievable. If the event started earlier or later by 10-15min would the outcome have been the same? Also, if the assassination had happened the whole market and world would have been in disarray. I'm thankful that God has His hand in this. Just like George Washington was able to dodge bullets, Donald Trump has been given some kind of divine protection. After this event, Elon Musk endorsed him. Mark Zuckerburg commented on how "bad ass it was" that our President could have so much courage under fire. This can not be faked. I get the feeling that God has great things ahead for our nation.

I am probably not the only American Jew to feel that the events of October 7th and the subsequent war in Gaza and conflict in the Middle East has impacted me in terms of my grappling with my connection (or, lack of connection, as the case may be) to Israel and the concept of Zionism. Feeling like I was not aligned with either "side" of loud protest movements. Neither "I stand with Israel" or "From the river to the sea" resonated with me, and both definitely feel like an oversimplification from an American lens.

The October 7 massacre and the ongoing war in Gaza and expanding in them Middle East. All the demonstrations on college campuses - including the University of Michigan where I graduated from, where my nephew is currently in school, and where I still have a connection to - is disheartening and scary. The increase in anti-semitism is also scary. I found an anti-semitic flyer on a gas pump at a local gas station and it really hit close to home how none of use are as safe as we thought we were.

I mean, there was just too much this year. The Oct 7th attacks have impacted me, my family, my wife, my sister and my community in such an intense way. It was hard to be an American Jew with our community isolated but also eating itself. The 2024 presidential election continues to be scary for a variety of reasons and I hope that Harris wins.

October 7th. Heaviness. Defensiveness. Pain. Love. Home. More pain.

Florida is banning books, trans kids, and will be teaching about communism in every grade beginning in kindergarten. Antisemitism and fascism are growing in this country and there are wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. And Trump thinks he is designated by G-d.

The Prez Election has been nuts. I was worried about 2 old white men running and that Trump may win by default. Now with Harris it’s more interesting. I do now want the maniac Trump back in office.

The complete flattening and genocide in Gaza. It’s been hard to see something so terrible happen and watch the complete lack of ability to stop it by the US and UN. While I have signed a number of petitions and donated it’s all felt like nothing is enough. A year in and rather than a resolution being closer, Israel is now fighting with everyone else around them.

Oct 7th. No need to explain.

The events of October 7th have really worn out my patience with the idea of violence as a solution. Watching the slow bleed in Ukraine has been bad enough, but with the culmination of generations of hatred erupting into all out war in the Middle East it's harder with every passing day for me to understand how anyone views what's happening as any kind of a solution. The idea that you can simply eliminate a hateful force by killing all of them (or terrorizing some of them) is just wrong. Christ showed us that death is an illusion and is a very futile strategy for countering an entire ideology, and maybe even futile on a more literal sense than most of us would feel comfortable considering. There is a better way past all of this violence and hatred; a much harder way indeed, but a better way. The killing needs to stop. The hardest part about the war in Israel is that it's even more charged than the war in Ukraine with a set of moral standards that I just don't agree with but that are very personal and very important to people I respect and love. The reality is that ideology and identity run so much deeper than any real moral "code" and this has been a tough pill for me to swallow. And why is the illusion that death somehow will end an ideology so strong? Why is there so much lust over the idea of causing suffering and ending to an existence that is transient and so momentary in the context of time? Why don't we realize that there is more, why are we so quick to fixate on the physical reality right here and now?

The massacre of Israelis by Hamas on 10/7. First, it was fear for Israelis. Then it was fear of being Jewish -- everywhere. The hatred of Jews jumped so impossibly quickly, from all corners of everywhere. I was on my bachelorette party. My now husband was celebrating his birthday and bachelor party. It made our wedding that much more needed -- the joy, respite. I still am more proud to be Jewish. I am also more hesitant to state to someone "I am Jewish," or explain what that means to people when they ask my origins. It has broken my heart 363 days days in a row. I stated this months ago, but every day since managed to bring about a new fresh set of horrible consequences for Jews. 363 days later, it remains true. I have lit a candle every shabbos and yuntif for the hostages. Hersh's death and the others who died with him broke my heart again, irreparably. I swear the candle I light for the hostages always extinguishes before the other two candles I light. How is this possible? Why? My heart breaks every time it happens, as well. Lighting the candles for this shabbat, I sobbed again for the hostages and am yisrael. Am yisrael chai.

October 7 and the 365 October 7s since then.

The assassination attempts on our former president have me worried about the future of our country. The political rhetoric being batted back and forth is driving a wedge into America. I pray we as a nation can recover from the current state.

Israel declared war on the Gaza strip after the Hezbollah bombed Israel. While the attack was horrendous and shocking, The Israeli response makes me incredibly sad and distraught. Now to hear of this extreme suffering on the side of the Palestinians it absolutely breaks my heart.

Honestly, the Jewish world will never be the same since October 7. Tomorrow marks one year since the attack, and everything that’s happened since has fundamentally changed me. My relationship with my Jewish community has shifted. My identity as a Jewish person navigating relationships with my non-Jewish friends has shifted. My understanding of what it means to be a Jew in this world feels completely altered. It’s like nothing will ever be the same again. I find myself stuck in the middle of these polarizing forces. I can’t relate to the vitriol and hate I see from people who are almost foaming at the mouth against Israel, but I also can’t fully align with the fear and nationalism that’s gripped parts of my own community. It’s an uncomfortable place to be. I used to stay up on current events religiously, especially with my background in foreign policy, but I’ve stopped reading as much. It became too much to process. I don’t post about it as often anymore. My social media used to feature a lot more about Judaism and Jewish issues, but now, it’s noticeably less. Part of that is because I’m not operating solely in Jewish spaces anymore, but part of it is this overwhelming feeling that the world has shifted in such a profound way that I’m not sure how to engage with it. The world sucks sometimes, but at this point, I’m just focused on making my tiny corner of it a little bit better. That’s all I can do.

Israel's ongoing and chronic genocidal campaign. Zionist genocide specifically targets palestinian children, medics, journalists, mothers, fathers. I have been impacted by the effects of this crime against humanity because I have humanity and my own humanity is being targeted, and my choice of response is either let zionist genocidal campaigns mobilize me to or I disassociate and separate myself from my humanity's needs. As someone recovering from childhood trauma I cannot accept these attempts to separate me from my humanity or allow myself to dissociate in a time I am trying too hard to connect to myself, my humanity, and the needs I have that must be met to move me closer to my humanity, not farther away. Restorative justice for my youger self also means ending Zionist violence against families in Palestine. The work I do to restore myself to wholeness after complex trauma is being targeted by Zionist violence. My soul deserves better and I cannot bear it.

Seeing the total solar eclipse in April moved me more than I expected. It’s bigger than any petty struggles on Earth. It reminded me how inconsequential we are. Having planned to watch it from work, no longer being employed there reminded me of the futility of setting too much faith in future plans, opting instead to go with the flow and not being ruffled by plans gone awry. Sometimes, it turns out even better. Also, Simone Biles returning to kick butt at the Olympics after walking away last time was a huge shoutout for the importance of and benefits of taking care of your mental health.

The invasion of Gaza -- I don't think I've really seen a global event impact my friends so deeply and so long before.

Donald Trump is not in jail, he is running for president of the United States! The United States is allowing scum like Trump run for president! Unbelievable! As a proud American citizen, I am completely ashamed, embarrassed, and disgusted, he is not in jail!

Here too, the same as many previous years. Growing divide, growing intolerance. Disgruntled masses and wars breaking out or continuing. Ukraine already in it's third year, and now Israel/Lebanon/Iran kicking off. The elections in the Netherlands. Finally, the big swing to the right. So much discontent! So much anger, directed at the Other. I'm appalled. It may also affect my work, in less funding. But that is the least of my worries. I'm glad my family and friends are sane and not rabid bigots. It's one reason I like to be home so much, my little peaceful paradise. And welcome people there, for good conversation and tea.

The escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since October 7th, 2023 has greatly impacted me this year. It has been a major turning point for me in regards my views of Israel, a state I can no longer support. Israel is committing war crimes in my name as a Jew, killing far too many innocent Palestinian civilians. I do not ignore the hostages and the Israeli deaths of course. I have become nervous around Jews and non-Jews regarding this issue, anxious that I will be labeled as a traitor to my people for speaking out against Israel or as a genocide supporter if I don't post pro-Palestine content on social media or if I express any remorse for the loss of Jewish life. This conflict brings me agony for a lot of reasons (of course nothing that could ever compare to someone experiencing this violence and bloodshed). Antisemitism also continues to rise and I am allowed to be worried for my safety. I do not owe anyone ideological purity and nuance exists.

The escalation of the assault and genocide in Palestine started on October 7 last year, and tomorrow will mark one year of assault. The violence is unimaginable. Yet, it seems as though the world simply stands by with little opposition. In fact, in many ways, approval. Israel’s violence has only recently escalated to include Iran and Lebanon. And again, governments that would have the power to stop the spiraling murder, stand idly by.

My answer this year could very easily echo my answer from last year. The remnants of Hurricane Helene blew through here and made a mess of my yard which I sometimes like to refer to as my own Gan Eden. But the mess, which my lawn crew cleared easily within a brief 2 hours+ is NOTHING compared to the devastation experienced elsewhere, particularly in Asheville/Swannanoa (where my cousin lives), NC. Again, I am reminded of my vulnerability as a person with Cerebral Palsy. Yet, I am still mindful of the myriad blessings I have. Yes, all was dark for a few hours but, elsewhere people are struggling to put life back together into a new normal which I’m sure seems far off.

I can't think of anything, but on April 5th, 2024 a 4.8 - 5.2 earthquake scared many of us. I believe that it changed my view on earthquakes because I always thought of them as distant disasters that couldn't harm us. Of course, I learned otherwise.

white elm leaves aflame dive ragged circles in may fences empty arms

October 7 has changed everything. There was a life before and a life after. It has also fostered my focus on peace activism. I want to contribute to the solution.

Woah how many Jews are saying October 7th? The genocide in Gaza has impacted me most in terms of political events. I don't fear Jewish extinction because of this, but I fear Palestinian extinction. I fear how US Jewish communities are getting more divided. And I fear what this all means for Jewish safety in the US. The deaths of Palestinian children breaks my heart. It's hard for me to cry the past 10 years but I started crying again over the mass death of civilians and especially children. There are so many souls lost and so much that can't be undone. I hate this world sometimes

Inflation. Interest rate rises have led to a much tighter job market in the tech industry. I suppose I'm lucky to say this is what has effected me most given all the other stuff that's happening in the world. The Biden dropping out of the US presidential election relieved a lot of stress for me, so that's another event I was tempted to choose.

Ongoing Mideast conflict and personal connection to antisemitism response. Kamala Harris became presidential nominee. Very exciting. Feels energizing and hopeful.

Israeli invasion of Palestine

There is a war in Ukraine. There is carnage in Gaza and I cannot in good conscience side with Israel this time. The insane political race has hit a fever pitch with constant pressure for more and more money. I am experiencing what I once heard called compassion fatigue -- I am overwhelmed with the tragedy, with my helplessness, with the enormity of it all and my inability to do anything about it. I am burned out, resentful; I want to bury my head in sand, stay in bed, shut out all the noise, all the feelings. I've never felt so unable to effect change. I feel like a bug in a machine about to be crushed. And yet I can't let go of my principles, I can't stop hoping for a peaceful, loving world. I want to shake Netanyahu and change his perspective.

Well, I definitely jump right back to the Israel/Hamas war and the increased conflict happening in the Middle East. I feel it has impacted my relationship with Judaism as an organized religious force. I have (and always will, I hope) feel really proud to be Jewish and that it is a really deep part of my identity. But I can't even have a conversation with my mom about this topic because we have differing views. I think Israel has been in the wrong for a long time (most of the last year) and that their response is outsized compared to the October 7th attacks (and also not in the best interest of seeing the October 7th hostages returned alive). I finally feel at a point in my life where I would like to join a synagogue, but I am having trouble deciding on what kind of synagogue I would like to attend in order to blend my Conservative religious background with modern progressive politics, especially around Israel.

