Israelis and Jews throughout the world will never forget where they were the moment they heard the horrendous news of the Hamas pogrom – the brutal massacre on the towns and villages near the Gaza border.

Ethan Kushner, chairman of the Moriah Masorti Synagogue in Haifa, recalls the transition from rejoicing to mourning. “Erev Simchat Torah, the synagogue was alive as adults and children danced with the Sifrei Torah.” On that warm October evening, the hakafot continued into the park outside, and the rabbi`s impressive voice soared to the heavens.

“The next day, Simchat Torah,” he continues, “congregants arrived with the face of Tisha B’av.

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