In a poignant address reflecting on the recent violence in Israel, a native-born Israeli speaker expressed deep sorrow over the kidnapping and brutal treatment of over 1,200 individuals by Hamas and other groups. The speaker emphasized the profound pain felt for the innocent victims, including 101 hostages still held in Gaza, while also drawing parallels to historical atrocities faced by the Jewish community.

The speaker recounted their upbringing, which was steeped in the belief that the establishment of the Jewish state would signify an end to global antisemitism—a hope rooted in the traumatic experiences of their parents during the Holocaust. They recalled learning about the Holocaust at a young age and the significance of the Eichmann trial, which brought the horrors of that era to light.

However, the speaker conveyed a sense of disillusionment, stating that the recent events have shattered their belief in the motto \"never again.\" They described the current violence as a modern-day pogrom, where Jews found themselves vulnerable and targeted, echoing the historical persecutions of the past. The emotional weight of their words underscored a call for reflection on the ongoing struggles faced by the Jewish community and the urgent need for solidarity in the face of renewed threats.