An open letter to my Palestinian friend

I recently read a Facebook post written by my friend Aziz Abu Sarah.

Aziz accused his Jewish and Israeli friends for not condeminng the loss of civilian lives in Gaza.

First, many Israelis and Jews across the world (including myself) have shared our thoughts about the civilian casualties.

I will share my thoughts again clearly:

WAR IS TERRIBLE. WAR IS UGLY.

Urban warfare is the worst.
Avoiding civilian casualties is impossible.
The loss of innocent civilians is heartbreaking.
The percentage of civilian casualties when fighting terrorists that use their own people as human shields, is high.

Second, and most important,

ISRAEL DID NOT START THIS WAR.

Nearly 1500 Israelis were brutally murdered, raped and taken hostage by Palestinians. Not only Hamas Terrorists took part in the slaughtering and rape. Hundreds of so called ordinary Palestinian stormed peaceful Israeli communities. Some Israeli hostages were held by Palestinian families.

Millions of Palestinians celebrated these horrific acts that were screened ‘live’ on social media.

Israel is fighting for it’s survival. Israel is fighting to protect all Israeli civilians, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and all other minorities.

Israel is fighting to make sure that the only Jewish safe haven, survives this brutal antisemitic attack.

Having said all this, Israel still is responsible for many wrongdoings. There are many things to fix.

We need brave leaders on both sides that will fight for peace.

Aziz, condemning the Oct 7 attacks is not enough. I see very few Palestinians fighting against the systematic speard of antisemitism and calling for Jihad in religious institutions and schools, as well as on Social media and all other media outlets.

More urgently, Israel has agreed to numerous cease fire agreements. All rejected by the Hamas.

Unfortunately, I see very few Palestinians calling the Hamas to release the Israeli hostages and put down their weapons.