After months of war, young Israelis look forward to a ‘new beginning’ in 2024.

Shortly after welcoming the new year on a bustling street in Tel Aviv, young Israelis found themselves scrambling for cover, and partygoers faced a barrage of rockets intercepted by missile defense systems. The midnight attack, occurring as many sought to escape thoughts of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighted the weariness expressed by revelers celebrating New Year’s Eve.

Gabriel Zemelman, 26, shared his fear as the rockets descended, stating, “We were all afraid on the corners… my heart was pounding.” He emphasized the stark contrast between the expected joys of life and the unsettling reality faced by those born in the region. The attack, claimed by the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, aimed to retaliate against what they called “massacres of civilians” by Israel.

Despite the backdrop of the prolonged Gaza war, the streets of Tel Aviv remained crowded with celebrants. Gelerenter, a 17-year-old student, admitted initial fear but chose to join friends for a New Year’s celebration, envisioning “a new beginning” for 2024. Musician Boaz Bates voiced a desire for peace, urging people to “stop hating each other and come together.” Bates criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, emphasizing the disconnect between policymakers and those on the frontline.

Ido Hurvitz, a 24-year-old technology student, expressed hope for coexistence but acknowledged the subdued nature of his own feelings. “Our country is at war, but we have to get on with our lives, that’s our way of winning,” he said. Reservist Shir Taitou, aged 24, conflicted about celebrating while some of her friends were deployed in Gaza, echoed the mixed sentiments among the revelers.

The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israel, resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Israel responded with a devastating offensive in the Gaza Strip, leaving vast areas in ruins. In front of a Tel Aviv bar, amid techno beats, a sign reading “Bring them home now!” drew attention to the hostages taken by militants. However, not everyone could partake in the festivities, with server Ran Stahl opting to work and expressing a sense of guilt and mourning following the loss of a friend in the October 7 Supernova music festival tragedy.

As celebrations unfolded against the backdrop of conflict, the dichotomy of emotions among the revelers highlighted the complex reality faced by the young population in the region.