Israel is on maximum alert
Last Updated on October 12, 2024 5:53 am
Israel is celebrating Yom Kippur for the first time since 1973 amid the ongoing wartime situation. The Israeli forces are on high alert.
Because the country is facing an ongoing conflict with Hamas in Palestine and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Friday that various defense systems have been strengthened across the country. Along with this, alertness has been increased in the border areas as well.
The first month of the Hebrew year is called ‘Tishrei’. According to Jewish belief, on the first day of this month, the Lord opens the fortune-telling book for the next year. Therefore, from this day, the Jews make a special prayer.
The Day of Atonement or ‘Yom Kippur’ is celebrated on the tenth day of Tishri. At the end of this day, the Lord closed the book after writing the destiny of the Jews.
The day of Yom Kippur is observed by Jews individually, familially and collectively through intense prayer, repentance, fasting and abstinence. This day, which is very important and prestigious in Judaism, is an official holiday in Israel. All but a limited number of essential services remain closed.
During this Yom Kippur celebration in 1973, Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel. This is known as the Yom Kippur War or the Arab-Israeli War. With the memory of that war, this year’s Yom Kippur celebration has created a different context. Because Israel is involved in another bloody war this year.
The Israeli government has instructed its people to be alert and ready to face any threat on this special religious day.
Source: Times of Israel