It hasn't happened but the potential of Kamala Harris as president has been remarkable. I was skeptical at first, when it all went down, but the uprise of hope and her continued strength and articulateness made me want to help. So I wrote voting letters, 35 of them, I will mail them this week. No illusions about the impact of this small contribution, but simply adding my energy to the common good. I loved listening to the debates, and the convention was so good. I never wanted to watch a convention before!

Which one? There have been so many. The world is truly on fire and it feels like WWIII. The political noise surrounding the election, the strikes, the multiple natural disasters...it's almost like I've resigned life as I naively knew it to be - I can't believe THIS is reality. That whole "waiting for the shoe to drop" feeling is always there in the background of my mind, but I have nearly eliminated as much external noise like TV or online news, other than to just hear the "highlights" so I'm aware of what is going on. I refuse to have conversations with anyone about politics or pop culture "news" which isn't really news. Read: PDiddy, JLo, etc. The wars are a big deal, but completely out of my or anyone's control really. What is happening is changing the world landscape in big ways that can't really even be understood. As a result, my focus has become very present moment and on my immediate surroundings. I do what I can with what I have - for people in my circles and community. That's it. And for some reason, I don't really commit to things too far in advance, because ... Life.

Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic candidate! Woohoo! Gave me hope for the country and the party. YAY

7 October 2023 brought out the bigots in place I never expected ... and then an ugly US political race on top of "we're better for Israel" while cursing out their leadership May Hashem project is all ... especially the children of Israel

Same as last year with the addition of the terrorist attack in Israel last October 7th. With the recent attacks between Israel and Hezbollah and between Israel and Iran, it looks like we could be on the verge of World War III. The war in Ukraine grinds on. The US election is even more distressing. I suppose the withdrawal of Biden and endorsing of Harris was a good thing, but it is terrifying to better understand how low information voters make their voting decisions. And how much people are willing to buy the lies told by Trump, Vance, and that whole MAGA crowd. Just answering this question has raised my level of distress and helplessness.

The Oct 7th massacre ! It has affected me as a Jew and the way in which I feel so more connected to my people, my religion, my heritage and to Israel. I wear my Star of David proudly ! I am sickened by the anti semitism and the rise of hate everywhere and hate against Jews. I felt completely alone when no one but Jews talked about what was going on and no one but Jews spoke up and spoke for the hostages and the antisemitic acts happening all around us !

The conflict in Gaza, where Isreal is trying to destroy Hamas but is devastating and brutalizing all the residents, saddens me and makes me angry. Peace cannot come from this and it will only lead to more and more fighting.

Obviously, October 7th. It broke open a false sense of security about the safety of Israel and of being a Jew in the world. Hayim Katzman and Alex Dancyg, two people I had indirect connections with, were murdered and it brought the conflict a lot closer to home because of that. It also destroyed any hope of a two-state solution and peace for at least the next ten years. It feels like we will never get there and for that, I am deeply saddened.

I can’t even remember anything… a war in Ukraine? Was that this year? Nothing matters without her. Nothing sticks.

The obvious answer to this has to be October 7th. This kicked off more meaning in my life and trying to make the things I do count, because so many others can’t do the basic things I take for granted. I went to Israel and saw the aftermath. I saw the soldiers and really experienced the variety of human emotions. I worked on emunah when I said my daily tehillim. I tried to harness my own emotions in the things I did. I questioned the humanity of Palestinians and tried to understand what it means to be ‘right’. It’s been a lot of reflection in what I view the world as. It’s been a year, and I hope no more. We need our hostages back, we need Mashiach

The October 7th attack on Israel and subsequent backlash and hate toward Jewish people is one event that comes to mind. Because one of my best friends is Jewish and she had incidents even in her own community. I know she was really struggling many times during the year and sometimes I felt like I didn't know what to say or that I wanted to show support but wasn't sure if I was doing the right things, saying the right things, wanting to let her know I care and support her but also not wanting to be too much or too little. I wanted to be a good ally to her and am also so sad that Jewish people are being attacked like they are and that she and her girls might not feel or be safe. It's mind blowing to me that in 2024 we are still here. Did we learn nothing from the past?

The massacres of Israeli and Palestinian civilians were devastating, and woke me up to the necessity of stopping this escalating cycle of violence and oppression, and not waiting for it to somehow stop itself. And yet, a year later, it continues. So there has been a year-long roller coaster of emotions from horror, to guilt, to determination, to frustration, to despair, on its own cycle. It has been a bad year.

I'm saddened that the war in Ukraine has continued. I'm also saddened by what's happening in the Middle East. Stubborn leaders are leading countries in ways that hurt their citizens.

Hurricane Helene. So sad to see such devastation in my second home. Especially since I wanted to relocate there and now I'm having second thoughts given the devastation and the threat of future catastrophic events.

Israel committing genocide in Gaza has opened my eyes to so many realities about this world. The atrocities may end humanity; if not, the reckoning will be a challenge for many.

Woof. 10/7. Rising antisemitism. Having my kid face antisemitism in school. Wondering when my child will see the pictures that haunted me for months. Hearing Rachel's echoing HERSHHHHHHH bellowing out and piercing my heart. Attempting to lead with hope, to not lead from a place of fear, to hear the fear of my loved ones (of my self) and not squash it because it is so so so so real.

Of course, as a Jew, it is October 7th. For about 98% of the world’s population, this date probably doesn’t even register or affect them. For me, as a descendent of holocaust survivors, it does not surprise me to see the anti-Semitism spewing. The disgusting bias in the media, including the NYT, is always somewhat shocking and appalling to me every day. It just reminds me that history repeats itself and that we need Israel. We need to stay connected and support Israel. In the end, few will help us when it comes down to it and we are only a tiny percent of the world’s population. We feel vulnerable and alone. I would like to wholeheartedly support Harris for president, but I feel we will lack support on both sides and there is no good answer. It is unsettling, to say the least. In a couple of days we will mark the commemoration of one year of the massacre and hostages being kept in captivity in horrible conditions, and many of them murdered. The hypocrisy of the UN in general, but especially in relation to the women who have been raped, is telling.

Well, the October 7th attack on Israel affected me badly. I'm not even Israeli nor Jewish nor even religious. It was not the event by itself that affected me, but the international reactions. I could have understood indifference. As horrendous as the event was, it was but one amongst thousands events that occur in foreign lands. I get that. What has affected me badly is understanding the extent of the moral bankruptcy and rot throughout the world. Advocates for women's rights are apparently okay with rape if it's of people they don't like. Gay and trans rights advocates will cheer a brutally homo-hostile regime if it attacks people they don't like. Skeptics abandon their rational impartiality. The BBC will violate their own policies without qualm or remorse. NGOs will violate their core tenets. "The Irish", reasoning by historical analogy, back the wrong side. International courts are subverted. You can't talk to these people, because they are certain they are on the side of good, but they do not care to receive new information. It's absolutely disgusting and a disgrace. I really thought such tribalist hatred was relegated to the trash bin of history. It was a bright line. Those who have ever expressed an opinion about Israel at all are forever divided for me into clearly right or morally bankrupt.

The Hamas terror attacks on October 7th. Additionally the response by many Americans to side with the terrorists and burn the American flag in the streets is horrifying and scares me about our country's future. The attempted assassination attempt on Donald Trump was another one. For one, the fact that it vanished so quickly from the news. For two, the fact that the rhetoric and political scene in America has become so heated that people are willing to attempt to murder presidential candidates.For three, that what needs to happen is a resurgence of respectful disagreement and political discussion with the goal of making our country better and instead news outlets are calling candidates "Hitler" and vicious names and then taking no accountability for raising the political temperature to a level of an attempted assassination.

Obviously, October 7th. It changed everything. I used to follow celebrities on social media. Now I follow various Bring Them Home accounts. I read Times of Israel obsessively, multiple times a day, every day. I am extremely upset about what is happening on college campuses. I've seen the news about people starting to get cancelled for being Jewish. All of these things are making me feel unsafe about being Jewish, just as I felt growing up in the former USSR.

Oh. Wow. So many. Hostage situation in Israel and war in Gaza. Not knowing what the solution is and feeling anti Semitism from people that I know don't understand the situation well or who truly feel that way. The roller coaster ride of this 2024 election has brought great amounts of angst, joy, angst, joy. I felt so hopeful after Kamala Harris took over as the candidate, but I feel so scared for us, our country and the world if Trump should win again. And finally, just this week, the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene here in NC and all over the southeast. It's really unfathomable how this storm could have wrecked so much havoc. The blatant lies and disinformation that's come out as people have tried to politicize it is reminiscent of Covid times and that is terribly disheartening.

The unprecedented shift from Joe Biden for the democratic nominee to Kamala Harris. It reminded me of the power of the people to speak and be heard in a way that can potentially change the trajectory of history. Also, with the deep rooted hope that we elect our first woman president the same year I bring my first daughter into the world.

The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and the war in Gaza that followed was of significant consequence, despite at first feeling to me like a distant problem that didn’t affect me personally. Over many conversations with Hilary, I came to realize what felt like analytical thinking about the war, it’s blame, and it’s hopeful resolution, actually had an emotional component for me as an American Jew.

The events in Israel on October 7, 2003 shook me to the core, then the terrible loss of life in Gaza shook me more, then the callousness and self interest of Bibi Netanyahu and his evil colleagues made me angry and brought despair. Finally the war in the north has made me very anxious. Between Netanyahu and Hezbollah/Iran I worry for the future of Israel.

Well, clearly the events of October 7 and after were very impactful to every person with a brain and heart. The suffering of the hostage families (and the hostages) as well as the inhabitants of Gaza is hard, if not impossible to comprehend. We are all forever changed. War is always terrible but seeing so many images of brutality on an almost daily basis is horrific. Makes me question what it means to be human.

October 7th, 2023 has impacted everything that I do in my professional life. Everything seems to center on it in the field, even now. There has been so much reactive resourcing. I will be very curious to see where we are on this a year from now.

The war I somehow am still choosing to engage with Judaism and Jewish community when its largest institution, and its wealthiest institutions, have shown me a shocking and sickening lack of morality. And the community at large has made it very clear that my perspective is not welcome. A year in I am sickened. A year in I am so confused. And as a conversion candidate, I don’t understand why I still find value in this. But I do. It doesn’t make sense.

October 7th. Is there a Jew in the world with a different answer? Tell me, really - is there? I am so much more clear on who I am as a Jew since Oct 7th - and so much more heartbroken. So much grief, so much fear. Then the follow up horrors - watching people I knew and trusted start parroting antisemitic tropes, deny history, celebrating Jewish death and suffering. Watching Jewish orgs turn their backs on Palestinian suffering. Watching Bibi escalate and escalate for his own gain.

The war between Hamas and Israel (and now Hezbollah) and the violence & death of so many people, including children, has changed me. I cannot read the news except for headlines anymore. I hug my almost 2 year old granddaughter and think of children in the middle east, and Ukraine, and Sudan, and how many other places who haven't food, medical care, and often parents. I did not go to shul this Rosh Hashana because I am so confused about whether organized religion is a blessing or a curse. I feel lost in this world. I do not know where to turn. On top of this is the Evil of Donald Trump and JD Vance. Two men who are irretrievably twisted because of their abusive/neglective childhoods. Two men who shouldn't be in charge of mowing a lawn, let alone running a country. And billionaires who cannot fathom the word "enough", let alone take care of people who struggle to create a life for themselves.

Hamas’s October 7th savage attack is unforgivable, and Isreal’s/ Netanyahu’s response has been horrifying. Judaism being linked to Netanyahu’s war mongering is horrific and makes it easier for anti-Semitism to increase. It's frightening. Trump still being in the picture and the possibility that he can be president again is so unbelievable and depressing. He is a menace and whatever I can do to make sure he loses, I will do.

