Reflections on October 7, 2023
R A F A E L R A B I N O V I C H
On October 7, 2023, a significant event unfolded in the Land of Israel. This date held particular significance, being Shabbat, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah, marking the culmination of the festive month of Tishrei. Exactly 50 years after Arab armies exploited the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur to launch a surprise attack on Israel, history seemed to repeat itself.
The Hamas terror organization, in control of the Gaza strip since 2005, meticulously planned and executed a multi-front attack. Israel found itself caught off guard, more so than half a century earlier. The reliance on the Gaza security fence and its advanced technology surpassed even the trust placed in 1973 in the Bar-Lev defensive line on the former Egyptian border. And this time, Israel’s response was delayed more than in the Yom Kippur war, despite the advancements in technology – or rather, because of our reliance on it.
“Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” [Psalm 121:4]
Israel’s vulnerabilities became apparent after we repeatedly ignored explicit warnings from the enemy which signaled their intentions. Silence was all they got in return. We focused on hacking their computers, while they meticulously planned on paper. Our reliance on technology, from security fences to cameras placed on high vantage points, ironically, created predictability in our defenses. We fixated on tunnel threats, neglecting to consider alternative forms of attack. The emphasis was on what they had done, rather than on what they could do.
The Torah instructions from Deuteronomy 25:17 resound: “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt.” It is not merely the memory of Amalek that holds significance, but the lessons their actions teach us. Amalek attacked when we were weak, tired, and had let down our guard. Hamas did the same on October 7.
We failed to acknowledge the enemy’s testing of our defense systems. Celebrating our success in intercepting their rockets, we missed the underlying intention: hurling rockets at us was all a calculated assessment on their part. They had been preparing for years, gathering intelligence and fundraising for their objectives, and none of this was ever concealed. We knew, yet we underestimated.
By contrast, in our excessive openness, we inadvertently exposed our weaknesses to the world. Vocal criticisms of our system of democracy and exposure of our internal conflicts were laid bare, bolstered by our confidence in the non-negotiability of the principle of freedom of expression. However, we overlooked the message this sent to our adversaries.
We must not forget the lesson of Amalek’s attack during our journey from Egypt to the Land of Israel. We must not repeat this mistake. Our technological capabilities, our knowledge, our vulnerabilities – these should not be broadcast to the world. Instead, we should anticipate risks and prepare for the unexpected. Over-reliance on seemingly tried-and-true methods leaves us susceptible to evolving threats.
Security measures should be discreet, hidden even, with concealed alarm and observation systems. Information released should be strategic, potentially even misleading. Our strengths should be veiled, our secrets guarded. The vigilance that protected us in the past must continue, as we remain watchful in the years to come. Not even 50 years is enough time to let our guard down.
“Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” [Psalm 121:4]
Neither should we.
Rafael Rabinovich is a Chabadnik originally from Peru. He was active in the struggle for the Land of Israel during the period of the Disengagement. Now in his early 50s, Rafael is currently pursuing a career in Data Science. Alongside his professional endeavors, he is an avid storyteller and runs a YouTube channel in two languages, where he shares captivating Baal Shem Tov stories every Motzei Shabbat.
Rafael Rabinovich may be contacted at rafvrab@gmail.com.
