Behind the Masks: Hamas’ Cruel Parade of Hostages

In the recent hostage releases by Hamas, the world has borne witness to a grotesque display of cruelty and cowardice. Videos and images of these so-called “exchanges” have shown innocent Jewish civilians—many of them elderly, women, and children—being paraded through the streets, flanked by armed and masked terrorists. This sinister spectacle is designed to humiliate the captives and project an illusion of strength for Hamas. However, the truth is clear: these masked men, dressed in crisp uniforms, are the very same cowards who hid in humanitarian zones and behind civilians during the war, only emerging now when they deem it safe to posture before the cameras.

Hamas has long relied on deception and exploitation to further its goals. They use their own civilians as human shields, embedding their military infrastructure within hospitals, schools, and refugee camps. They fled to these so-called “safe zones” during the IDF’s military operations, avoiding the consequences of their own aggression. Now, when they seek to bolster their image, they suddenly reappear—armed, masked, and reveling in the suffering of the innocent.

The Torah teaches us that true strength is found not in brute force, but in righteousness and moral courage. King David declares in Tehillim (Psalms) 27:1: “Hashem is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Hashem is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” The Jewish people do not cower behind masks or exploit the weak. Our faith is in Hashem, and our strength is in our unwavering commitment to truth and justice.

Contrast this with Hamas, whose fighters refuse to show their faces, knowing that their actions are disgraceful. In Parashas Shoftim (Deuteronomy 20:8), Hashem commands that before battle, the officers shall speak to the people and ask: “Who is the man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, so that he will not cause his brothers’ hearts to melt like his own.” This verse refers to those who lack faith and righteousness, warning that their cowardice can weaken others. What greater example of this exists than Hamas terrorists who disguise themselves and shrink from facing their enemy honorably?

For Jewish hostages—torn from their families, often after enduring unspeakable horrors—being paraded by armed, masked men is yet another form of psychological torment. The Torah commands us in Shemos (Exodus) 22:20: “You shall not mistreat a stranger, nor shall you oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” The Jewish people know the pain of exile and humiliation, yet we are commanded to act with justice and compassion. Hamas, on the other hand, embraces the role of the oppressor, seeking to degrade those in their grasp rather than uphold human dignity.

Yet despite their suffering, the Jewish people stand resilient. Just as Hashem delivered us from Pharaoh’s grip, we have faith that He will deliver us from the hands of these oppressors as well.

The Jewish response to such evil is not to sink to their level, but to stand firm in our values. The prophet Zechariah (4:6) reminds us: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.” While our enemies may take pleasure in humiliation and terror, we place our trust in Hashem and the moral strength of our people.

The masked men of Hamas may believe their weapons and posturing grant them power, but their cowardice is evident to all who see through their charade. The Jewish people have faced greater enemies and survived, strengthened by faith, unity, and the eternal promise that righteousness will prevail. Hamas’ actions do not show strength—they reveal fear, the fear of a people who know they fight not for justice, but for cruelty and destruction.

We will not forget the suffering of our hostages, nor will we allow their humiliation to be in vain. The Jewish people remain steadfast, and in the end, it is Hashem’s justice that will triumph.