The terror of October 7th and the war that has followed is still impacting me. I feel like the impact of all of this will ripple out for years. Personally, on the one hand it's made me feel so much lonelier as a Jew, to witness my liberal friends sliding from perhaps legitimate criticism of Isarael's tactics into blatant antisemitism. On the other hand, I've never felt more disconnected from Israel, as they move farther and harder to the right. I don't feel like I belong here but I know I don't belong there either. I don't know how this will end; I pray for peace and yet I feel increasingly pessimistic about how it is possible. On the other hand, the other world event that has impacted me - and I think all of us - this year, is Kamala Harris' presidential nomination. I feel a hope I've never felt before every time I see her smiling face. It's been so long - since Obama - that I've felt genuinely excited about a candidate. I only pray that she can win. I can only pray that by the time I read this next year, we're all saying "Ms. President." May it be so

We are coming up to date 365 that the 100plus hostages are still being held by Hamas. Are they still alive. I keep hearing the eulogy the Hersh’s mom gave at his funeral and it just makes me even more scared. He was Aedyn’s age and I would not be able to live anymore. It is a knife in my heart and I just feel helpless!

October 7th reawakened me as a Jew. I used to pretend antisemitism didn't affect me. I ignored it, but it didn't ignore me. Now I fight Antisemitism at work and at my kid's school. My now ex-wife couldn't handle it. We split up in part because I'm became too Jewish. But I always was too Jewish for myself, and now I'm not Jewish enough for myself. Now I do Shabbat. I do all the holidays, I read the Torah. I'm back at the synagogue. I wish I was ok with myself wearing a keepah, but I got issues. All of this because October 7.

the election - hasn't happened yet, but I can't imagine the Cheeto being President again for a day or for 4 years

October 7 and following 364 days of unending pain.

The war on Gaza has had an enormous impact on me and all Jews. There are no words.

Well Shemini Atzeret attack is the obvious one. I wish I could point to something else. It changed so much, brought me closer to my Jewish identity, added lots of unsafety in my life, and required me to refind my alignment in the world.

The brutality of the attack at the music festival in Israel on Oct. 7th and the subsequent rise in anti Israel sentiment has had a profound effect on me. The campus riots, occupation of buildings, destruction of property, threats against Jewish students, violent Pro Palestinian mobs and calls for Death to all Jews makes me very anxious and fear for the future of Judaism. The escalation of violence in the Middle East has caused Israeli deaths, conflict within Israel and discord among Jewsish families. How will it all end? Only God knows.

The hamas attacks on Israel have changed and affected every facet of my life. Security is elusive, friendships have ended, politics are unsettling to say the least. I now rely more heavily on a smaller community of people. Trust has been shattered. Self reliance is the ultimate goal. I am stronger and ferocious than I have ever been before, I will fight to the death without reservation to protect my people.

10.7 Hamas attacks Israel and a war begins. How can these world conflicts be resolved peacefully?

Hah. What a CRAZY question this year. The massacre in October 7 has changed us all. That's #1. #2 is having the great honor if Democratic nominee in VP Harris. Please God - and please America🙏

Kamala Harris becoming the presidential nominee. She's actually an old classmate of Aaron Peskin, who I'm trying to get elected as SF Mayor. California has elected women to high office since I was young, but the rest of the country? Eh. I have a basic question if Americans have sexism so deeply entrenched in their psyches that they won't/can't vote for her. Asked a couple of guys, one a Stanford prof, and the answer was "we'll soon find out". Not very reassuring. This deep-seated belief in the inferiority of women has been the bane of my life, as an ardent scientist and lawyer.

The October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel shook my world. I have family and friends who live in Israel and worried for their safety. More than that, after just one day, before Israel even started to respond to the atrocities that were committed, the world began to blame Israel for what had happened, accusing Israel of being colonizers and of committing genocide against Palestinians (never mind that the Hamas charter calls for genocide against the Jews). Anti-Semitism on college campuses and around the world has flourished, making many Jews (myself included) feel targeted and unsafe. Jews have always been the “canary in the coal mine,” which does not bode well for western civilization.

Inflation and interest rates. Things are so expensive right now. We've also hesitated to buy a boat or Jeep because of the high interest rates. 2024 is also a presidential election year. Trump v. Harris. What a circus.

How could you be even a little bit Jewish and not be affected by the attack on October 7 and the conflict that has followed? It’s sad, awful, and depressing—both the events themselves and the methods of discourse we’ve used to discuss them. I’ve never been an unequivocal supporter of Israel, especially in the Netanyahu era. Still, the often heartless, simplistic, and zero-sum positions on the death and destruction have been sobering and eye-opening. I’m occasionally offended as a Jew but more as a rational, empathetic thinker. The inability of so many people to manage more than one simple (let alone complex) thought on this is mind-boggling. Yes, cease-fire now. Yes, Hamas (and Hezbollah, and the Houthis) is a terrorist organization. Yes, Israel’s current government is terrible, and, yes, Israel should be able to defend itself, and, yes, they often mistreat the Palestinians. All of these things can be true, and it's not both-sideism to say so.

The presidential election which is yet to come. I co-hosted a fundraiser with MVP, attended Climate week in nyc with the SAL delegation. Feeling the need to do things for the climate and to keep Trump out of office….

Israel's response to Hezbollah and Hamas, it's genocide in Gaza, and how ashamed I am that my people (both the USA and Jews) condone this. This has been a year where I have needed to constantly advocate that this is not a Jewish caused problem, it's an Israeli one. I resent having to defend Judiasm, separating faith from Zionism and Israeli politics and behaviour. I resent that my people are so blind to their hypocrisy. I am ashamed by focus on antisemitism - the incongruence of our culture and faithfrom the politics and nationalism is frankly stupid. My daughter wrote this to me: "...what is happening in Israel and the continued view that Jewish people are and always will be the 'victims' has made us more insular and also blind to our own effect on others - it becomes about 'us' as long suffering chosen people..." We are not suffering - we are causing suffering. I am deeply ashamed and horrified, and fearful of the consequences - not just for me, for the world.

The war in Israel and the attack by Hamas. Terrifying. Israel is right to go after them. I have zero problem with that.

Last fall, my wife and I got on a plane to attend the wedding of her daughter. When we arrived in Tel Aviv, on Saturday eve October 7, war had broken out. Both the event with our time in and out of shelters, and the aftermath, have been devastating.

The wars in Gaza and Ukraine are divisive along party lines. I always oppose the dictators, and cry for the children who will surely face trauma for the remainder of their lives. Choose humanity over power plays. There’s a similar choice in this election. I’m rooting for our first female POC president, and for democracy.

Oct 7 - No need to explain

Israel’s genocide in Gaza- and Biden supplying weapons has made me separate my Judaism from the country of Israel, and disapprove of the actions of both countries.

Which one?! All of them. US election, Israel war, Eric Adams indictment. These affect me because I see people suffering, falling for lies and I se real hate and evil! I feel useless and unable to help. I can vote, but that won’t change people hearts. I can write letters but babies will continue to be massacred. Wars are fought in the name of religion but I serve a God that loves humans! It’s not a matter of forcing my religion or views on folks, but it is important to educate people and bring humanity back to the center of it all! People suffering affects me. Kids suffering breaks me. How do I make a difference?

Oct 7th. I have never experienced that many Jews murdered in one day in my lifetime. It's like being part of the chain of history in a horrible way that until now I've only read about

Election year and the crap that comes with it. It seems so many people and our country is divided. So much nonsense and drama.

Asheville NC flood... Devastating to see.. and complex emotions for me.. I loved Asheville.. I wanted to move there.. I found a class I could take, and a place to set up my work... but never did find a place to live... So near and yet so far.. the puzzle was not complete..The main piece was missing.. I was evicted from my home when the family of the elderly woman I was living with decided to put her in a home.. against her will.. so they could sell her house and have the money... They cruelly told me to get out.. and heartbroken about the situation..I grabbed the first place to live that became available.. and.. into a one year lease.. Which spun into two years. and all that time I have been so yearning to go there, and wondered why I had been "stopped".. As I came to the realization if I had moved there there was a great possibility that I would have been in the flood.. I continually said my thank you prayers, while my heart cried for the people there. The mountains had called me.. and I so wanted to go.. and the wisdom of Divine Intervention saved me.

When President Biden withdrew his nomination this summer, I nearly lost it. I felt like the party infighting had just handed the election to TFG, there didn’t appear to be anyone ready to replace him, and I was profoundly sad because Joe Biden has done a much better job than he was being given credit for. I was in despair. Then Vice President Kamala Harris stepped in. I am allowing myself to feel cautious optimism that perhaps, just maybe, this country will do the right thing.

The Middle East war - israeli leadership are monsters! They are killing innocent in Gaza and all over the middle east. What Hamas did 10/7 was horrendous but what israel is doing is catastrophic

October 7th. Hamas attacks Israelis. I felt guilty that I have no family members in Israel who were killed or abducted, my neighbor had two IDF members of his family killed, one was off duty and the other one was. I have never even been to Israel, I am 100% American Jew. I have a mixed heritage background, I just chose the heritage I am most comfortable with, I have mixed European heritage plus German/Dutch Jew. I do not agree with Netanyahu's policy, and yet I also completely understand it. I am relieved that I had no family members killed, but isn't every Jew my family!

I received unconditional love from my godmother for no reason. I had faith when telling my story about a year ago, that this year was gonna be the best life. The challenge myself to do difficult things when I didn’t feel like it. The train myself to do things that needed to be done even when it was uncomfortable. Learned how to detach from things that run healthy for me or toxic. I didn’t think I was ready for the acts of God from the storm. First, we had some hail storms out in Belleville and around Houston. Then we had the show which will provide work for years because of repairs that people don’t even know that they need. Then two weeks after that, God gave me the greatest act of God. He gave me a partner to love and protect and provide for. I said for years that I did not want to hurricane this year because I wasn’t ready. I probably said the same thing as it relates to relationship. I don’t think I was ready until this year when I’m ready. It’s funny how God works. Five weeks after meeting the love of my life, and already in a world, wind of work because of the derecho, God gave me a hurricane. Right in Houston, big enough to cause damage throughout but small enough to not attract a lot of competitors. I knew when she helped me with work that my blessing from God had to be made official. We’re never gonna be ready for this stuff. It’s gonna happen. The good or the bad. We can just fit ourselves as best we can, and do the next right thing! Over and over and over again!

Active shooter events because they are happening in Nashville, TN as well as across the world. Also because people want gun control and I'm against. I feel a shooter going to shot no matter what because they break the law already.

Oct 7: it has made me scared to be Jewish publicly, and also feeling like I need to, for students and others.

The ongoing genocide in Palestine. I am gravely disappointed at how our country supplies Israel with weapons to kill and destroy and entire people.

The October 7 terrorist attack in Israel and its aftershocks has shaped and shadowed my year. Pervasive and cruel antisemitism has shown its head — just now I was on Tiktok, and people were commenting on a CBS news video about a thwarted shooting in a Jewish center that it was the Mossad. It has made me feel scared, anxious for the future, and also connected to my community, my faith, and my heritage.

As mentioned war in Israel is ongoing with no end in sight. Antisemitism has exploded but so has support for Israel. There’s more Muslims than Jews obviously. Also War in Ukraine with no end in sight. Another divisive election in a month - again no end in sight for all the bad news. Realize being Jewish carries baggage and obligations to maintain our culture and religion. Maintaining temple membership and paying it forward is a priority. Thankfully our health is good (except my weight of course) as is our family and friends. Tomorrow we visit Jared at Mt Sinai - gonna be tough. We miss him so much.

When Biden stepped down from the democrat nomination…it was such an unbelievable turn around after weeks of despair and deep fear that Trump would win again. Suddenly we had hope and renewed energy. It felt so good to really believe in a candidate and root so authentically for her. Not to mention the history making of a possible Black female president.

The war in Gaza impacted me because of all the protests near me. I also felt like the grayness of it all made it hard to think about. Finally to the degree it impacts the presidency election it scars me.

October 7 and the subsequent war in Gaza impacted me. Mostly because it revealed fractures amongst people and communities everywhere. It had me considering and reconsidering friendships and familial relationships. It had me grappling with questions of my own responsibility.

The Israel-Hamas war has radicalized me this year in a way I didn’t foresee. The ongoing genocide is horrific and has opened my eyes to the hypocrisy of the US government. Even more shocking is Americans’ inability to demand a ceasefire and cognitive dissonance around Israel’s & the US’ complicity, including from my own friends! As a result, I left the Democratic Party due to disillusionment and have distanced myself from friends who are all in on Kamala Harris. It’s beyond disappointing, but I have stepped more deeply into my activism as a result. Liberation for Palestine, Sudan, Lebanon, Congo, and Uighyrs.

