Hamas Attacks Israel From Land, Air, Sea

By: Cayla McKay '25 and Aly Biloon '25

​On Saturday, October 7, 2023– the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War– Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel from land, sea, and air. The terrorist group fired thousands of rockets into major cities as a decoy before sending hundreds of fighters from the Gaza Strip to massacre Israelis in their homes.

Israelis across the nation awoke to the blaring sounds of sirens warning them to rush into bomb shelters. 
    It was a frightening scene for the next hours in the areas of Israel closest to Gaza. A music festival full of dancing and joy to celebrate peace suddenly became a site of horror as Hamas soldiers killed, injured, and kidnapped hundreds of young Israelis. Men, women, and children hid in their homes, only to be murdered by Hamas intruders with no mercy. Israelis fled kibbutzim as these terrorists infiltrated the properties and ambushed its residents. 
Just hours after the initial attacks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "We are at war [...] This is happening now." He urged Israeli citizens to follow the leadership of the military. Defense Minister Yoav Gallot commented, "Hamas made a grave mistake this morning and started a war against the State of Israel," adding that "the State of Israel will win this war."
As the day progressed, the Israeli Defense Force evacuated citizens from the towns near Gaza, but Hamas still managed to take civilians and soldiers hostage. In the sky, the Iron Dome system shot down a barrage of missiles while Hamas soldiers flew down in paragliders to continue the vicious act of terror against Israeli citizens. 
    As of October 16, over 6,700 rockets have been fired from Gaza, 1,400 Israelis have been murdered, 3,800 injured, and 199 taken hostage. 
Within our school community, countless students and educators have family and friends in Israel who are facing the horrors of these attacks. 
 Concerned individuals can help by making donations to the many organizations that provide aid on the ground, we can educate ourselves about the current situation, and we can share what we have learned with others. 
Hospitals are currently in need of significant support as more and more Israelis require care for wounds caused by missiles and gunshots. Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem has been treating these victims and has launched a crisis campaign to acquire funds for continued care. Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva has treated hundreds of victims and is seeking funding for medical equipment. 
Medical assistance is also necessary on the frontlines; Israel's volunteer emergency service providers have been aiding victims at sites of attacks since the start of the war. Volunteer services in need of funding include American Friends of Magen David Adom (Bloomberg is matching donations), United Hatzalah, Lev Echad, and ZAKA. 
Additionally, The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ is raising money for the Emergency Fund for Israel. Donations will go to meet the immediate needs of the victims of the Hamas attacks. This includes paying for funerals and shiva, trauma services, temporary housing for those displaced, and much more. 100% of the donations go directly to Israelis in need. “As students of GOA, you have learned so much about Israel and how important it is to support the country. Continue to be a friend and to let others know,” said Michele Landau, current Chair of Federation’s UJA Annual Campaign and alumni parent of Rebecca, Ethan and Ally. 
Golda Och Academy Upper School has held information sessions for high school and middle school and held school-wide assemblies throughout the week to ensure our GOA community finds support and comfort in one another during this challenging time. 
Students can also use reliable news sources such as Stand With Us and CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy and Middle East Reporting in America) to learn more about the conflict. Furthermore, sharing this knowledge with others who are less informed helps dispel myths and advocate for Israel. 
In a time of confusion, anger and heartbreak, we as a community support one another and pray for Israel's safety. 




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