This Is the Cruel Currency of Terror

In the wake of recent events, the stark reality of terror has once again been laid bare before us. From the brutal murder of Shiri Bibas and her children, Ariel and Kfir z”l, to the psychological warfare inflicted on the young Israelis, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David, the cruelty of terror knows no bounds. These examples, alongside reflections on our loved ones lost to terrorism, remind us that terror is not just a political tool—it is a deeply personal and evil force that seeks to break the human spirit worldwide.

Contrary to Hamas’ claims that Shiri z”l and her children were killed in an Israeli airstrike, forensic evidence confirms that they were brutally murdered in captivity. As Dr. Chen Kugel, head of Israel’s National Institute of Forensic Medicine, stated, “We have seen depths of evil we never imagined existed.” Similarly, the psychological torment inflicted on hostages like Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David—forced to witness a staged ‘release ceremony’ while pleading for their freedom—underscores the calculated cruelty of Hamas. It serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of depravity to which terror organizations will sink.

These individual stories, harrowing as they are, illuminate the broader fight against terror. It is not just about the immediate heartbreak, but about ensuring that such devastation is prevented for future generations. This brings us to the importance of how we respond not just in the short term, but over the long haul.

Terror thrives on fear and despair. When we allow grief and anger to consume us, we inadvertently empower those who seek to destroy us. This is our struggle to uphold values of humility and justice in the face of personal loss. The release of terrorists as part of hostage deals, while emotionally devastating, is a tactical decision aimed at preserving life and hope.

However, we must be cautious not to let despair dictate our long-term response. As Sigmund Freud observed, unresolved pain can trap us in a cycle of suffering. Seeking vengeance or war only risks signaling to terrorists that their tactics are effective. Instead, we must channel our pain into resilience and strategic action.

The heart-wrenching pleas of Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David— “Please, save us. Please, get us home”—echo the urgent need to prioritize the return of hostages. Their words, though likely coerced, are a stark reminder of the human cost of terror. The Israeli government, as the representative of its people, must make every effort to secure their release. But terror is not a problem Israel faces alone; it is a global threat that demands a united response. The international community must be as resolute in its commitment to dismantling terror networks as Israel is. The fight against terror is a fight for freedom, justice, and the values that unite us worldwide.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has rightly emphasized that time is running out. The government must accelerate negotiations and ensure that no hostage is left behind. As Avishai David, father of Evyatar, said, “We need to continue the same framework but speed up the process.” The lives of those held captive must remain at the forefront of our national consciousness and policy.

While the immediate focus must be on saving lives, we cannot ignore the long-term threat posed by released terrorists who may return to violence. History shows that terror tactics evolve but remain rooted in fear and power. From colonial-era violence to modern asymmetric warfare, terror has adapted to exploit technological advancements and societal vulnerabilities.

To break this cycle, Israel must adopt a dual approach: aggressive operational deterrence and proactive measures to dismantle terror networks. This includes leveraging intelligence, technology, and international cooperation to neutralize threats before they materialize. At the same time, we must address the root causes of radicalization. One such initiative could involve gathering a group of 100 Palestinian and Islamic children, sending them to top schools, and equipping them with the skills to lead their people forward 50 years from now. By investing in education and leadership development, we do more than offer opportunities; we break the cycle of fear and hatred that has plagued the region for too long. These children, equipped with the tools for peace, will one day lead a generation that chooses dialogue over division, cooperation over conflict. This is the hope we must build towards—a future where the next generation sees each other not as enemies, but as neighbors. Resilience and leadership within the next generation are powerful antidotes to fear. This is how we can weaken the grip of terror and extremism, building a foundation for lasting peace and a safer future.

The stories of October 7^th must remind us of the human cost of terror. They also remind us of our strength as a nation. In the face of unimaginable cruelty, we must choose hope over despair, unity over division, and strategic action over reactive vengeance.

The return of hostages must remain our immediate priority, but we cannot stop there. We must dismantle terror at its roots, ensuring that those who seek to harm us cannot do so again. Honoring the memory of those we have lost and paving the way for a future free from fear is crucial. “Hope is the true sign of the Jewish people’s strength—not the sword.” Let us choose hope, not because it is easy, but because it is the only way to ensure that terror does not define our future.