Clearly the attack on Israel by Hamas is the event that dominated. It's been such a fraught and fearful year, with fear for our family and friends and all Israelis and the people of Gaza. Rising anti-semitism in the US and in the world is horrifying. It's not unbelievable, given the racism exhibited by and normalized by Trump. but certainly very disappointing. Now there are still over 100 hostages held by Hamas, alive or not, and the entire world hates Israel for the deaths ("genocide") of citizens of Gaza. On news casts, both TV and radio, they are about Israeli bombardment, not about what started it or that all those hostages are still missing. It's the same with the other front in Lebanon. Aid workers are beibg hurt or killed by Israeli shelling, but I hear nothing about what Hezbollah has done. It's all sickening, awful, and incredibly sad, and it's hard to see any kind of positive end to it all. Can you tell I'm distraught?? Planning a trip to Israel in November.

The war between Israel and Hamas/Hezbollah has radically affected our family. It has called into question the separation of Judaism and Zionism, and caused my parter, as a Jewish woman, to readjust her relationship with the state of Israel.

7th of October massacre and the war in Gaza as well as the war in Ukraine (my home country). I've lost many friends over the war as it's shown me that we hold fundamentally different values and beliefs. At the same time, I'm torn between two sides. On one hand, I believe in Israel's right to defend itself against such unimaginable evil. On the other hand, I wonder how many of these civilian deaths were avoidable and I can't convince myself that killing one even the most evil person is worthy of 100 more innocents dying with him. The war in Ukraine is tearing my heart and brain apart. I do not see an end to this horror. Hundreds of thousands of our people have been killed or hurt in this war and I feel hopeless and powerless over it.

On a world stage level I am pretty immune to events - I haven't been directly impacted by any I can identify. But a lot of events impact me emotionally. I do pay attention to politics and news about wars. I was frustrated that Biden was being forced out of the presidential race. Then when he dropped out it was a sinking feeling of insecurity and shock. When Kamala became the candidate it changed the trajectory of things, and I joined so many in the ecstatic joy of seeing a woman of color rise to the occasion. Walz was an added bonus. The war on Palestine is still deeply troubling and divisive. I feel whiplashed and personally invested in both being supportive of Harris, yet those who make Palestine the issue on which they will decide not to vote seems to be a tactic that will only serve to aid Trump in gaining the election. I feel now more than ever the need to walk the middle path.

October 7 massacre in Israel. I have never felt as connected to my Judaism as I have this past year. I feel proud of my Jewish heritage, for sure. And fearful. For the first time in my life I felt afraid to wear a Jewish star. There is worldwide, overt hate against Jews right now and it feels terrifying. I see it right here in Chicago.

The genocide of the Palestinian in Gaza, the killing of the Libanese people in Lebanon, and the "natural" disasters in Nature. I am ashamed of being Jewish and it drives me to work for Peace

The Israel-Palestine conflict, and how it’s played out - both in the uk and for me personally

Everything that has happened since October 7th has been a nightmare. I hate the attack itself, I hate the way Israel has responded by basically enacting ethnic cleansing on the Palestinians, I hate how the American government is cosigning these atrocities with their bombs, and I hate how the American Jewish community is so silent about the horrors being carried out in our name. Of course, I've been as silent as anyone. But no more.

Both Ukraine and Hamas-Israel war rage on without an end in sight, and famine and war in the Sudan that we hear very little about. Presidential election nigh upon us and crazy to think that this a contest! Never have we had someone so completely unqualified like Trump and the terrible repressive future he offers to be a serious candidate. It is both terrifying and depressing to contemplate.

October 7. When i found out Hersh Goldberg Polin was my brother’s best friend’s son, my world fell apart. I’ve also felt closer to my Jewish roots this year. And, living in Canada and watching the antisemitism here get awful, I’ve felt a strong pull to make Aliyah. The only thing stopping me is that my husband, who would love to live in Israel, won’t convert as he feels no connection to any religion.

The world is constant disappointment right now, feeding our fears that oligarchies and fascism are the future. What else can we believe with the traitor as presidential candidate once again . . . one who wins in some polls?? The war in Gaza has also divided people, even within my friend groups. it is complicated to be Jewish, complicated to be Palestinian, awkward to be a democrat where half of our party is protesting the democratic convention and rallies because of the support of Israel across the isles? These are the times of propaganda, bubbles, echo chambers, and the unraveling of "common knowledge." With our algorithms, we all live in different countries, different planets. On me? fear, sadness, inability to navigate some conversations with one of my closest friends, flabbergasted by everything.

October 7 attack on Israel has impacted me very hard. For the first time I have come to realise that antisemitism is high all over the world with loud antisemitism verbal abuse, I'm worry for my grandkids, but for the first time I'm worried to go to work at the museum in October 2024 as I fear a possible attack can be possible and I don't want to be hurt.

The Biden/Trump debate and how depressed we were afterward. We actually started talking about a plan to escape the USA. It was such a relief when Harris took over and then picked Walz as her running mate. I am nervous about the election but I feel hope again!

October 7th - the worst tragedy to beset Israel and the Jewish people. The ensuing anti Jewish hatred. So painful .

October 7 changed everything about living as a Jew in this world. It was a harsh awakening as to who sympathized with you. Including fellow Jews who felt Israel had it coming. A lot of lost friendships and many friends put into purdah. This sadness continued into the new year making it joyless.

the attack on Israel (my birthplace) and seeing how much antisemitism is all around me. lost friends of decades who couldn't bring themselves to condemn the attacks on innocent civilians without hemming, hawing and explaining to me that it was inevitable. i'm not saying there aren't two/twenty-five sides to this issue, but my eyes have been opening by the vitriol against jews and Israelis and the fact that somehow Jewish pain and suffering is diminished. the crazy part is that at some point people will realize which "side" values and sanctifies life on this earth and is willing to live in peace and mutual prosperity, but it will probably be too late for all of us by then

The Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens and hostage taking and now the ongoing war which continues to escalate. The media demonizing Israel and showing sympathy with the Palestinians. The rising tide of antisemitism. The protests against Israel but not much outcry against the atrocities Hamas committed. Now Iran is involved. I find this disheartening but keep hoping for peace and some sort of resolution.

The change of presidential Democratic candidates, which gives me hope for some sanity of our country. The disasters from climate changes have alarmed me but don’t see equal concerns in other people on this planet. Wars are continuing with no concerns of their citizens but out of power grabs and ego banging. I really need to face the next few years with some positive plans for my impact on this planet.

October 7th 2023 hamas attack on Israel. It has changed everything, the war in Ukraine from 2022 seemed big but this is huge. There is a war in the Middle East now.. Lebanon has been targeted by Israel.. I don't know what to think . Everyone on both sides is afraid of being annilateed by the other side .. so sad .. will never learn

October 7th, a year from two days from now. Horrible conflict that has hurt so many people

This will always be the year of the hysterectomy. The year the option to have a second kid was officially taken off the table. The year marked by 6 months of health issues, major surgery, 2 months of recovery, and then 4 months (in the midst of this part now) of rebuilding.

October 7, was heartbreaking and sad, but it feels like I only have fellow Jews in my life for support and care. No matter what I share on social media, my friends have said nothing, not even a reaction or private message of support. The amount of hate and antisemitism that's come out more than ever has been so disgusting and unbelievable, it feels like the new norm. And to see more and more bad in the news, one sided reporting, little to no support from the government either, it feels like it will never end, and the hostages., It's all so horrible!

Without a doubt October 7th. It made feel every emotion about being Jewish. And it feels like a roller coaster everyday. I have never wanted to shout it from the rooftops more that I am jewish and also have never been so terrified to be jewish. It made me constantly reevaluate and reform my opinion about what has been going on and be comfortable when my opinion was not always the same as the majority or it felt that way.

The first thing that comes to mind is Kamala Harris running for president. I think there was a lot of hopelessness and defeated feelings with this election cycle, and while those aren't totally gone they've alleviated at least a little. The turning away from one another on a global scale is disheartening and incongruent with the connecting in my life on a micro scale. It feels overwhelming and slow to address.

Our neighbor was killed accidentally by her adult son. She was the nicest, funniest, friendliest woman and she loved her son so much. Her passing shook me to my core. It made me hug my son tighter everyday and appreciate the love between us.

this is an easy question. October 7th..but more than that. It was the outpouring of antisemitism on campus and all over that accompanied that. It was the exposure of the Jew Hatred on the left cloaked with social justice..what I have been warning about for so many years. But to see Jews united, even liberal Jews, as if they finally took off their rose colored glasses and realized these folks marching for BLM are NOT our friends. That was the only saving grace for me. I pray that Israel stay strong and Jews stay proud.

The Nut n yahoo response to the Hamas attack shook my respect for fear that dear friends could not see the importance of peace and wrongness of violence.

Three: the horrible war in Gaza, the election not-yet-done, and summer flooding in my current city… These three things feel apocalyptic - and they are all signs of how the world is turning now. Will there ever be peace? Will democracy prevail in the USA? Will humanity survive climate chaos? Huge questions that make me want to hide under the blankets, waiting in futility for “this, too, shall pass.” I have been an activist for decades - and I am at a loss. Trying to hold on to hope. It’s very hard. Love keeps me going - but even love can’t stop the killing, the hatred, the greed, it seems. I will not give up.

The events of October 7, and the anniversary of the 10/27 shooting. All of the insecurities of being Jewish. Also relieved that iWork from home now- not at the temple all the time.

October 7th. Feel unsafe and uncertain in the world. Antisemitism worse than I’ve ever known it.

October 7, 2023. It has been shattering, depressing, frightening, and disorienting. The liberal left not only supporting Palestine but vilifying Israel and ALL JEWS has been demoralizing.

I just completed my master's degree today!! I don't know what to hope for since I am 56 yrs old and don't have experience in contracting. I have not had a decent job since 2009. I have not been feeling well and worry about kidney failure

Hurricane Beryl. I found out that my new gas stove won't light if the electricity is out. I solved that problem, I bought a single burner portable butane stove. Thankfully I was able to get the fences that were blown down replaced. Now I need to replace the roof. The old AMFM radio kept me informed and entertained while the electricity was out. Because of this I have made improvements to my hurricane preparedness.

October 7th 2023 at the Nova festival in Israel murders and in Gaza. I continue to feel horrified. I don’t know how this will resolve.

Gaza. Watching a genocide happen in real time. Seeing people I respected ignore the devastation because Palestinians are brown. Feeling helpless to stop it.

The war in Gaza, in Lebanon, in Israel. The sparks that fly out from these events that may ignite other parts of the Middle East. I am not religious. Not Jewish or anti-Jewish. The richness that such a relatively small number of people has brought into the world is astonishing. But these ancient lands must be shared to achieve peace.

I would say the attack on Israel last year and the Israeli response. This sparked protests on American campuses, including the one where I worked until my retirement in July, and all of us were scrambling to understand how best to respond. I have close friends with strong ties to Israel, and they wanted me to sign a petition that did not feel completely comfortable to me. I also had students who were adamant that Israel is a genocidal colonial state. I avoided arguments with people, but I saw the damage that the conflict created in the US, and I worry a bit that dissatisfaction among young people with the Biden/Harris response might negatively impact the outcome of the election, which would be a complete disaster.

The escalation of the war(s) in the Middle East. Nobody on either side seems to be thinking rationally about this. Meanwhile, people are dying every day.

Biden stepping down as the democratic nominee for this years election was a huge relief and brought some comfort and hope for the future. I was hoping for a change and a new direction for the government but also fearful that he would lose to Trump. I hope to Kamala as president this time next year.

October 7th. Though it took me a few days to realize the magnitude of what happened, it has shaken me every day this year. I don't think there is a single day I've not thought about it, that I am not confronted with the terrible consequences of it in Gaza as well as in the antisemitism on my doorstep. Prior to Oct 7th, antisemitism was a rarity. Now it's daily.

The ongoing war in Ukraine. The October 7th Massacre by Hamas and the increasingly hostile turmoil in its aftermath. The 2024 presidential election. These things are the focus of my deep concern, fear for the future, and constant prayer.

THE WAR. The war the war the war the war the war.

It would have to be the attack of Hamas last October 7, a year ago next Monday. Since then, I have been struggling to make peace with my horror at Hamas’ action and the all out response of Israel. When both sides are killing indiscriminately, how do I remain pro-Israel, but not pro-Israeli policy?

The US election. If Trump actually manages to pull off becoming the POTUS, then we are in for BIG TROUBLE! Not only in the US but also in Canada where I live. Because that will encourage like-minded Canadian politicians to pull the same kind of shit here, too, and democracy would have a hard time recovering from that. And in response to my last year's response, things already suck worse than I thought they would. I can't even imagine a country that would let a criminal run for its highest office!

The attacks in Israel and the rising amount of antisemitism that people use this as an excuse not longer to hide.

October 7 Hamas Massacre in Israel and the year 5784. It shook me to my Jewish core. The reactions of the world; the silence and the outright hate didn't surprise me at first, but the increasing level of moral inversion; and the violence of the protests did. It changed the focus and direction of my career choices (to work for Jewish and Zionist company); I studied more Torah; made more Jewish connections (professional & personal), started doing more mitzvot.

Dude. October 7th. Holy fuck. Everything has changed.

The unending cycle of revenge catastrophe feels too late to end. I have tried to hold us in restorative justice healing circles to speak and hear our torn-apartness

Israel's continued genocide and relentless bombardment of Gaza, The West Bank and now Lebanon. My friend's family was murdered in late October 2023. Seeing people who claim to be allied with us, who claim to be antiracist, dedicate themselves to harassing genocide victims while our country continues to fund ethnic cleansing, starvation, and unbelievable brutality. We need nuance, critique, clarity & solidarity to survive these next years and shouting down victims of state sponsored terrorism makes this near impossible.

I almost feel guilty that the incident in Israel on Oct 7th impacted me. I don’t live there. I don’t know anyone who was living there, but it still impacted being Jewish in this country. It felt hurtful when people felt the deaths and hostages were justified. And it was uncomfortable to feel hurt.

just one event? Are you kidding!? I can go back to the Russia Invasion of Ukraine, Trump, running again for president, the recent attack on Israel by Iran, the October 7 attack with drastic consequences, and most recently the flooding in North Carolina.

The escalation of the war. I tell people that this is going to get worse (WW3?) and they need to be prepared. We’ve got two people that are running for president that are not qualified. Nobody’s running the country. Disappointed in humanity. In general people are so self absorbed. They’re lazy. Both mentally and physically. Three of my friends passed away during the summer. And then the fourth was the husband of a friend. It’s been a cruel summer.

Is there a single person on 10Q that doesn't write the Oct 7 tragedy in Israel? I know some of us will cite the horrific deaths on both sides and some who won't. But every Jew in the world has been greatly impacted by the horrific events of Oct 7.

Not that it is any surprise, but the October 7th attack by Hamas has shaken most Jews to the core. While it seemed very black-and-white at the time, though, I have learned through the year that the entire situation in Israel is likely more the fault of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu than Hamas. The attack itself was likely the result, in part, of government infighting about Netanyahu’s judicial reform. Then, in his all-out quest to maintain power, he not only (ostensibly) launched a major assault on Hamas, but as of 10/5/24 as I write this, a major offensive against Hezbollah in the north. That attack has brought Iran into the conflict. Iran has launched ICBM missiles at Israel (which Iron Dome intercepted). It makes no logical sense to spread your resources so thin, since Hezbollah really had nothing to do with the October 7th attack. However, Netanyahu’s banking on the country not making a leadership change during a time of war, so he will risk the entire’s country’s existence in order to maintain control. It’s tough, as a Jew, to reconcile.

Oh, the 2024 election... having joined a prayer order this year, I have been praying for our government and its office holders daily, for "peace, justice, spiritual renewal..." and the like. I fear what will happen next month. I am sure that this is a way of trying to influence an outcome, but I believe that my prayers and those of others influenced Joe Biden to drop out of the race in favor of Kamala Harris! I have friends who believe that as the universe expands, so does our consciousness, and perhaps the death of democracy as we know it hastens other evolutionary imperatives. Nevertheless, I remain sad and angry, as I wrote last year, at the lying, fear-mongering, and willful ignorance needed to believe anything the right-wing loonies say. I am sad and angry that Kamala Harris has to prove that she "has what it takes to govern" for those who will default to her opponent, which is about as ignorantly sexist as it gets. Finally, I am furious about the electoral college, which means that my vote means nothing while someone else's means everything. That's not democracy, which, to quote the old adage, isn't perfect but it's the best we've got. With climate change and south to north immigration; with Israel/Palestine, Russia/Ukraine, Africa, South America, and every other place in which dictators and terrorism hold sway; and important domestic issues like health care, the decline of the middle class, education, and women's health care, I'd like to to vote in an administration that will attempt to influence those things for the good of all people, not for the benefit of the wealthy and powerful and egotistical.

It's so funny to me that last year I said there wasn't really one big one. This year, it was only big ones. I've been doing 10Q since before Trump was elected the first time (I say, being realistic), so having Kamala as our surprise candidate was a huge boost, but I am still not hopeful after 2016. It feels like more and more of our country will just believe anything they see online, and that also rings true in the post-October 7th world. I am disheartened by the hate and ignorance of those around me, and my heart drops every time something new happens on my campus. Would I still feel this way if I wasn't working here? If my career will be in higher education, won't I always experience no matter where I am? This is not nearly the end--rather it is still the beginning. There is so much antisemitism in the world, and that just simply cannot be argued. I have chosen to hide so far, and why would I not? I was doxxed early on last October, and I don't want to risk it.

The war in Gaza has been gutting—the loss of life and the complex feelings I have about Israel have been hard. It’s tempting to tune out, and I’m grateful I found the Standing Together group as an anchor. It’s just so horrible though and it seems like it’s only getting worse.

The war in Israel/Palestine has been unavoidable, along with its impact on US and university politics. My pro-Palestine attitude has left me often feeling alienated from the Jewish community

Well, the obvious answer is that the genocide in Gaza has taught me that the URJ has no ethical principles, as they seem unable to condemn terrorism and war crimes, in fact they seem to be cheerleaders for it. Shilling for that fascist government and urging that it be armed, armed to create war, to kill children. I am just so disgusted with the leadership of what is supposed to be Ethical Monotheism. Such hypocrites. Where is the moral leadership?

The upcoming election. Made me really hate social media even more. Makes me more selective about how I spend my time on line.

The pending presidential election had impacted me. Based on the lies and plans by the candidate’s friends, our nation’s bright future us in jeopardy. This scares me on many levels. We have adjusted our investment plan and pray that the GOP candidate, whom I see as a devil is not returned to the White House. G-d save us!

So much 'in the world', but has it impacted me? my life seems a survival trial from one day to the next- too many 'events' in the world to begin to count- they have impacted the world, but not me in particular, except to instil fear and anxiety.

The war in Gaza has troubled me the most. Yes, the political climate in the US is toxic at best and I worry about the upcoming election but with Gaza I have had to come to terms with my Jewish values and my Jewish education. That education promoted the idea that Israel was most always the victim and only vanquished enemies because they 'deserved' it. This war is different. It is politically driven by a leader who refuses to accept there are other ways to solve conflicts than to inflict pain and suffering on more than your 'enemy'. He has no interest or the slightest willingness to invite the surrounding Arab nations to forge a viable two state solution. Instead he empowers the right wing in Israel who are dangerous on so many levels. I believe the return of the hostages is important but how Israel has gone about taking retribution goes far beyond hostage taking. Now with over 40,000 souls killed many more than the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists that are supposed to be the targets there is no end in sight. This conflict has impacted me but not like the people in Gaza , Israel , and now Lebanon. All the while, sadly, the hostages are still hostages. This has divided the Jewish community and made Israel a pariah in most of the world's view. The Prime Minister has more than just blood on his hands. He also will be eternally responsible for the way Israel is viewed by the Arab world and beyond for at least a generation. This saddens me very much. Where are the peacemakers? They must surely exist in Israel and the Arab world. The world needs a peacemaker now more than ever.

October 7th 2023 has made me for the first time in my life scared to be Jewish. I’ve studied antisemitism - even done a research project on the subject - but I have still been amazed and horrified by how prevalent antisemitism is within our global society. I’ve lost friends from this, have spent hours doomscrolling, and have made a point to hide my Jewish star on the subway. I think this year has transformed all of us in the Jewish community. For me, I am reminded again of what my ancestors faced and prevailed against, and I aim to do the same in keeping our culture, traditions, and peoplehood alive.

The presidential election … legitimate fear of what happens if Trump wins. Doing what I can as an HHS person to help. Hoping for the right outcome.

The Oct. 7 attack reinforced my Zionism, and gives me the chance to encourage others to have compassion for the Israeli and Palestinian citizens as collateral damage of the war, which only started due to Hamas' evil barbarian attack that no Higher Power would approve of.

The Ukraine war felt very impactful to me, i was overwhelmed with feelings of guilt and empathy, and felt frozen and paralyzed and guilty for my own privilege. Many of my acquaintances or professional contacts had actual bombs dropped around them, and even driving in my fancy car around my fancy town in Florida felt very shameful and guilty.

October 7th,and the subsequent war in Israel .. as Jews in diaspora we have felt the antisemitism and the lack of support around the world for Israel and Jewish people . On a personal level we had to last minute cancel our holiday to Israel last October and am not sure when we will be able to go

October 7. Almost a year ago now. It changed everything. The sense that Israel was secure. The sense that we were secure. My sense that Jewish life in Israel was beautiful and might be worthy. My feeling that the people who were righteously dedicated to peace and dialogue and coexistence might one day prevail. Basically my hope for the whole project in general. Any seed of pride I had for Israel. The reality of how vulnerable we are. And also the reality of how vengeful and merciless we are. It’s broken everything open. None of the public responses feel right to me. There’s no righteousness left. Just raw fear and grief and, with it, a lot of disappointment and shame. It makes me feel sad and paralyzed. It’s hard to even put words to the depth of my despair for humanity. Including our humanity.

October 7th 2023 is a really sad day. The on going war feels terrifying and surreal. I am deeply disappointed in the government in Israel.

The terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023 brought antisemitism out of the woodwork and unleashed it through the cruel coldness of supposed fellows who fight against injustice and xenophobia and oppression for everyone except for Jews. The attack shook my Jewish sense of security in and out of Israel. The reactions to the attack by leftists broke my heart and made me sad that the memory of Zionists like my Zeide is being sullied and corrupted due to Manichaean oversimplification that can only be explained by antisemitism. The Israeli war on Gaza also goes against everything I hold dear and doesn’t represent my values or my Judaism, making everything all the more complicated. But the saddest thing is to see historians picking and choosing facts to fit their prejudiced narratives.

Well, of course, Palestine. But also the isreal’s and the Ukrainians. Something that is haunting me is the women in the Congo. If they leave their house to o get food, they get raped.

Everyone will say Oct 7th. I will add the election of Javier Milei as President oF Argentina. In the wave of antisemitism, a friend of Jews speaking out in the UN is so refreshing.

This happened almost exactly a year ago on October 7, 2023, but over the last year Israel has systematically conducted a genocide on the Palestinian people of Gaza. It has been sad, unnerving, and surreal to watch the genocide unfold on social media. Like, it’s just happening, and the US is doing nothing to stop it. And not only are we doing nothing to stop it, but we are also still supplying Israel with billions and billions of dollars per year in weapons, that they then use to bomb and displace Palestinians. I can’t believe my tax dollars are going to support this, it’s unconscionable.

The ongoing genocide of the Palestinians. It permeates through much of daily life, including at work and in my personal life. It is unfathomable that it somehow continues. My brain hurts at how easily we have become accustomed to constant death and suffering.

The October 7 massacre in Israel, really affected so many Jews. People are either celebrating their identity or hiding it now and I’m not really sure where I fall on the spectrum. It was hard to witness the very clear level of antisemitism that still exist in the world, and for the first time in a long time, I truly felt like a minority.

