JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (WENY) -- It's been one year since the war in Israel began, and the conflict has left a heavy mark on its people.
"I think 12 months of war has taken a toll on Israelis and Israelis have suffered a great deal," says Rabbi David Begoun, a citizen of Israel.
For many, that suffering means being uprooted from their homes. An estimated 60,000 to 70,000 people have been evacuated and displaced from the northern region. Some say it's not safe to return home due to the fighting with Hamas.
"There's constant rocket fire and barrage coming from the North... that's part of why we're seeing this ground offensive now," says Begoun.
While the threat of violence continues, life still goes in places like Tel Aviv, and there continues to be hundreds of thousands of people displaced.
"Israelis tend to be a resilient people. I was just, for example, today I was just in town and sitting at a cafe and eating dinner. And there were a lot of people outside. So it's October 7th and it's a sad day," explained Begoun.
Danielle is a teacher in the suburbs of Tel Aviv, and in the last month, she says the resilience in the classroom is what keeps everyone strong, together.
"Today, specifically in the middle of the school day, everyone went running and because it's October 7th and we knew something, rockets were going to come, but the kids were just holding each other and then they all went into this office, and were just singing like proud, hopeful songs and they were laughing and it was just like it was such a crazy experience," says Danielle Yablonka, Teacher in Tel Aviv. "If it weren't for them, I would have been so scared, but they're not for the most part so they're pretty resilient."
For many Israelis, standing strong isn't just a necessity it's part of their identity.
"We can't sit back and just let them (Hamas) hurt us. We must defend ourselves and I stand fully behind Israel and this country and this nation, and I really hope that whoever the future president of America continues to stand by Israel, because it's the most important part of my identity as a Jew," says Yablonka.
The past year has been marked by tragedy, displacement, and uncertainty, but in the midst of it all, Israelis continue to show their resolve. As the war enters its second year, many hope for peace but are prepared for whatever may come next.
Since the October 7th attack, Israel has launched an offensive in Gaza against Hamas. During the past year, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed- and another 96,000 wounded.
AP Reports Stats on the Oct 7. Attack:
AP Reports Stats on the Displacement: