Out of Darkness, We Rise: Lessons from October 7th
October 7th, 2023, was a day that tore through the heart of the Jewish people. In just a few hours, more than 1,200 lives were brutally taken, families were shattered, and we were left reeling from an act of terror that will forever be etched in our collective memory. The grief is deep, the pain is raw, and yet, as we have done throughout the arc of Jewish history, we face this tragedy not with despair, but with Iron Resolve.
This resolve stems not only from the need to defend ourselves but from a sacred duty to honor the lives lost by ensuring that our future is stronger, safer, and filled with hope. We are a people forged through suffering, but we emerge from that suffering with strength. Now more than ever, we must come together to confront the lessons this dark day has left behind and chart a course for a brighter, more secure future.
1. Global Antisemitism is Real and Persistent
The resurgence of antisemitism, both before and after October 7th, is a painful reminder that hatred toward Jews is far from extinguished. When someone threatens you, believe them. History has shown that antisemitic rhetoric often precedes violence. We cannot afford to ignore even subtle forms of hate. Standing against antisemitism with Iron Resolve means taking a steadfast stance against all manifestations of hate, whether blatant or veiled. We must also urge our allies around the world to join us in confronting this persistent threat.
2. The Fragility of Peace
Peace, as much as we desire it, is fragile and fleeting, especially in a region marked by longstanding conflict. October 7th showed us the harsh reality that peace can be shattered in an instant. True peace requires more than the absence of violence; it demands justice, security, and respect. When someone harms you, harm them is not a cry for revenge, but a declaration that we must respond decisively to those who seek to destroy us. Iron Resolve is about standing strong in defense of peace, knowing that it must be protected with vigilance and strength.
3. Vigilance is Vital
Jewish safety is never guaranteed. Complacency is dangerous, especially when threats are constant. When someone threatens you, believe them. History has shown us that ignoring threats only empowers those who seek to harm us. Iron Resolve demands that we remain vigilant, always prepared to defend ourselves and our communities. It is not enough to react to danger—we must foresee and prevent it before it materializes.
4. Self-Reliance and Defense
One of the clearest lessons from October 7th is that Jews cannot afford to rely solely on the goodwill of others for protection. Israel’s ability to defend itself is essential to our survival. When someone harms you, harm them speaks to the necessity of self-defense. While we do not seek conflict, we must ensure that those who attack us are met with a powerful and decisive response. Our future rests on our strength and our unyielding commitment to our own security, supported by Iron Resolve.
5. The Power of Collective Grief and Healing
In Jewish tradition, communal mourning holds a special place, and the grief that followed October 7th united us in ways that transcended borders and divisions. But this collective grief is not just about sorrow—it is about finding strength in each other. Healing comes from shared experiences and from knowing that we are not alone in our pain. Iron Resolve not only guides us in defense, but also in the process of recovery and rebuilding, turning grief into resilience.
6. The Necessity of Global Allies
While self-reliance is crucial, the Jewish people cannot face existential threats in isolation. Israel’s survival, and the security of Jewish communities around the world, depends in part on the strength of our global alliances. Iron Resolve means standing firm in our principles while fostering strong relationships with nations and allies who share our commitment to justice and peace. The international community must recognize the importance of standing together in the face of rising global threats.
7. The Importance of Clear Moral Boundaries
The attacks on Israel were not just acts of violence—they were violations of fundamental moral boundaries. Jewish teachings have always emphasized the distinction between right and wrong, good and evil. Iron Resolve means upholding these moral values with clarity, ensuring that our responses are guided by the principles of justice, liberty, and the sanctity of life. We cannot allow the lines between aggressor and defender to blur.
8. The Power of Jewish Unity
In moments of crisis, the Jewish people have always turned inward to find strength in each other. October 7th was no exception—it underscored the importance of unity across political, religious, and cultural divides. Our strength lies in our ability to come together as one, to stand side by side, and to protect each other. Iron Resolve in this context means standing united, refusing to allow internal divisions to weaken our collective resolve.
9. The Commitment to Life and Hope
Despite the horrors we have faced, the Jewish people have always chosen life. The response to October 7th is not only to mourn, but to rebuild, to live fully, and to renew our commitment to a future filled with purpose and optimism. Iron Resolve guides our dedication to life, growth, and hope. This resilience is not about seeking revenge; it is about ensuring that Jewish life flourishes in the face of adversity.
A Call to Action
October 7th challenged us in ways we could never have imagined, but it also steeled our determination. The heartbreak will remain with us, but so too will our unbreakable spirit. When someone threatens you, believe them, and when someone harms you, harm them—these are not just words, but principles that speak to our right to live, defend, and thrive. The Jewish people are not defined by the tragedies we endure, but by how we rise from them.
With Iron Resolve, we will protect our people, rebuild our future, and ensure that the sanctity of life is fiercely guarded. This is a call to every Jewish person and every ally around the world: our unity, our vigilance, and our commitment to justice and peace are the only answers to those who seek to destroy us. The pain of October 7th will never fade, but neither will our hope. We owe it to ourselves, to those we lost, and to future generations to ensure that out of this darkness, we rise—stronger, more united, and more determined than ever.