October 7, 2023.

Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy, and Kamala Harris became the democratic nominee for president. And she brought joy and laughter to it. I have no idea how the election will turn out, but the fact that it's been a little bit fun has done me a world of good. Hope is a beautiful thing, even if it doesn't guarantee a particular future.

The attack on Israel on Oct. 6 and the subsequent Israeli response in killing tens of thousands of civilian Palestinian. And now, expanding the war into Lebanon. It's affected my heart and hurts my Jewish soul. Sure, the right of self-defense but the total disregard of human life is indefensible.

The U.S. presidential election. Feeling hopeful that reason will prevail and Harris-Walz will lead us to a post-Trump era.

The emergence of hope With Harris running, people, even Repubs are starting to step out to show how dangerous and sick he is. Hopefully we will fix the Supreme Court. I remember my dad saying that the most effect a president can have is appointing judges to the SC. He was right on.

October 7th. It's changed everything - how I work, how I relate to Israel, how I relate to friends and colleagues, how I feel about being Jewish and how I feel about being British and how I feel about my children's future as Jews in this country.

October 7th. I realized just how many people hate me just because I'm Jewish. I realized just how two-faced and hypocritical the world is. I know a little better how my family felt in Europe during WWII, the Holocaust, and every antisemitic time before (all of time?).

October 7. This has shaken my identity as a Jewish educator and as a human. And it’s getting worse.

For some things, there are no words. I don't know what the answers are, for what should come tomorrow or the day after. But I do know this can't go on like today.

The Presidential election. The idea that Trump has a chance at winning absolutely shocks me. I feel shame for my great country and feel alienated from 50%. It’s disorienting, and yet it makes me more at home with the world at large. My country is struggling, but most of the world is, too.

The upcoming presidential election has me worried. Roe v. Wade is gone and the Republicans just want to obliterate abortion. I'm mad at the Dems for think Roe would keep us safe. They never did anything to make abortion law. I like Harris. I think she'd be pretty good as president. Trump would be a disaster. We'd go back in time and any kind of climate control would be toast. He scares the shit out of me.

The wars in Israel Gaza Lebanon. Grief fear heartbreak relentless destruction

Oh, man! Where to start? The October 7th attack on Israel and Israel's response is one. It's quite unbelievable that Israel was attacked in a horrific, brutal, horrendous way, and yet, my sympathies now lie with Palestinians. Not only - my heart breaks for the hostages and their families, I feel for Israelis who know they have a corrupt, immoral president, and it scares me that this issue might ruin OUR election too. Biden stepping down, and Kamala stepping up has infused the election with much needed excitement and energy. At least I feel like we have a chance. The fact that it's so close is mind boggling. What will I do if it doesn't go our way. What will WE do? I really don't know.

Israel versus Hezbollah/Hamas/Houthis/Iran. I think about the appropriate U.S. position.

October 7. I feel far less safe as a Jewish person in the world. I feel uncomfortable going into Jewish spaces. It has made me realise that my ideas do not fit mainstream Judaism. I feel empathy for both sides, but cannot express my feelings at home or in many Jewish spaces.

Absolutely the attack on Israel October 7, 2023. It's been extremely hard. We have family and friends there, and in the army. My son and I don't see eye to eye, but we are teaching each other. He is very much like me at his age - black and white. He doesn't see the grey. And he admits to never having felt antisemitism. That was a big awakening for me. Truly, the attack and the aftermath of Israel/Netanyahu behaving so badly, killing so many people, has helped my relationship with my son. We talk about more substantive things that we disagree on. We respect each other enough to listen and care.

President Biden’s decision to step down and not run for another term, handing the nomination to Kamala Harris. This energized the Democratic election campaign and made a female president a real possibility.

October 7 massacre and the hostages… It brought into stark focus how fortunate I am to have sustenance every day, clean water, a bed in which to sleep and creature comforts like reliable electricity, a vehicle, fuel for the vehicle. I’ve got it so easy

The 2024 campaign for president, along with the issues that the new president will need to address: the Israel/Hamas (and related conflicts), the Russian/Ukraine war, immigration issues, climate change disasters, etc. I am exhausted. Reading or watching one more story seems like more than I can absorb. And genuine efforts to get facts and context are met at every turn with bad faith on the part of candidates and media.

Genocide in Gaza. The first of its kind with this level of social media coverage. I Would have never imagined I would see decapitated, crushed and burst human bodies on my daily feed. The collective trauma will transpire at some point.

I do not have an event that comes to mind wish next year to pay attention more to world events

Almost a year ago today, 10/7=the U.S. 9/11 for the land of Israel. What can be said? 1200 dead, 250 captive, Thais, Filipinos, rave tourists, babies, old women, tortured teens, Bedouins, moms, dads, kids, grandparents, gays, straighs, peaceniks. May their moments of agony ease into eternal shalom.

There is so much to fear and mourn. Climate crisis, war, hate. It has helped spur me toward my life as a healer. I quit a small-minded, suffocating job and decided to aim larger. Feel more. Live fully.

The US 2024 election cycle has been as stressful as ever. The felon ex-president persists. I'm not able to appreciate people who support a grifter and a liar. It's frustrating living in the RED state of Arkansas. I have written many postcards to voters across the country. I have registered new voters in Arkansas. Somedays, Arkansas feels hopeless. I cling to my trust in the American people and that they decide that democracy and rule of law must prevail in our country

The continued wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. Conflicts in any number of other places. Chaos in Haiti. Hurricane Helene. Kamala Harris becoming the Democratic candidate. The last one is the only good news. So depressing and powerless (aside from being able to vote).

The October 7, 2023 attach in Israel has created so much suffering and strain on so many people. It and the events that followed have increased antisemitism, anti-Israel sentiment, and has increased the danger to Jews even in the US. I know people with family members and friends in harm's way in the Middle East. The non-Jewish people I know don't seem to have any understanding of the stress and strain all this produces, even when I try to talk to them about it. It's wearing.

10/7 for obvious reasons. I’m proud to be Jewish and this has made me stronger, more resilient, and ready to combat antisemitism through advocacy and teaching my children to be proud of who they are. This has really made me double down on my support for Jews and for Israel.

October 7. The world as we know it was changed forever. I was changed forever.

I think it has to be October 7th. It wasn't until recently that I realised how much it affected me as someone with minimal connection to people in Israel. Just everything that transpired from the time the first shots were fired that morning has absolutely devastated me.

Without question the event that has been life-changing for so many was the October 7 attack on innocent Israelis, prompting a war in Gaza like no other. Israelis at home on their kibbutz and enjoying a music festival and were indiscriminately attacked, kidnapped and killed, resulting in over 1200 deaths and hundred of hostages. As of today, October 6, 2024, roughly 200 hostages remain missing, their condition unknown -- dead or alive. As if this were not heinous enough, Benjamin Netanyahu responded with overwhelming force, requiring evacuations in parts of the Gaza in mass numbers. He also unleashed an indiscriminate killing spree in his search for the leaders of Hamas -- who were hiding among the innocents -- resulting in over 40,000 deaths, and a human rights catastrophe. Here at home, in urban centers and on college campuses, there has been a strong anti-Israeli response. As college presidents tried to manage their campuses becoming sudden hotbeds of political activity, entrenched positions took hold and the divided Congress got involved, with extremist Republican lawmakers eventually claiming the jobs of three Ivy League presidents, including Claudine Gay, the first black president of Harvard University, who had only been in her job for 6 months. In addition to these events being tragic, they have also been personally painful. I have so many Jewish friends and family who have been devastated by these events, feel fearful for their safety, and have witnessed and experienced forms of anti-Semitism. I also have Jewish and non-Jewish friends who rightfully are apoplectic at the innocent loss of life among Palestinians, and who want to see the Israeli state rebuked and punished for its reprehensible slaughter of innocent Palestinians. I myself am awed and saddened by our inability to have any rational conversation about the situation in Gaza. It's become third rail politics which cannot be discussed in polite (or impolite) company. There are not sharp black and white lines here in my mind. There is blame to to be shared all around, except for the innocent Jews and Palestinians who are victims of the politics of their leaders. Our inability as a culture to discuss this situation with the nuance it deserves, our laziness in falsely equating the Jewish people or even the Israeli state with the Netanyahu government, exemplifies in my mind the continuing decline of civil society. *** For the record, other big things have happened this year, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that 70% of the world's democracies have seen an election year resulting in a global political realignment. We've seen some nations lean further to the right while others have surprisingly elected more democratic leaders. On November 5 the US election will take place, with Donald Trump and his evil MAGA following vying for the presidency. Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance on June 27 confirmed the suspicions of many a voter: that his age (though more precisely his declining neurological sharpness) was disqualifying for him as a presidential candidate. And so, roughly 3 weeks later, he stood down and Kamala Harris ascended to be our candidate for President, with 100 days to convince the America electorate to vote for her. I've never been a huge Kamala fan, but I'm clear about the stakes for the nation and am 100% behind her candidacy. I do worry however about the election results being accepted by the country. There are already numerous lawsuits in the courts that aim to deny a Democratic win, as well as systematic efforts to kick people (and largely black people) off the voter rolls. We've never been closer to a civil war in my lifetime, and I fear for the month of November.

The fact that the year has gone by so fast and I feel the need to move on with my life. I feel stuck, so bring on next year when I can finally meet be into a better property and enjoy my life. I also hope I can find a nice man. I need to feel like someone loves me for who I am. I will not accept anything less.

I don't see how one can be a Jew and not be negatively affected by the October 7th massacre in Israel. A few of my Christian friends called me to offer their condolences. One or two wrote to me. I was very moved by that. I used to wonder, when reading/thinking about the Holocaust, that many Jews could not believe they wouldn't be safe in their home countries and so they didn't leave. I understand that more, now. I look at the protests against Israel in our own country and really wonder how long it would take me to believe the unbelievable and leave my own country.

October 7, 2023 was a terrible day for Israel. We were in Michigan with friends and Philip said, as we watched the news coverage, that this day would go down in the history books. Since then it has been enlightening to see how the world, and our friends reacted. Debbie, who teaches piano and is Jewish, agreed with me that it was especially horrible that Hamas attacked a music festival - young people were dancing and celebrating life... Elizabeth, who is not Jewish, started explaining that the attack was justified because the Palestinian people had a right to the land,... before her husband rapidly changed the topic. I'm still wondering what her reasoning is. But these discussions are a reflection of what I see in the world around me - different people look at the same events and have drastically different views of what is really going on and I don't understand how their reactions are so different from mine. A Jewish friend who wants to vote for Trump because they feel he will be better for Israel. Don't they understand what it could mean to have an antisemitic dictator in charge of our country? What world am I living in?

October 7 made being Jewish different and harder to defend to myself. I don't wear my Kippah because I don't want to talk about Gaza and live in fear of being ostracized for my split opinion. It just feels really hard to be proud of my faith now and since i converted to conservative Judaism sometimes I wonder if I'm a fake Jew because I just don't care about Israel one way or the other. I converted because it's who I am in my heart, and I can learn more about myself and struggle as a Jew. I think it's beyond my ability to comprehend global politics. And people are dying. And somehow I'm supposed to have it all figure out.

The Attempted Assassination of former President Trump at rally in Pennsylvania, where he is expected to go today October 5, 2024. The killing of a man, father, husband trying to protect his family during the assassination attempt at the rally. It is horrifying. Our democracy is at stake and We must come together and find a solution for Our Country and Save Democracy.

Two ongoing conflicts. The Ukrainian war, which has caused many dead and displaced so many more. Plus, the Israeli conflict. They deeply affect me because I believe in love and compassion and war doesn't bring that. I also worry the Israeli crisis will spread throughout the region.

The war in Gaza. Who could've predicted that something happening on the other side of the world could make such a difference in my life, in my very identity? It has made me question so much: my values, my community, the morality of my friends and leaders. It has even complicated my daughter's college search, because as she puts it "I just want to be somewhere where I'm not hate-crimed while also not hate-criming anyone else." That's harder than you'd think. I don't know any hostages or their families, and I don't really know any Palestinians, but still I am deeply affected. I can only imagine that I'm not alone.

