Before the war, Israelis were no strangers to protest culture. Demonstrations over judicial reform, clashes over public prayer in Tel Aviv and anti-Haredi marches in Bnei Brak kept the country in a constant churn of political tension. Heated Knesset debates were routine, even unremarkable.

Then came Oct. 7, 2023.

In the days immediately following the Hamas attacks, the divisions seemed to melt away. Massive volunteer efforts emerged overnight, and what had been a fractious society began operating with uncommon unity and compassion.

On Oct. 8, in the basement of Shelly Shem Tov, the mother of hostage Omer Shem Tov, families of the abducted gathered, joined by representatives from some 1,400 other families who supported them.

The meeting led to the creation of the Hostages and Missing Pe

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