The events in Israel on October 7 were a stark reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. The heinous attack brought to the forefront of our minds the cruel and vicious hatred that infects the souls of Hamas terrorists and the anti-Israeli sentiments that are all too common across the world.
I certainly understand the need for Israel to recover the hostages and bring the perpetrators of these horrific crimes to justice. However, I also have to look at the level of Israel’s military response.
It is clear that Hamas hides its fighters and weapons among the general Palestinian population, using their homes, schools and hospitals as shields. Perhaps they did this sensing that Israel would use its military might to destroy these fighters and weapons and, in the process, inflict great harm on the Palestinian people, which would create a negative image of Israel in the eyes of the world.
The Jewish people, if anything, are resilient. After all, we have faced persecution throughout the centuries and if the Holocaust taught us anything, it is to stand up against those who wish to destroy us. However, those of us who feel concern for the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have lost their families, homes and businesses are not outcasts to our religion.
As a people who have experienced much suffering over the centuries, we can and must sympathize with the suffering of others. It is my deepest hope that, once this cycle of violence and pain finally comes to an end, the resilience of both Israelis and Palestinians walk the path together toward lasting peace.
This piece is part of a series of reflections from the J Street community. Read the rest of the reflections here.