The war in Israel has me rattled. It feels like we're on the brink of WWIII. I'm frightened for friends who live there as well as it's larger impact on the world. The Natanyahu government has made it tough to be Jewish and to support the State of Istael.

The election this year is impacting me. I cannot watch the news or talk politics with anyone or I get extremely anxious. I have fears about what may happen in the future if certain candidates win office -- not just the presidential office, but state and local offices, as well.

The school shootings are overwhelming. As a teacher, it forces the possibility of danger to the front of my mind. I hate that it’s a thing. I hate that every time there’s a shooting, students get anxious and ask how safe they would actually be.

October 7. It brought me back to my Jewish origins and shattered me. The aftermath confronted me directly to antisemitism for the first time.

We’re in the thick of the Gaza war right now, but I think back to Maui a year ago. We were there. Early October was when they just started to open back up. It was beautiful, peaceful, not overcrowded. But what it took to get there was devastatingly painful. So much loss in order to return to their core and make room for rebuilding in a different direction than forces had taken them before. Will they repeat the trajectory of last time, or will they be different this time? Possibly more rooted in their core being rather than influenced by external forces. It’s my story too.

Events in Israel/Palestine have pushed me to strong anti-Zionism and have troubled me deeply.

October 7th - impacted then and still does. The horror, the fear, the disbelief and the anger I felt then and continue to feel everyday.

Nothing really. I have stopped watching the news and am pretending that I live in an age where you only know what is happening in your ‚village‘. Pathetic? Maybe. But I am much happier living in denial.

The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 has affected me. I feel my son has Hamas on the same moral plane as Israel, which I disagree with. It was painful to watch all the Palestinian protests. Antisemitism is back in force. Iran, Hamas, hezbollah, and other proxy organizations want to kill all the Jews and destroy Israel. Israel just wants to survive. I cannot see the collateral damage in Gaza with the same sympathy that I see it in Israel.

Unrest in Israel

Oct.7/23. The day that Israel was attacked so horrendously. My heart aches for the Jewish people and I constantly pray for them that their Prince of Peace would come to them. It is through them that the whole world will be blessed. Satan is actively stirring up this hatred among the nations. But God is still in charge and hasn't forgotten His Chosen People. This event has drawn me closer to God as I look to HIm for peace in the midst of this horrible storm.

The attack on Israel on October 7th has changed my world view in terms of personal security and the deep anti-semitism that is everywhere. The response by Israel has also caused me to question the clash of values of human rights against hate, terrorism, violence, love of the neighbor and stranger, the value of peace and even diplomacy.

Oct 7th makes me scared to go out of my house in my neighborhood

Everyone is impacted by the horrific attack from Hamas on October 7th. This has cracked open and revealed a terrible breach in our humanity as a whole. There is no clear binary here despite what people shout or tell others. The attack and the hostages reveal a cruelty that is inhumane and utterly cruel. The subsequent killing of so many innocent Palestinians - many of whom and women and children - has showed the same inhumanity and cruelty. All shouting “they started it”. So how do we no longer dismiss the indigenous rights of all in the area? How do we take care of all victims? How do we weep for all lives lost and ruined? How do we still hope we can recover through seeing each other as people and as siblings again? How?

This year, there is a war in Israel. I have been disgusted with Israel’s actions and with how many lives of Palestinians, Syrians, Lebanese, Israelis, and others have been lost because of the government’s insistence on keeping the war going. My politics have become clearer to me. I have seen more divisiveness and closed-mindedness, which makes me disappointed. I have helped friends work through their own opinions and created infrastructure for kids to learn about this topic.

The general state of the world has an impact on me. I greatly dislike all of the needless pain, suffering, and death that is occurring in the name of sovereignty and religion. It makes it difficult to maintain hope and faith.

The October 7th pogrom has impacted every facet of my life. The deep state of waiting and hoping for the hostages release is agonizing. The intense rise in antisemitism, especially amongst my own communities and friends, has been staggering. I will never feel safe again.

The upcoming election. Our democracy is at stake and I don’t want to live in a country that values money over people.

October 6 has impacted me as well as people around the world. Feeling powerless some times since, so many questions unanswered, conflicting perspectives from people I admire and respect are only a few of my responses since. The impact on my granddaughter in her senior year of college, which has continued since her graduation in May, is perhaps the most personal impact because she felt so unsafe on campus and has needed to heal more than I could have anticipated.

Probably the release of the secret Mormon wives show, unfortunately. It’s been hard for me to accept that Mormons are just always going to get dragged on the internet and false info is going to continue to spread about our faith. I’m doing a lot better with it though, it is what it is.

Oct 7. Brutality of Hamas and the world reaction. Horrifying

The genocide in Palestine. The fact that people still don’t see or still justify the atrocities that are going on blows my mind.

The Paris Olympics. They were so entertaining and it’s the one thing the world has to come together on a world stage without politics (for the most part). Watching athletes who have trained their entire lives for this event is inspiring and makes me feel hopeful in a world that is constantly being torn apart.

the Global IT outage. Thankfully the impact at my work was minimal, our systems were not affected and only a few guests could not make it to the hotel because of cancelled flights. But it also coincided with my first trip to NYC. And I was flying Delta. I lost half a day to their struggles, and I'm just thankful I made it there at all. I missed some of my plans leading into it, but it could have been worse. I made it. I made it to the show.

Where do I start? I think it might be best at this point to just turn OFF the TV! Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, WAR everywhere, VIOLENCE everywhere, ANTI-SEMITISM (got fired TWICE by Jew haters, sued ONCE, got some $$ Jewish REVENGE!!) worldwide showing its ugly head after being in hiding just under the surface. Yet, somehow we, as Jews prevail – we find ways to LAUGH, to CELEBRATE, to come together as a community – NOT as religious zealots. It’s been this way for centuries, we should be used to it by now, but THIS time we’re fighting back, and we have no choice but to WIN once and for all. Those words NEVER AGAIN mean exactly that – you hit us, we’ll be CERTAIN you will NEVER AGAIN be able to do it again. Diplomacy is nice in civilized society who does NOT want to kill everyone, but tanks, guns and bombs, booby-trapped pagers (BRILLIANT) are MUCH MORE effective in the totally barbaric Iran and the rest of them.

The wars continue to be scary. I don't fully understand the whole Israel thing, but I know it must be very scary for all the people in that area. And Ukraine, of course, continues to be terrifying. It's going to get worse if the orange menace comes back into power. He can't. Please, Universe, do not let that happen! Take him out!

Angry Muslim men continue to show why they don't belong in the modern world. Hamas attacked Israel by surprise, after decades of Israel slowing choking the small Palestinian sliver of land, killing young people at a music festival. Israel retaliated, surprising no one, and took about trying to wipe Gaza from living memory. Hezbollah, sitting in Lebanon, took umbrage at Israel's attack on their fellow men (they wouldn't give a shite about the women) and attacked Israel mid-war. Israel then killed Hassan Nasrallah, the head of the Hezbollah snake, which nuclear-trigger-happy Iran took more umbrage over. And now we add the possibility of an all out war in the already-unstable Middle East to the bullshit happening in Ukraine because Putin. Add the possibility of another Trump Government, stir well. Why can't they all just sit down and shut the fuck up? Why do we always have this threat of angry men to world peace?

October 7, without a doubt, and what followed. I am a young Jewish mother living in the Midwest. Of course I was impacted.

The war in Gaza. The taking of hostages on Oct 7, 2023. The brutal murder of hostages like Hersh Goldberg. I have stood toe to toe with Palestinian protesters and spoke my heart. I have prayed the Catholic prayers of my faith for the return of the hostages and the end of the war. This election is the important of my life. I am voting as if my life depends on it.

Paul Watson arrested. It showing that some humans "dont realise" the bad impact on the planet some company can have (because money). And the impact is on planet scale so it hurt each life forms. it s sad.

10/7

I don’t know. It seems we are in the same cycle of violence that we were in last year with war and genocide. It’s terrible to think that this has become a normal part of our world. I know it’s happening and can find solace through prayer and meditation. Working to be free from my own rage and need for control. I can generate peace instead of suffering.

I was surprised by how much Kamala Harris invigorated the left. That said I am also terrified how many people think Trump is in any way safe for our nation. I do not feel proud of America but I would like to some day.

October 7th...and all of the days that have followed. The world revealed the deep seeded antisemitism that is foundational in a way that I never quite saw. Along with that, the Jew hate come out in full force. This was a year that was fraught with insecurity in the world, in a very real sense, and insecurity in my own world, with social justice allies falling away and leaving me wondering who is for me as I have always tried to be for others? The people I once stood shoulder to shoulder with in the fight for equity and justice were absent when I needed them most. I wonder, as we continue to navigate a world that seems hell-bent on eradicating Israel and equating zionism with support of the Netanyahu government, when folks will see that Jews are always, always fighting for their survival.

There is no doubt that the October 7th attack on Israel and the aftermath war into Gaza and now Lebanon is deeply concerning. My feelings are extremely complex. I am not proud of all of them. I am very concerned about the longevity of this war and the insane antisemitism. There’s been too much death. Netanyahu is a war criminal.

THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION! I am dumbstruck, horrified, and incredulous to the possibility that tRump could possibly be elected. How can half of the voting population favor this excuse of this con man posing as a human being and conning people to believe he will do anything to help them?

The genocide. The genocide. The genocide. It has made it impossible to think or talk about nearly anything else, ever, at all. We are witnessing the destruction of a people and not only are some folks doing nothing, some people-- some of MY people-- are cheering it on as if blowing up the bodies of tens of thousands of children will somehow make them safer in the world. How horrific to be watching, in real time, the sort of things history books wring their hands at, the injustice of it all, why didn't anyone do anything. We tried. We really fucking tried.

The terrorist attacks of October 7 happened in Israel. It is devastating in ways I can’t fully consciously fathom. It has made me feel both more and less connected to parts of my community. I would like to go to Israel and help in some way. Watching Screams Before Silence made me physically ill for about 2 days. I made the decision to withdraw from my union over their public stance. A small donation led to an opportunity I will be forever, grateful for in hearing Dr. Cochav Elkayam Levy talk about her work founding and leading The Civil Commission on Oct. 7th Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children. Attending this event made me feel connected in ways that I hope to continue finding. I have made efforts to educate myself and only continue to realize how little I know. I have no idea what comes next. It is only getting scarier and more difficult to envision peace.

The first thing that came to my mind is the national election. Fascism or a continuation of our constitutional republic. I fear for our country after election day, especially if the former occupant of the White House loses.

The issues in Israel and Palestine have been so terrible this past year, more than ever before in my life, and antisemitism is out there in a way I’ve never seen. It’s tough to be pro-Israel with everything their leadership is doing, but how can I be Jewish and not support the country that’s meant to protect us?

Are you kidding? October 7th shattered my lived experience as a Jew. I was on my bachelor party and my birthday is on October 7th. 1400 of my people were brutally slaughtered and it awoke a deep seeded antisemitism in the youth that my generation thought was history. I stealthily attended anti Israel protests, to see with my own eyes the people who’d prefer I was dead and celebrated the death of my people. For the rest of my life the lives of those taken, the lives of those whose close family and friends were taken, will be an indelible brand in my brain. I am more Zionist than I have ever been and if the powers that be in Israel need their nation to come and help, I am willing to drop everything and do this.

A few things. The Hamas-Israeli war has me live with two contradictory views - that Israel has the right to exist, yet doesn't have the right to persecute and wage violent war on the Palestinians. Also, the upcoming election has me cautiously optimistic, but i have such dread of the possibility of a Trump victory. Finally, felt really badly that Biden was essentially hounded out of the race while a old deranged Trump gets a pass.

Israel was invaded by Hamas on October 6, 2023, which significantly changed the Jewish community. Our sense of safety shattered. The solidarity with the poor starving Gazans. The widening war. A very scary time to be Jewish.

