Tuesday was a day of mixed emotions for Israelis – the joyful beginning of the biblical Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) coupled with the second anniversary of the Hamas October 7th massacre, hostage taking, and war in Gaza. The day came against the backdrop of a new round of talks to free the hostages and end the war.
Two years after the October 7th, 2023, attacks by Hamas, Israel still lives with the pain and the questions about what comes next. As the Sukkot holiday begins, many are reflecting on how that day changed the nation, and why Christians say their support matters more now than ever.
With waning support and weakened public perception, the bond between the United States and Israel is being tested like never before. That faltering image has Israel turning its focus to the state and local level with a new strategy to build support.
On October 7, 2023, the people of Israel endured their darkest day since the Holocaust. In a coordinated attack, Hamas terrorists crossed into southern Israel, murdering 1,200 civilians, abducting more than 250 hostages, and committing atrocities too horrific to fully describe.
![Hostage survivor Eli Sharabi spoke with CBN News about his time in Hamas captivity and his new book, "Hostage." Photo Credit: CBN News.](https://cmsedit.cbn.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_xl_640x480/public/elisharabiinterview_si.jpg?itok=B0TNaseX "Hostage survivor Eli Sharabi spoke with CBN News about his time in Hamas captivity and his new book, "Hostage." Photo Credit: CBN News.")
For Eli Sharabi, October 7th, 2023, became a fateful day that would lead to 491 days in Hamas captivity. In his new book, Hostage, Sharabi tells how he survived and now chooses to be free from anger and bitterness.
Negotiators from Israel and Hamas are in Cairo today, working through President Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza and free the hostages. The administration says momentum is building despite major hurdles.
As the war continues in Gaza, nearly 50 Israelis are still hostages, both living and dead, held by Hamas. One survivor of the Nova Music Festival on October 7th, 2023, tells CBN News that even though she's dealing with post-traumatic stress, she believes she's alive for a reason.
From the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls to the Pool of Siloam, modern Israel is known for its ancient wonders. For 61 years, the Israel Antiquities Authority has been the center of its archaeological efforts and preservation. Then came October 7th, 2023, when a group of Israeli archaeologists had to take on a unique role.
Two years. Two long years since morning broke on Simchat Torah—the holy day whose name literally means "rejoicing in the Torah." But instead of the sounds of worship and laughter, Israel's skies were filled with sirens and synagogues were filled with sheer terror and endless tears that the country was under attack.
Hamas said late on Friday that it has agreed to some elements of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip, including giving up power and releasing all remaining hostages. But the ceasefire agreement doesn't appear to be a done deal, because the terror group said some elements of the plan require further consultations among Palestinians.