Following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 that left 1,200 people dead and 250 taken hostage, many Israelis are turning to their faith for solace, reports Ma’ayan Hoffman. The tragic event has deeply shaken Israeli society, undermining trust in the government, the IDF, and the economy. Statistics and personal testimonies show a significant increase in religious engagement among Israelis seeking solace and strength.
Eitiel Goldwich, education director for the Jewish advocacy group Aish, said Jewish identity is growing, especially among Palestinians in Gaza and those who have sought peace. Many secular soldiers demand tzitzit, or ritual ornaments, and tefillin, or phylacteries, for spiritual protection. Aish organized a day of prayer and solidarity at Jerusalem’s Western Wall that drew nearly five million Jews from around the world.
Rabbi Zvi Broeker of Aish.com highlighted a 300% increase in users of its live webchat service, indicating a surge in Jews seeking spiritual guidance. A February 2024 survey by Dr. Menachem Lazar found that 33% of Israelis, especially young people, have strengthened their faith since the attacks. Additionally, 63% reported an increase in prayer, 59% more conversations with God, and 45% more psalm readings.
The Israel Democracy Institute has seen a similar trend, with 34% feeling more religious since the war. Even the Messianic Jewish group Jews in Jesus has reported a 43% increase in requests for New Testaments. Aaron Abramson, the group’s executive director, compared this to the increased spiritual openness seen in Ukraine during its conflict with Russia.
To gain a deeper understanding of how the October 7 attacks have changed religious engagement in Israel, read the full article by Maayan Hoffman.
