Israel tore itself apart on Yom Kippur – then October 7 reminded us of our collective 'we'

The article reflects on Yom Kippur 2023, just 13 days before the October 7 attack, as a moment when Israel experienced significant internal division. This was exemplified by conflicts over makeshift partitions (mechitza) in public spaces like Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Square, leading to disruptions of prayer services and physical altercations. The author notes that this internal strife, visible to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, may have encouraged the subsequent attack by presenting an image of a fractured nation. The article suggests that while political divisions persist, the October 7 attack fostered a renewed sense of collective identity and shared fate among Israelis, transcending previous internal conflicts. It emphasizes that the sacrifices of soldiers from diverse backgrounds highlight the need for unity, echoing the collective "we" found in Yom Kippur liturgy.