Two Years On: The Profound Human Cost of War for Israelis Since Oct 7, 2023
Two Years On: The Profound Human Cost of War for Israelis Since Oct 7, 2023
As the two-year mark passes since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israelis continue to grapple with the profound and multifaceted costs of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. From devastating personal losses to a fracturing national psyche, the war has reshaped individual lives and national unity.
Families of hostages, like Ofir Braslavsky whose 21-year-old son Rom remains captive, are intensifying their pleas to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding a deal to bring their loved ones home. Their anguish underscores the agonizing personal toll, with some expressing a deep sense of abandonment and disillusionment with their nation’s leadership and military response.
Beyond the immediate trauma, the conflict has bred unprecedented national division. A recent poll by the Israel Democracy Institute reveals that approximately 66% of Israelis desire an end to the war, signaling an erosion of the initial consensus. Mental health professionals, such as Oren Tene of the Public Mental Health Institute at Tel Aviv Medical Center, report a surge in anxiety and depression, with soldiers returning from Gaza experiencing moral injury from their actions and experiences.
The war has also led to a concerning decline in empathy towards Palestinian suffering among some Israelis, a sentiment fueled by reports of hostages being held in civilian homes. Efforts by researchers like Assaf David, who translates Palestinian social media posts, aim to bridge this empathy gap and foster greater understanding of the mutual human costs.
Internationally, Israel faces increasing scrutiny, with accusations of war crimes and growing diplomatic isolation. This global fury impacts ordinary Israelis, who now navigate international travel with heightened caution and a sense of vulnerability. Despite these challenges, many hold onto hope for a resolution, clinging to the belief that ‘Our story will have a good ending,’ even as the long-term psychological, ethical, and societal costs continue to mount.
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