Israel was set to have 2023 be its biggest tourism year since it became a nation again in 1948. More than 9 million people were going to make the holy pilgrimage this year, nearing the actual population of those living in the land, including the 35 souls set to leave on our trip the day after the October 7 attacks. Now in the grip of what feels like a battle for its existence, many of us who regularly travel to Israel wonder when we will be back next.

If one thing is for sure, Israel has been here before, and she will be here again.