What is Yom Kippur: Yom Kippur, the holiest festival of Judaism, is being celebrated in Israel from Friday. But this festival is being celebrated under the shadow of fear and danger alert is issued in many places. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar known for repentance and introspection. But this time, for the first time since 1973, the country is celebrating Yom Kippur in the middle of an active war. This year, Israel has been placed on high security alert due to the ongoing military conflict in Lebanon and Gaza and increasing tensions with Iran.
Rocket attacks and security preparedness
Even before the start of Yom Kippur, more than 120 rockets were fired at Israel, most of which were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome system. Some rockets fell in open areas, causing fires, but no casualties were reported. For security reasons, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) urges residents to use special warning systems so that they can be aware of the dangers of rocket and missile attacks in time. The government has warned that while radio and television broadcasts will remain silent, rocket attack warning sirens will continue. Apart from this, warning of rocket attacks will also be given through Home Front Command's app and cellphone.
Changes in military services: exemption from fasting
Newly appointed Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef has reiterated IDF protocol, stating that soldiers who are engaged in active combat are not allowed to fast on Yom Kippur. He said it was “clear” that the combat troops were not only prevented from fasting, but were also allowed to take normal amounts of food and water. According to the rules of Judaism, protection of human life is considered more important than religious rules.
Police and hospitals across the country on high alert
Israeli police are also on high alert across the country due to recent terrorist attacks. Hospitals were also put on emergency alert, and medical teams are ready for any untoward incident. This is the first time since 1973 that Israel is at war during Yom Kippur. That year, Egyptian and Syrian armies attacked Israel on this holy day.
Yom Kippur: A time of prayer and introspection
The 25-hour fasting and prayer time for religious and traditional Jews began at 5:31 pm in Jerusalem and 5:51 pm in Tel Aviv. This fast will end on Saturday at 6:46 pm and 6:48 pm respectively.
beginning of yom kippur
Yom Kippur is considered the most holy and important day in Judaism. It is also called 'Day of Atonement'. This day is celebrated on the 10th of the month of Tishri, which usually falls in September or October. The main purpose of this day is to repent for one's sins, ask for forgiveness and introspect. On Yom Kippur, a 25-hour fast is observed and people participate in prayers throughout the day.
This festival is also mentioned in the Torah (Jewish scriptures), where it is considered a time to purify the soul. This day symbolizes getting forgiveness for the sins committed during the previous year and starting a fresh life. According to Jewish tradition, God passes judgment on Yom Kippur to those who repent and look forward to a new beginning.
Yom Kippur War (1973)
The Yom Kippur War, also known as the October War or Arab–Israeli War, began on 6 October 1973. This war started on the day of Yom Kippur, when Israel was suddenly attacked by the armies of Egypt and Syria. On this day the people of Israel were busy with their fasting and prayers, and did not have time to prepare the country.
Egypt attacked the Sinai Peninsula and Syria attacked areas of the Golan Heights, which Israel had taken control of in the 1967 Six-Day War. The main reason behind this war was to try to get these areas back. Initially, the Arab forces were successful, but Israel quickly reorganized its forces and counter-attacked.
results of war
This war ended on 25 October 1973. Initially the Arab countries gained the upper hand, but later Israel strengthened its position and the war ended in a stable situation. The war resulted in peace negotiations between Israel and Arab countries, culminating in the signing of the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel in 1979. The Yom Kippur War not only affected relations between Israel and Arab countries, but also had an impact on the global level. Problems such as rising oil prices and energy crises emerged, and the war proved to have a profound impact on the map of world politics.