Is there any answer besides 07.October? We got to see exactly what the world (still) thinks about us. We got to find out who our friends really are and sadly who they aren’t. When I saw the 1940-something picture from the University of Vienna (brown shirts blocking Jewish students from entering the library) being re-enacted on campuses across the US, I knew the zeitgeist had changed & not for the good. It’s not like I think we’re going to have camps & crematoriums here, but we are systemically being denied access to the public sphere. Entertainers, keynote speakers, professors cancelled, boycotted, protested. Exactly how the Shoah began…

I was very uplifted by Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race and his replacement by Kamala Harris. I had been feeling hopeless and heavy hearted about the prospects for our country, especially after the debate in June. A good outcome just did not seem possible. I could not have imagined the ensuing events, but now I’m feeling optimistic.

I am stunned and heartsick that anyone would want to have a President who is a convicted criminal, acknowledged liar, and assaulter of women, and yet Trump may win this next election. What's wrong with people? Why are they so enamored of this narcissistic would-be dictator?

Oh goodness how can we not talk about Oct 7 How can we not talk about anti-Zionism and it’s trickling into anti-semitism How can we talk about the disappearance of the left wing liberal Zionist movement I am centered in How can we not discuss how Jews like me find themselves toggling between these binaries of the progressive left and the tribal right How can we not discuss the loss of hersh Goldberg polin, that Yonatan haas (Aliza’s son) is fighting in Gaza and now in Lebanon That the reality of Israel’s existence is truly in question. That the fascist leaders are in essence killing this project of jewish peoplehood How can we not talk about trump running for reelection and project 2025 How can we not talk about the first black/Indian female candidate for the presidency married to an out Jew. All of this has impacted my spiritual community and me as a touring jewish musician - all of this has impacted Jews place in the world.

So many wars and so many people feeling abandoned by others in their misery. Misery fueled by capitalism in various parts of Africa. Israel using my tax dollars to murder people and not knowing how to do more about it and still do all the other things of life too. It's a sad, overwhelming situation and yet we hold all of the things and I continue to do my best to resist what I know is wrong. What else could we do?

October 7th massacre - not only the terrible murder and hostage taking but the antisemitism that has been rife ever since. The pro-palestinian marches, changing my name on Uber in case I ever need a taxi, being cautious when I go into a shop that is Muslim owned, unfriending people on social media because of their views. Working times ahead for Jewish people.

October 7 ==increase in obvious anti-semitism. I knew people were anti-Jewish but I didn't realize how many people that I knew were. It was shocking at first and now just seems "normal". Israel becoming deaf to their cruelty in Gaza - it is not defensible any longer Trump's world - s0 much worse than anyone could imagine. And yet, he could still win and I can't imagine how we can survive.

The attack on Israeli on October 7, and the ongoing ongoing ongoing war on Gaza, and now Lebanon. It has made me feel embarrassed to be Jewish, and feel conflicted about supporting Israel as a place for Jews to have a safe space versus Israel as an oppressive, violent government. It feels like there is no safe space in which to explore my mixed feelings about the situation, because everyone's feelings are so intense, and people have been dying in the meantime.

Joe Biden dropping out of the race, along with RFK Jr. has really affected our family. Brian was really interested in politics up until RFK Jr. dropped out, at which point he returned to his fatalistic view of politics as a losing game. I am not too keen on Kamala Harris, and neither of us like the Trump administration's Project 2025. No matter how hard we try to convince my in-laws that are Trump supporters, they believe that because Donald Trump himself denies Project 2025, it's not an issue - they don't seem to understand you're electing an ADMINISTRATION, and not just a person! However, Tim Walz has me hook-line-and-sinker. He's such an honest, down-to-earth man, with whom I have a lot in common! I'm voting Democrat just because of him, but I haven't dared to tell Brian what I think or that I'm planning to vote that way.

Israel-Gaza war: made me lose respect for people in my life who value Jewish lives more than Palestinians.

The whole election cycle. I'm stunned at how complicit the Democratic party has been in keeping Biden's dementia behind closed doors. I'm stunned at the duplicity that they evinve and all the behaviors. I'm stunned at the duplicity surrounding giving, literally handing over, the Democratic nomination to someone who didn't get one single vote. I'm stunned that the person they maneuvered in there couldn't get out of the primary for years ago, and now is running for president? I recognize that the only reason they did this was so that they could keep the $90 million in funding that they already had. I'm stunned that the media downplays President Trump getting shot in the head. I'm stunned by the complete and utter disregard that the current administration has for our country. And by the way, I'm a Democrat.

Seeing friends navigate their own identity and feelings in the wake of the invasion in Gaza has really left me confused about my own relationship to various cultures and how identity can get coopted in service of questionable political goals. As someone who is marginalized (I'm transgender), it's easy for me to think, gosh, we should be empowered to defend ourselves against all of those who threaten us, but seeing things like this makes me wonder at what point that power would also be abused. I'm left concerned for the future when humanity still so easily turns to violence

Oh, my god…where to start!? I haven’t been personally affected by world events…no fires, wars or floods directly impacted me. But my heart and mind are overwhelmed with grief and despair at the state of the world, especially at the inhumanity of the human race. We think we’re so advanced and sophisticated, but our behavior is fueled by hatred, greed, egocentricity, and ignorance. In addition to dealing with my husband’s cancer, my daughter’s anxiety and my own aging body, the state of the world is almost more than I can bear. I breathe, ignore the news, practice mindfulness, breathe, keep a journal, see a therapist, breathe, occasionally have a glass of wine or a bag of potato chips…and breathe.

October 7th made me realize how vulnerable I feel as a Jew, and equally how proud and grateful.

The election has produced the most deeply divided feelings since Vietnam, or perhaps worse. We only discuss politics with people who are 100% onboard with our total distrust of Trump the would be dictator. It is a minefield that makes developing friendships more tricky.

The hostage crisis in Israel/Gaza. Many in my community are emotionally connected to that area. Still unresolved and appears to be escalating. Creating new generations of revenge. When will it end. When will humans realize war is never the answer???

Just like every other Jew I know October 7th has had a deep and lasting impact on me. I remember that I was watching the live feed on the Times of Israel as I was dealing with drama from real life as well, and all I wanted to do was shout at people "Leave me the H*** alone, the world is on fire!" Since then I have seen, as we all have, the explosion of antisemitism and college campuses - the environment I've spent my whole adult life in first as a student and now as faculty - devolve into a very scary environment for Jews. My overall response has been one of defiance. I refuse to take off my Star of David. I have decided to start a Jewish Student Association at my small college. This is one Jew who refuses to be silent. And I have to tell you, all this from someone who is normally very non-confrontational.

Definitely the October 7th massacre and capture of Israeli citizens. It has made me think of the role Israel has in this, particularly with its response. Definitely thinking about the cruelty of Hamas and what the captives went and are going through. Though all this violates the international codes of war, nobody is really doing anything about it. That is frustrating!

October 7th, and Israel's response. Then the pro-Palestinian response - so hate-filled, and one sided. Almost as if they were waiting for an excuse to express their hatred for Israel and Jews. It's angered and saddened me.

Kamala Harris became the Democrat nominee for president. This has filled me with joy and hope.

This question is always so hard to choose from. The amount of war, inequality, and general state of the world has really been sad to watch. But more close to home is the devastation in western North Carolina after hurricane Hellene. Just a few hours from our home, our favorite part of the state, and where we spend many of our family traditions. It’s hard to see those communities in such despair but also so heartwarming how the Carolina community has come together to support and rebuild. We are certainly doing all we can to support the efforts and look forward to when we can safely get out there to lend a hand.

Being terminated by my previous employer. I felt I was welcome and needed.

The olympics. Seeing most of my friends watching the olympics made me also watch the sporting events that I had been interested in and actually tried when I was an undergrad (fencing and judo).

October 7th, 2023. My world will never be the same. Just like Nov. 22, 1963 and Sept. 11. Hamas committed a slaughter attack on a kibbutz and a music festival. They killed so many- men women CHILDREN. They took hostages- men women CHILDREN. They raped and savagely brutalized young women, before killing many of them. There are still over 100 hostages…I am sure many of them are dead. I light a candle for the hostages every Shabbos. I constantly worry and mourn the 2 beautiful little red head brothers. The whole thing makes me nauseous. The worst part is the threat of further war in the Middle East and the continued awareness of how horrible man can be towards man.

All acts of aggression around the world have affected me deeply this year. I have been crying a lot. Ukraine, Sudan, Israel, Gaza, mass shootings, knife attacks, and verbal attacks that led others to cause harm, ALL horrible! Will humans ever make the conscious leap away from fear and fearful greed to move toward unifying the density of animal body with the Radiance of Cosmic Consciousness to fulfill our evolutionary potential? I wonder…

The war happening in Israel. It has divided so many people. The hate on all sides makes my heart so sick. I feel terrible for the people on both sides who have to live in this. Watching their families being bombed or taken and living in constant fear. My heart breaks for the mothers who have to bury their children or don’t know if they are alive or dead. It’s an impossible situation

WAR. What is it good for? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

October 7th, changed the way in which I feel and think about the Jewish safety.

I'm trying NOT to be too impacted by the ridiculousnesses of the election. It feels so dangerous to have one's well-being tied to any of that. That's trauma speaking, isn't it? The shock of how abusive and awful our politicians can be opens a new abyss underneath our feet. Gone are the days when there was comfort in the expectation of decency and a certain level of civility. Maybe there was always hypocrisy and corruption underneath. So have things gotten worse, or are we just more awake to our own abuse? Certain the Israeli-Palestinian War cannot be understated, in terms of how it has rocked and forever changed the world. I feel nothing but bottomless sadness when I think of it, and if asked what I think we should do I enter a fugue of terrifying confusion. My values do not align with killing, under any circumstance. How do we stop killing? It feels almost insulting even to ask the question in the face of all the people involved have endured. It feels as though it would take years just to listen enough to understand the perspective that makes the actions of war comprehensible. This war makes me feel unqualified to speak, for fear of all my blindspots. I feel incapacitated. I want to feel hopeful about Kamala Harris. I'm terrified to feel that. I suppose that takes courage. I can be courageous. I will!

And again Israel is at war. And again it impacts me. And this time my identity as Jew and Zionist become salient in spheres I would not anticipate. And contrary to centuries of emancipation of the Jewish people, I again see myself as buffering my identity in order to protect myself. And I see Jewish colleagues being ostracized.

Israel has been so painful and complicated. And has given me more ways to support Jewish professionals.

October 7th. It’s made me feel different about my Judaism. I think I feel the tension in our Jewish community more and also wish we could have more open and honest discussions throughout the Jewish and Jewish professional world.

Well. October 7. The rise of oligarchies. The threat of one here. The severity of the weather. I fear that my head is just going deeper and deeper into the sand because I can't fix it. I can do small things - donations to causes, election work, kindness to my neighbors. It just feels too big and too ugly.

October 7. The world got darker, but the light in the dark became brighter.

Joe Biden dropping out of Presidential Race and support Kamala Harris giving Democrats some chance to beat Trump. This gives me some hope Democracy might be saved which is very important to me.

Hamas fighters murdered 1200 plus Jews and non-Jews on October 7, and kidnapped hundreds more. Since then, war, death and destruction, the rise of anti-semitism has dominated community life. While not personally impacted in the same way as many, it has been very challenging, and divisive. Having a right-wing government in Israel has not helped. The hatred has been scary.

October 7th massacre. It brought heartbreak and fear. It brought a resurgence of Jew Hatred, both passive and active in the diaspora. It brought a deafening silence. It brought ‘protestors’ to the streets on London every weekend and removed me from ever going there. One year never heading into town. The world of hate and war ignored for one year because this one is about Jews and Israel. When I share the reality of being a Jew on Instagram, outside of my community I get silence, bar a few beautiful souls who are genuinely liberal and understand nuance and complexity. When I share anything else they can breathe and like it and me again. The good people are too quiet. I work hard every day not to worry where this might take us.

Moving back to my parents house

The general election was “supposedly” meant to help make our country better, but so far it’s been a bit meh. This hasn’t immediately impacted me, but I’m sure it will. The scrapping of the winter fuel allowance is affecting my mum and that’s devastating because I worry about her during the winter months anyway.

The war between Russia and Ukraine. Not only I am terribly sorry for the victims, I fear that the problems could come here too, and we will all have to suffer.