A different type of air today
I woke up this morning just like the rest of the nation eager, happy, if only one word could describe the feelings.
The first message I saw was from someone I work with in Morocco, a Muslim, who said, “I don’t know how to feel this morning. I’m not Jewish, but I feel my heart hasn’t been complete since October 7th. I am so happy.” Others from the sharaka community of muslim voices form around the region and world followed with “Alhamdulillah” meaning “Baruch Hashem” ,that the hostages are finally coming home.
I sat there for an hour, reading messages of support from across the Middle East, from people I have been fortunate to meet through my work at Sharaka. My heart beat faster, and my smile grew.
I then went to Hostage Square. I looked around at people from all areas of Israeli society, a group of Filipinos with their country’s flag next to a hostage flag, families embracing one another. Even the Arab Bezek man on the corner looked up as Air Force One flew across the sky and applauded. A small, fleeting gesture but one that spoke volumes about shared pride, relief, and hope. I walked slowly, and with each step,I remembered the different powerful muslim voices I had brought to that very square and who had spread a message of peace to their communities, from Pakistan, Morocco, and the region. It became clearer: no matter the hatred, the racism, the targeted attacks against the Jewish people and the state, we remain strong and whilst i believe we can be strong alone i am so lucky to hear and share voices standing up for peace, moderate, brave, and steadfast who lift us, mourn with us, and remind us of the future we can build together, muslim voices who have been reaching out to me all day.
And today is Simchat Torah. A day when we dance with the Torah, celebrating the moment God entrusted us with His word. This year, as I dance, I carry in my heart the faces of those I know from Sharaka friends, partners, neighbors who are working tirelessly for understanding, coexistence, and partnership.
Our circles are wider now. Our hope reaches further. This year, as we celebrate, we open our arms not only to joy but to the continuation of the Abraham Accords, to a future where shared dreams can flourish across borders. Simchat Torah reminds us that the story continues, that we hold the promise of resilience and faith.
As I receive so many messages, I promise myself to try to give hope to those around me. And while today was filled with joy and relief, I vow to help make tomorrow even brighter to honor those who gave their lives defending our homeland, to strengthen our communities, and to carry forward a future of resilience, unity, and shared light.
