Ecclesiastes 3:4 it says there is a “time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” I cannot speak for anyone else, but, for me, it is a time for mourning. I feel as if I have been in that period of mourning since October 7, 2023 until the present. From the Bibas family to my own father’s passing on February 15, 2025, I have felt continual sadness.

Of course, I am mourning the loss of my Dad; that type of grief is easy to understand. What is harder to grasp for some is the grief that comes from losses that are less tangible. Although we have all been aware of antisemitism and how “anti-Zionism” has become the new buzzword to cover up the real meaning- hatred of Jews and the state of Israel- October 7th made that hate abundantly clear. Beyond the horrific loss of life that was perpetrated by Hamas, we have seen an appalling and, quite frankly, shocking response from much of the world. It feels as if they have made the victims the villains and the villains the victims. Rather than coming together to condemn evil terrorist acts, so many have rallied against Israel’s defending itself against these horrors. As a Jewish believer, I am so very saddened by these events.

I find myself mourning the loss of humanity. I feel as if I am mourning the loss of the feeling of security. I feel grief over the amount of hatred that exists in this world. I also feel grief over the amount of division that exists. I am not naive; I knew all these things existed in this fallen world, but when an event like October 7th happens and the ensuing response of hatred toward the victims occurs, that has a way of snapping you out of your complacency.

What then do we do with all this grief? Grief and mourning are a part of life, unfortunately. We have no control over the losses we inevitably experience in our lives. The first step is to identify and acknowledge the feelings of loss and what we are grieving. Allow yourself to sit with the pain so that you may be able to process it. Remember, there is no way around grief; you must go through it. Also, remember that grief is a marathon and not a sprint.

We may also look to Scripture for guidance and comfort. Psalm 34:19 says, “Adonia is near to those with broken hearts; He saves those whose spirit is crushed.” Psalm 46:1-2 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” No matter what pain we experience, the Lord is always with us. He is there to carry us in our weakness. He is there to shield us from the attacks of the enemy. He is our Rock and our Redeemer, our Counselor and our Comforter. He gives us this promise in Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” 

His love for His children is unfathomable. What happened to His children on October 7, 2023, was horrendous, and the evil was unfathomable. There are many in Israel who are still grieving and suffering, not just because of terrorist attacks but also because of poverty and hunger. That is why Israel Today Ministries (ITM) is such a blessing to the people of Israel. They provide love, comfort, and tangible necessities such as food to those in need. You can partner with ITM and be a blessing to those who are suffering by donating what you can to such a worthy cause. You may feel powerless over losses and trauma, but you have the power to be a blessing to those who are hurting. Please consider it. May the Lord bless you and keep you always!

Abigale Hassel

Abigale S. Hassel, MSW, LCSW, Counseling, is a friend of Israel Today Ministries, and is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with those who suffer with chronic and/or terminal illness, grief and bereavement, anxiety, and depression. As a Jewish believer, she believes that Yeshua (Jesus) is the promised Messiah of Israel. Her goal is to show God’s love, bringing hope to those who are emotionally suffering. Her website:  www.embracingthenow.com