Throughout history, Jews have faced immense challenges; from the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust to the most recent horrific, tragic events on October 7th in Israel, our journey has been marked by adversity.
However, amidst the darkness, I have seen something truly remarkable – the unwavering resilience and unity of the Jewish people. Our story of transforming tragedy into strength is sadly nothing new, but this newly reinvigorated sense of Jewishness is refreshing and reassuring. We are not in this alone. We are together. Because we are Jewish, we are inextricably tied together forever.
The Holocaust remains an indelible mark on Jewish history, symbolizing the darkest depths of human cruelty (or so we thought until 10/7). However, amidst the unspeakable horrors and loss, the Jewish people demonstrated unparalleled resilience. I saw it with my own eyes the day I met my father in law, a survivor.
Survivors not only rebuilt their lives but also worked tirelessly to ensure that the world never forgets, establishing museums, educational programs, and organizations dedicated to preserving the memory of those who perished. From tragedy, Jews have emerged as beacons of strength, inspiring generations to stand against prejudice, hate, and discrimination.
The events that unfolded in Israel on October 7th shook our community to its core. As a wife and mother, I felt the fear and anguish that swept through our nation. As an Israeli, I felt lost. As a Jew I felt confused.
Yet, amidst the chaos, something extraordinary happened – unity prevailed. Jews worldwide rallied together, offering support, prayers, and assistance to those affected.
Through WhatsApp groups, social media and a unified desire to do something, anything, things started happening. People started connecting, reconnecting and getting connected. We started finding purpose in place of panic. We had to. We’ve always had to.
This frenetic and fanatic display of solidarity showcased the unbreakable bond that we share, transcending geographical boundaries and reaffirming our commitment to each other's safety and well-being, physically and spiritually and eternally.
As Jews, we carry with us the weight of centuries of persecution (and what we affectionately call “Jewish Guilt”) But what amazes me is how our people have time and again triumphed over adversity. We have the remarkable ability to rebuild, reconnect, and thrive after immense suffering. It is a testament to our unwavering spirit. We have transformed tragedy into a driving force, inspiring future generations to stand tall in the face of injustice and work towards creating a better world.
The libels, the massacres, and the pogroms that have taken place since our inception as a nation, to the Holocaust and tragically to October 7th and its ensuing war today, have evoked a profound sense of unity and pride in being Jewish. I see how these experiences have instilled in us a renewed commitment to preserving our traditions, supporting one another, and standing against all forms of prejudice and hate.
Because that’s what happened to me. I’ve always been proud of who I am, but I never realized how much I needed to tell people or how much it mattered until October 7th.
We are here because we serve as a reminder of the shared history, cultural heritage, and values that bind us together as a community, as a People, as a Nation.
The unwavering resilience and unity displayed by our Jewish community in the face of tragedy provide me with hope and inspiration. It reminds me that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can overcome immense challenges. The ability of the Jewish people to rise above adversity and rebuild their lives is a testament to the power of our resilience.
From tragedy, we have found strength. We have found ourselves. We have found our voices. We have found each other. We have found family. (We've even found humor). We have fostered a collective identity that transcends borders, inspiring others to stand against hatred and discrimination.
Together, guided by the power of unity, faith and the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people, we will triumph.
Because we are the good vs the evil.
Because we are the light vs the dark.
Because we always have and always will be.
Because we are the Jewish Nation.
Gila Stern, an award-winning content and marketing executive, brings over two decades of experience in driving growth for hundreds of brands, ranging from global category leaders to startups.
Highly regarded for her leadership, strategic thinking, and execution capabilities, Gila has earned industry awards and recognitions, including multiple Aegis awards and more than 45 Telly awards for her productions. She has produced more than 1500 episodes of business television programming and secured significant sponsorships and funding with major global entities.
Gila has been interviewed for her authentic approach and millennial perspective on deep topics that create meaningful change in people's lives.
The underlying drive for her corporate successes lies in Gila's greatest motivator: her children and community.