Via Sabra - Unfolding Israel

The news of the tragic attack at Bondi Beach hit us as we headed into the first night of Chanukah, which made the messages of the holiday, despite being weighed deeper with sadness, shine through even stronger.

We, here in Israel, are coming out of two years of darkness and the future for us and Jews around the world seems even darker. And yet, we can turn to these small flames, that grow every night in number, as symbols of resilience, hope, and unity.

Wishing everyone a happier Chanukah and may the increasing glow of the candles light our path ahead with peace and prosperity.

Hope shines brighter today. The hostages are returning home and we are waiting with bated breath. So much excitement in the air among everyone filling Hostage Square and other meeting points to welcome them and share our hope for days of peace and restoration ahead. Sending our love and gratitude to all the soldiers - serving, home, injured, and fallen - who have sacrificed so much over the past two years. And to the families of hostages who are not returning alive. May the days ahead bring the unity and strength to rebuild a brighter future for all. Am yisrael chai.

Today in Israel is Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day.

And as the siren wailed across the country at 10am this morning, for one minute, the country came to a standstill. Individuals in marketplaces, streets, highways and schools, stood in silence—remembering.

Today in particular, we reflect on the countless paths Jews have traveled through history. Some paths came to an abrupt, tragic halt during humanity's darkest chapter. Others wound their way forward, allowing survivors to forge ahead, create new families, and establish new roots.

Our history is marked by profound hardship, but also by remarkable resilience. Through remembrance, we honor those lost and affirm our commitment that their stories will never be forgotten.

We remember. We mourn. We endure.

🎗️ 💙 💙🇮🇱

Photo above: Cattle car used to transport Jews to work and death camps, as pitched symbolically at the end of train tracks in the outdoor park of Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. Courtesy of Pixabay.

We're excited to invite Canadian women to join us for this amazing exploration of leadership, resilience, and hope with the Shefa Journey and Shawna Goodman in March 2025.

For more details, visit our trip page here:
https://viasabra.com/trip/shefa-march-2025/

And PM or reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]

We are so grateful to the women who persevered and decided to come Israel to explore, connect, write, and share Israel these challenging days. You bring us light and hope!

Special thanks to Gila Walkabout Israel for leading their Trip of One's Own.