Sadness, Anger and Hope: Where Do We Go from Here ?

Credit: Photo By C. Botwinick

The profound hope and promise that Israel was on the verge of a ceasefire and hostage release deal has been shattered.

This past Saturday evening, just hours after the conclusion of Shabbat, we heard the sad and grim news that six hostages being held captive in Rafa by Hamas were found murdered. The exact circumstances and timing surrounding their horrendous murders is still somewhat unclear, but reports indicate that they were all shot at close range, just a day or two prior to them being discovered by the IDF.

As news of this terrible turn of events spread throughout Israel and diaspora communities, we were horrified as our hearts ached in disbelief.

After more details began to emerge regarding this unimaginable turn of events, our emotions ranged from rage and anger to frustration; and, from discouragement to a doubling down on our resolve to continue our battle against Hamas….even if this resolve requires a more prolonged conflict in Gaza and the indefinite occupation of the Philadephi Corridor in Southern Gaza.

I am not a military strategist and I for sure do not have any special insight into the psychology of warfare or hostage negotiations. But, to me, one thing is crystal clear. We have reached a very troubling and dangerous impasse and inflection point which demands bold leadership and direction towards an immediate resolution.

The haunting iconic images of 23 year old Hersh Goldberg- Polin, the numerous public appearances, speeches and interviews with his dear parents and their continued plea and public outcry for a hostage deal, all came to a very abrupt and crashing halt. We cannot even begin to imagine the pain, anguish and heartbreak that the Goldberg-Polin family are experiencing, in addition to the other precious family members of the murdered hostages.

This profoundly sad reality and its impact on hostage families, Israeli society and Jews throughout the world have already created an explosion of anger and finger-pointing blame-game antics – whether they be in the Knesset chambers or in the streets of Tel Aviv and Yerushalayim or presented by Israeli news and media pundits.

As Israel prepared for Hersh funeral, we all witnessed the beginnings of a national  Israeli Union strike which only fueled the fires of protest, anger and discontent against a backdrop of tears and mourning.

It is important to note that reality dictates that we will never be able to bring back the lives of the six hostages killed several days ago by Hamas in cold blood. Nor will we be able to turn back the clock to pre October 7th. At best, we must ask ourselves the hard and difficult  question ….. are there (if any) lessons learned from this ever growing and continued  tragedy?

I for one do not have any answers or responses to this very difficult and complex existential question.

On a very basic and fundamental level, the one take-away or lesson learned I would have is that Israel must double-down on its internal and regional security program . It must never ever be complacent like it was prior to October 7th and all of its borders must have the most comprehensive, extensive and sophisticated security safeguards possible. This includes AI generated satellite imagery, 24/7 monitoring on all borders and continued use of human intelligence. This latter point is critical since preliminary findings strongly suggest that the October 7th Hamas attack was the result of a monumental human intelligence failure and that the plans for this horrendous attack were in the works for years.

The massive demonstrations in Tel Aviv and in cities throughout Israel are reminiscent of the pre-October 7th demonstrations in protest against the proposed Israel judicial reforms. The only difference is that today’s demonstrations were larger, a bit more violent and were comprised of a massive outpouring of raw emotions, expressions of deep and profound sadness and crying as a country in true morning.

Monday’s street demonstrations were taking place while thousands of people were attending the funeral for Hersh. in Jerusalem. We saw the funeral online from our home in the States. It was sad, gut wrenching and heart breaking. It was a sensitive and meaningful tribute to Josh and to the other hostages who were murdered in cold blood at the hands of evil barbarians.

Finally, the intensity of the hurt and frustration witnessed at these demonstrations created a sense of hopelessness juxtaposed by anger and defiance. These emotions now have the potential to spill over into a society and government which is divided  and fragmented regarding Israel’s current and future role in Gaza and the tremendous sacrifices it must make in order to free the remaining hostages.

As we witness these events in the streets of  Tel Aviv and Yerushalayim, we are sadly reminded of how hatred and sinat chinam deep divisions between our brothers and sisters can create – a matzav which eventually can lead to a downward spiraling of hope, trust, promise and despair. To be sure, these are the early signs of a nation that once again is in dire need of achdut, leadership, a clear shared vision and communal shalom bayit.

How this war and crushing devastation ends, is not known – Lo Bashayim He – It is Not in The Heavens (Deuteronomy 30:12)… meaning that HaShem provides us with a total willingness and ability to accept, embrace and move forward in a direction of our choosing.

A Undeniable Case for Achdut:

Whether the attack on October 7th was the result of a lack of achdut or not (as many have posited) one thing is clear, the level of protest and public consternation against the Israeli government by its citizens it did not help. In fact, there are many who believe that this reality made us more vulnerable in the eyes of our enemies.

As one Israeli journalist and reporter described the events of the past 24 hours, all of our dreams and hopes for a cease fire and hostage release deal were shattered and scattered into pieces by the killing of the six hostages….it created a level of reality which we never experienced. It was like a dagger in the heart and soul of our nation. 

These are indeed powerful words to describe the current matzav. They also constitute a deep felt feeling and conviction that if a compromise or deal is not realized soon, Israel as we know it today runs the risk of engaging in civil war…in addition and enabling or enemies to wait patiently as the country self destructs, (Gd forbid).

It is times like these where we should be reminded of the reality that HaShem controls the world. We are all provided with the tools and capacity to lead and to inspire, but at the end of the day, it is Hashem who will be be the final arbiter of or destiny.

We also know that Israel’s inability to create and foster achdut, can only lead to  further disaster as we were all just reminded last month during Tisha BAv.

With the cold blooded brutal killing of our precious hostages and the images of Hersh Goldberg-Polin etched in our minds, hearts and souls, we must ask ourselves how will Israel ever recover from this devastating matzav and what will it take to secure and ensure the future achdut of acheinu living in Israel and by extension, around the world.

Although parents never “recover” from such a devastating  loss, we hope and pray  to Hashem that the pain, suffering and anguish being experienced by the Hirsh family and other other hostage families will be soothed and consoled by the unswerving support, warmth and comfort being offered by world Jewry.

As we approach Rosh Chodesh Ellul, we are entering into a period of introspection, reflection and hope for the future.

The great Kotzker Rebbe is quoted as saying that true achdut is realized and emerges out of conflict and difficulty and that we as a Jewish people must try hard to overcome our differences which divide us to the core.

When the Bnai Yisrael left Egypt to sojourn to Eretz Israel, it took a second generation to actually experience the arrival into Israel. It took time, it took patience, it took worthiness and it took patience as well as achdut. 

Throughout Jewish history, it was only through achdut acheinu bnai yisrael and through yad HaShem that we were able to overcome crisis and danger. It was an achdut that was deeply embedded and anchored in bitachon and emunah in Hashem.

As the Goldberg-Polin family sit shiva in Jerusalem for their dear son Hersh and as the relative of the other murdered hostages this week continue to mourn their terrible inconceivable loses, let us resolve that that we will treat each other with more respect, understanding and kindness.

Although it is dangerous to be too naive, it is also imperative to note that whether we agree or disagree with the Israeli government’s political or military position, it is essential that the achdut of acheinu bnai yisrael overshadows and takes precedence over divisiveness.

It is our hope and prayer that the Goldberg-Polin family and other hostage families currently in mourning be blessed and consoled among the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim……and may HaShem bring an end to the war, bring home our hostages in good health, return our dislocated families to their homes in the south and north; and may we be victorious over our evil enemies who are committed to our destruction and annihilation .

With warm wishes for a Shana Tova of Excellent Health, Shalom, Prosperity and lasting Achdut

Am Yisrael Chai