Hostages First. Gaza Aid Second.

I readily and proudly admit to being an ardent Zionist and passionate advocate on behalf of Israel.  I have proudly served as a Jewish communal professional for more than 45 years, visited Israel almost 100 times, have numerous friends and colleagues in Israel, and have both attended and organized countless programs on every conceivable occasion, subject and topic concerning Israel.  While I have definite opinions and perspectives about Israel including the current Matzav in Israel since October 7 and the Iran War I acknowledge that I am not an expert on Israeli and Middle Eastern geopolitics, military strategies and public policy.  Having said this, I have come to the realization that there are painful realities regarding the war against Hamas…and that while Israeli leadership can and must be held accountable for poor military, strategic and political decisions…the root cause of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the solution to ending the suffering is in the hands of Hamas.

First, is the reality that this war was started by Hamas.  War is ugly and has both intended and unintended consequences.  The deaths of terrorists were necessary to end the threat to Israel, but it was not something Israel celebrated, to wage a successful campaign to protect its security and sovereignty.   The IDF is the most moral military in the world which went to great lengths to avoid civilian losses.  The loss of civilian lives is tragic but was again inevitable for Israel to defend itself against Hamas.  I woke up this morning to news reports that once again focused their attention on Gaza without any context to these realities and simply blaming Israel for the tragedy in Gaza, who is really to blame, who can resolve the crisis immediately and the world being “tone deaf” to the impact of everyday Israelis, Israeli society and the whole of the Jewish people word-wide.  I do not write these words lightly.  But I can no longer remain silent.  If the world wants to end the humanitarian crisis in Israel then let them demand that Hamas lay down their weapons, surrender, agree to end their reign of terror against their own people, recognize Israel’s sovereignty and most importantly release all of the remaining hostages, whether alive or dead, immediately. 

Second, we need to continue to remember that the war against Hamas was not initiated by Israel but was in response to Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack against Israel on October which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and people of other nationalities; and that 251 were taken hostage.  It has been 662 (at the time of writing this piece) since October 7th.  While many of us continue to remember those murdered that day and advocate for the freedom of those kidnapped and taken into captivity to the inhumane terror tunnels deep in Gaza the rest of world has practically forgotten them.  Those killed and captive are not part of the media’s daily “news cycle.”  Each one of the 10/7 victims has a name, a face, a family and a life that was forcibly taken away.  They need to be remembered and memorialized.  Israel and the Jewish community world-wide must wage a new war, a war of information that permeates social media to keep the memories of those murdered and held captive “front and center” in the daily new cycle and within the body politic of Jewish communities around the world. 

Third, the violence committed by West Bank settlers can never be accepted or condoned.  Those perpetrating violence and criminal acts including the confiscation of property, destruction of homes and fields and committing violence and killing West Bank Arabs or Palestinians must be dealt with.  They need to be arrested, charged, and prosecuted for their criminal actions.  Hard stop. No exceptions. 

Fourth, Israelis must peacefully and democratically advocate for the changes they alone want for their government and civil society.  At the same time, Israel and the global Jewish community must engage in a new, positive and productive dialogue to address the issues which continue to plague our common and collective Jewish identities; and which will more importantly frame our Jewish future together.  It is time to recognize, respect and honor our differences while seeking ways to collaborate on initiatives that promote Jewish identity, awareness, practice and pride.  We need the power, resources and creativity of Amcha to chart a new course to bring our people forward into a new era of Jewish solidarity.

  As our sages taught, the day is short, the task is great, and we must address it. Kein Yehi Ratzon!