Bibas and peace

A few days ago I watched the cynical ceremony of handing over to Israel the bodies of Kfir Bibas (kidnapped as eight month old and his brother Ariel four years old.) The brutal murder of a mother and her two children, kidnapped from their home, is an act of sheer cruelty and a war crime committed by Hamas terrorists. Holding their bodies for over a year as a “bargaining chip” is yet another display of criminal brutality.

There is no doubt that the blood of every Israeli—and indeed every human being—boils with rage at this heinous crime. In moments like these, the instinct to seek revenge overcomes all other considerations.

Yet, there are moments in a nation’s history when one must bite their lip in pain, wipe away the tears, rise above the impulse for retribution, and remember that even in a conflict with such barbaric enemies, the only viable solution is a political one.

The atrocities committed by Nazi Germany were no less horrific. They systematically exterminated six million Jews, including one million children, simply for being Jewish. And yet, despite these horrors, and despite the fact that no Jew has ever forgotten or forgiven the German perpetrators, Israel overcame its desire for vengeance and built a strong and friendly relationship with Germany.

I believe that a political settlement can be found with our Palestinian neighbors—a settlement that curbs the murderous appetite of many within their ranks.

Israeli strength is the key to any solution. One clenched fist, ready to strike with full force against any violent act directed at us, and another hand extended in the pursuit of peace.