TBT Blog

Just before writing these words, I read a news report that said that the hospital that was destroyed in Gaza, killing 500 people, was most likely the result of a misfired rocket released by Hamas.

The ferocity with which Israel was condemned, when it was first thought to have been the perpetrator of this horrid tragedy, was breathtaking in its scope and intensity. Now that it has been (preliminarily) determined to have originated from Hamas, I am deeply saddened by two facts: 1) those who were so quick to attack Israel seem unable/unconcerned with righting their “reporting” or acknowledging that Israel would never do such a thing intentionally; and 2) those same sources do not condemn Hamas for placing their armaments in the midst of civilian populations nor denounce Hamas for this act that killed so many of their own people.

What this shows to me is that – as so often in the past – the reporting and the protesting is both one-sided and (barely) veiled anti-Semitism (and clearly anti-Israelism). 

Israel is not perfect. But Israel strives to not harm civilians. Israel has warned civilians to head to the south of Gaza. Was it disruptive? Absolutely. Did it contribute to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza? 100%. But Israel said: We do not target civilians. We target only those who seek to destroy us.

And what does the world do? It continues to lambast Israel. It continues to make Israel into the proverbial scapegoat. Just look at the reports of how this conflict was handled at Harvard or the failed initial responses from the Presidents of Vassar and the University of Pennsylvania. Or the scores of pro-Palestinian protests around the country that cast Israel as the aggressor and Hamas and Gaza as the victims.

As it has been since before 1948, anti-Semitism has cast itself in the guise of anti-Israelism. At any and every instance, Israel is condemned for simply doing what every other country does–protect its citizenry. It is inconceivable for example that–following 9/11–the United States would be portrayed by the sane people of the world as the one who had caused the death of almost 3,000 innocent souls. And while one may question the wisdom of going into Iraq, not many have questioned the right and the wisdom of destroying the terrorist infrastructure that brought about 9/11.

While we continue to pray and hope that those held hostage by Hamas are freed soon and unharmed, we have witnessed funeral after funeral for Israelis of all ages, many of whom were near Gaza specifically because they believed in peace. And so many in the media–and Jew-haters around the world–pay scant attention to their snuffed-out lives and focus solely (or primarily) instead on Gaza’s suffering…suffering that the Palestinians have permitted by welcoming Hamas as their leaders.

As a community, we remain stunned, shocked, and unsure how best to support Israel.

First, I ask that you pray for Israel. Pray that the hostages are released. Pray that innocents in Gaza are able to find their way to safety. Pray that the world recognizes Israel has a legitimate right to defend its people. Pray that Israel may be once more a safe haven for Jews.

But, as Abraham Joshua Heschel so famously stated, we must do more, we must pray with our feet.

Thus, I ask four things:

• Please come to Erev Shabbat services this Friday, 6:30 pm. At that time, I will offer more extensive comments on the current struggle in Israel and Gaza.
• Please join me for a Zoom conversation talking about Israel. The date is Monday, October 23, 8:00 pm. Our topic will be: “On Israel and Beyond: An Open and Healing Conversation.” Registration is required, click here to register. 
• Consider making a Blue Ribbon (“a global unity symbol in solidarity with hostages and their families") and wearing it wherever you go. More information can be found here.
• Make a donation to help Israel at this time of great need. There are many good avenues by which we can do this mitzvah. Click here to view a number of options. 

Whether within your family, your circle of friends, your workplace, or in the public square, please continue to speak up for Israel and against misinformation. Continue to advocate for the right to protect one’s population against terrorism. And please…please pray for our family being held hostage by terrorists. May each and every one return home in safety.