How Do You Negotiate With Evil?

The recent release of hostages has stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me. I feel a deep sense of relief and hope seeing their return, witnessing these moments of reunification that spark a glimmer of light in a dark time. Yet, alongside this joy is an undercurrent of fear and dread.

Seeing the concurrent release of terrorist prisoners terrifies me. My mind races: How will this cycle ever end? It’s already daunting knowing that my son, a chayal, is out there protecting us in dangerous, unpredictable places. The thought that he could be captured, held indefinitely, and used as a bargaining tool chills me to the core. It’s a fear that feels almost too heavy to bear. It’s a fear that leaves me feeling helpless and lonely, even though I know that Am Yisrael would stand behind me, offering support.

But where is the end of all this?

Even if this war comes to a temporary pause, the fact that we’re playing by the terms of those who thrive on terror feels deeply unfair. I wasn’t raised in a world where evil wins. I grew up on the stories and fantasies where good always prevailed. What has changed? How did we arrive at a place where we seem to negotiate with evil, where we’re forced into these impossible situations?

I often ask myself, how can terrorist groups like Hamas ever change their mindset? 

What do they truly want beyond our destruction?

If they see no value in life, how can we ever guide them to a path where they value peace and coexistence? How do we spark the desire for something better, for themselves and for others, in a mindset built on destruction?

I want to believe in peace. I really do. But right now, I struggle to see how we can get there when the path feels so one-sided. Not like this. We need something more, something transformative. 

And I’m holding on to hope that one day, we’ll find it.