We come to You holding the fullness of this moment,
relief and gratitude as the remaining surviving hostages return home,
and the deep ache that this joy does not erase.
We remember the horrors of October 7th and the years that have followed,
those who were taken from us, the lives lost, families shattered,
and the deep grief and trauma of the Israeli people.
We hold the loss and suffering of innocent Palestinian civilians,
whose communities have been devastated by war.
In this moment, we name the universal toll:
families torn apart, hearts broken, communities in trauma,
all yearning for safety, dignity, peaceful coexistence, and hope for complete healing.
Ba’al HaRakhamim, Master of Compassion,
Help us to live with open hearts even when they are broken.
Strengthen all who defend and protect life,
and guide the leaders of Israel to act with wisdom, courage, and compassion,
to seek justice and peace for all who dwell in the land.
Guardian and Healer of All Life,
Teach us to see one another in Your image,
to hold both the humanity and the heartbreak of this time.
As Kohelet reminds us:
“There is a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4)
May we learn again how to hold both,
to sing even as we grieve,
to hope even when the way is not yet clear.
Holy and Merciful Source of Peace,
Spread over all who dwell in the land Your shelter of peace,
and let it be said once more:
“Violence will no longer be heard in your land,
nor desolation and destruction within your borders.” (Isaiah 60:18)
May the One who makes peace on high
make peace for us, for all Israel,
and for all who dwell on this earth.
And let us say: Amen.
