This is a running collection of Hadassah Magazine's coverage of the October 7 Hamas terror attacks in southern Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. Explore these stories of survival and heroism, including digital-exclusive pieces as well as articles that originally appeared in print, and read the many poignant essays on resilience, unity and hope.
Israel’s October 7 Refugees
Israelis evacuated from their homes in the North and South of the country struggle with harsh new realities and difficult choices.
Israel Serves as the Insurance Policy of Jews Worldwide
The unique history and circumstances of the Jewish people make clear why Israel is so essential to safeguard Jewish life.
A Mother’s Phantom Pain for Her Murdered Son
Hadassah life member Julie Bausi is traumatized by the final moments of her beloved son, Itai, who was murdered by Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival.
Haredi Women Contribute to War Effort
During Israel’s war with Hamas, volunteering has been at an all-time high, with many haredi women spearheading important initiatives.
Cooking as Wartime Comfort
Post October 7, social media culinary stars share Israeli pride and flavor on Instagram.
‘Am Yisrael Chai:’ Writing Through Pain
Rabbi Menachem Creditor’s new anthology is a response to Hamas’s carnage.
Meet the Volunteers Healing Israel at Hadassah Hospitals
The growth in volunteering echoes the nationwide desire among civilians to come together and contribute to the war effort.
Painful and Piercing Public Art as Therapy
The hunger to create and share these works of art is a testament to the widespread trauma that grips Israeli society.
‘A Great Awakening’ for American Jewry
Will this closer identification to Israel last when the crisis is over?
The Female Heroes on the Battlefield and Homefront
From soldiers to brave civilians, many Israelis owe their lives to women who answered the call of duty on October 7.
Bearing Witness for Rape Victims of Hamas
Jewish groups are pressuring the U.N. to move beyond tepid responses to a full-throated condemnation of Hamas and advocacy on behalf of Israeli victims.
Meet the Pro-Israel Pups of Instagram
Post-October 7, a slew of Instagram accounts have been chronicling the ardent, and adorable, Zionist leanings of a litter-ful of dogs—and their human parents.
U.N. Session Decries Inattention to Hamas’s Abuse of Women
'Rape should never be used as an act of war,' Sheryl Sandberg said. 'And the truth must be upheld despite the politics of our time.'
Explaining the Inexplicable to College Students
A young Israeli activist helps U.S. college students navigate the Israel-Hamas war.
Standing Strong in the Face of Evil
Three quarters of a century after the Holocaust, there has never been a more critical moment to defend Israel and the Jewish people.
An Open Letter to the World on Antisemitism
Such profound levels of hatred and indifference to the threat to Jews "has been a devastating shock."
The Economic Fallout of War
The longer Israel battles Hamas in Gaza, the higher the costs and the slower Israel’s economic recovery will be.
The Artists Behind the Hostage Poster Project
Created by Israeli artists, the ‘Kidnapped’ project has become a flashpoint in the anguished global conversation about the men, women and children taken by Hamas terrorists.
Israeli Moms Serving on the Home Front
A record 350,000-plus Israelis, mostly men, have been called up for reserve duty. Now, thousands of mothers have become single parents, depending on the support of community.
Netflix’s Aleeza Ben Shalom on Love in the Time of War
The star of 'Jewish Matchmaking' reflects on the uptick of weddings during the war in Israel and her own career path in bringing people to the chuppah.
Rising Tide of Anti-Israel Sentiment in Britain
A sober view from London after the Hamas terror attacks, from massive pro-Palestinian rallies to support from the government and the royal family.
Finding Strength in Community at Virginia Tech
"I cannot sleep," writes the author. "I sit in class numb, not listening to a single word. I’m only 17 but I know I cannot be silent."
Sorrow and Resilience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
For many American Jewish college students, there’s no escape from the deep antisemitism present at the same institutions that pride themselves on diversity, equity and inclusion.
‘Feeling Abandoned’ by the Univ. of Washington and Middlebury
Normalized antisemitism is terrifying, especially among the people on campus who support and uplift all marginalized groups besides Jews.
How to Explain the War to Children
A Jerusalem-based nonprofit has developed a guide to talking to young children about the war in Israel.
The Psychiatrists Treating Israel’s ‘Collective Trauma’
After Hamas’s assault on the Jewish State, psychiatrists Dr. Esti Galil-Weisstrub and Dr. Amit Shalev focus on emergency mental health aid to support a nation reeling with shock.
Israel’s Other Secret Weapon
Israel’s secret weapon, Golda Meir once said, is that “we have no place else to go.” But there’s another tool in our arsenal: community.
Heartbroken, Distraught—and Mobilized
Killing Jews is still possible, but not without consequences. Today, we have a nation and an army—and hospitals and friends around the world who support us.
The ‘Lucky Ones’: Victims Treated at Hadassah Hospital
Michal Ohana, 27, took a bullet in her leg as she ran for her life from Haman gunfire. 'I was one of the lucky ones,' she said.
What Will Be at the End of It All?
It’s now day three since our reality changed. Thousands of Israeli reservists have been called up, including my nephews and neighbors, friends’ children and my boys’ teachers.
War in Israel, Once Again
During the Yom Kippur War, I worried about my husband and our friends after they joined their reserve units. Today, it is our children and grandchildren fighting.