Reflecting on Hope and Resilience: A Personal Journey Amid Israel’s Crisis Raising the Barr Weekly Memo: Issue 563

As the 22nd anniversary of my mother’s passing in Israel approaches, I can’t help but reflect on her adopted country and my birthplace during these devastating and challenging times in Israel’s history. My wife, Laurel, our family, and I have spent countless hours glued our computers, watching livestream updates from Israel, and tuning into news broadcasts and Israel Army radio. Though this is a business newsletter, the unfolding situation in Israel naturally occupies a part of my thoughts.

I’ve found that connecting with friends, family, and indulging in the Israeli music I love helps me manage the tension and anxiety. Music has a way of soothing the heart, alleviating the pain we all feel, and rekindling hope for better days, peace, and a sense of normalcy.

In March 2018, a unique event took place at Beit Avi-Chai in Jerusalem. Six hundred Holocaust survivors and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered to participate in a musical initiative aimed at fostering stronger bonds within the Israeli society. They came together to sing the meaningful and stirring song “Chai!” which translates to “I’m still alive, the people of Israel are still alive!

Listening to this, I remain hopeful. I dream of the day when the current crisis ends, and I wake up to a world where the hostages and their families are reunited, terror and destruction have ceased, and there’s genuine hope for peace and a full, vibrant life. This song, “Chai,” symbolizes not just survival, but a continuing resilience and hope for a peaceful future.

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2 thoughts on “Reflecting on Hope and Resilience: A Personal Journey Amid Israel’s Crisis Raising the Barr Weekly Memo: Issue 563

  1. What a powerful message, and a powerful song, Chad. Let’s hope that Israelis will soon be able to sing again with the same smiles they had on their faces in 2018.

    Thank you so much for for sharing your message and this song.

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