Tunnel Vision

In the universe, for every particle of matter, there exists its opposite, anti-matter. The two are destined to clash, but somehow, matter manages to endure—allowing life to flourish and grow. The Jewish people, in many ways, embody this idea of matter: they are creators, builders, and preservers of a way of life rich in values, culture, and resilience. Like matter, their purpose is to survive and evolve, to build something meaningful and lasting in the world.

Their adversaries, by contrast, can be seen as anti-matter, often defined by opposition rather than purpose, by destruction rather than creation. Anti-matter’s drive is to annihilate, not evolve, and it lacks the enduring purpose that allows matter—and in our metaphor, the Jewish way of life—to survive and adapt through history.

While matter can thrive and change, anti-matter remains fixed in its opposition. It reminds us that growth and survival come from focusing on what we can build, sustain, and pass on, rather than on what we can tear down. The Jewish people represent a legacy of resilience and evolution, enduring through countless attempts to erase them. Like matter itself, their strength lies in the ability to create and persist, to move forward in a way that has made them, quite literally, matter.

To stand for something true, you sometimes have to stand alone. This has been the Jewish experience across millennia, a testament to resilience, courage, and the right to live in an indigenous homeland shaped by both triumph and tragedy. It’s easy today to overlook the depth of history, to skim over its hard-earned lessons. But history isn’t just the past; it’s a blueprint, a guide to steer us away from past errors and toward enduring principles.

Instead of building on these truths, we’ve become obsessed with perception, bending reality to fit the narrative of the day. We’re pushing past norms, but we’re creating new ones that, though abnormal, we keep feeding and enabling. We see irrational, emotionally charged movements taking hold, creeping into the minds of elites and governing institutions alike. What society once knew to be irrational, we now embrace, letting illusions drive us. But as we’ve learned through history, illusions eventually fall away—and the cost of ignoring the past is always greater than we can imagine.

It’s already become cliché to say the world shifted on October 7, 2023, but for those who lived it, that morning was like no other. As the Sabbath and Simchat Torah celebrations began—a holiday meant to celebrate joy and unity—the unthinkable happened. Horror unfolded across Israel as attacks erupted from kibbutzim to city borders and even at the Nova peace festival, where innocent civilians, many with progressive ideals and hopes for peace, were slaughtered. The attacks spread to army bases and towns, leaving a trail of devastation that revealed the depth of violence facing Israel.

Even as Israel undertakes the grim duty of rescuing hostages and dismantling terror networks, the world’s response has been critical and, at times, even sympathetic to the attackers. There are widespread criticisms, yet what goes unspoken is the magnitude of this threat: the tunnels, weapons caches, and resources amassed by a society claiming victimhood under “Zionist occupation.” These tunnels are not the rudimentary passageways one might expect but vast, technologically sophisticated routes crafted with a deadly purpose. If Israel hadn’t taken action, these weapons and networks would have unleashed a catastrophic assault from multiple fronts, staining the streets with Jewish blood.

This isn’t merely a territorial conflict; it’s a war to protect the very foundation of civilization from extremism. It’s a moment for clarity, forcing us to see who stands for peace and humanity and who would celebrate our downfall. Our survival is at stake, and through this, we uncover who will never let us fail—and who would do everything to see us fall.

When it comes to people revealing their true colors, a few examples stand out. Let’s take a closer look, exposing the hypocrisy and misguided alliances of those who claim to support justice yet undermine the very values they supposedly defend.

First, consider the LGBTQ+ community’s vocal support for the Palestinian movement. Despite their advocacy, they back a cause with strong antisemitic undertones—one that doesn’t welcome them and openly opposes their values. The movement’s anti-capitalist rhetoric is often grounded in ideologies like socialism, communism, or authoritarian regimes that would disregard LGBTQ+ rights entirely and, in some instances, punish or even execute those who identify with the community. It’s a glaring contradiction, with a failure to recognize that aligning with movements that would ultimately betray and endanger them only weakens their own cause.

Then we have politicians willing to throw Israel under the bus for personal gain or public approval, aligning with America’s adversaries rather than standing with allies. Take the current Biden and Harris administration, which has shown inconsistent support for Israel, especially on the global stage. Their hesitancy sends mixed messages at a time when clear, strong alliances are essential. Even countries like France and England, while facing their own internal crises, are quick to criticize Israel. They overlook that Israel is confronting the very extremism that has already begun to infiltrate their societies. This isn’t about singling out a particular population; it’s about acknowledging the destabilizing effects of those who live in “no-go zones,” refuse to integrate, and disrupt democratic values within these nations. Yet, rather than support Israel’s fight, they play the political game, pandering to voters instead of taking a principled stance.

Then there’s “Jewish Voices for Peace,” a group that seems to believe peace can be achieved by openly condemning Israel’s actions or claiming “neutrality” in a conflict where one side is overtly committed to Israel’s destruction and proudly celebrates its violent crimes. This approach misses the reality: you don’t build peace by weakening your own side or sitting “neutral” between those aiming to eliminate Israel and an Israeli military working to dismantle terrorism while protecting civilians. Hollywood elites who support this view may be well-meaning, but it’s misguided—like trying to give a goldfish a bubble bath; the intent is kind, but the outcome is harmful. True peace requires acknowledging that Israel’s efforts are to dismantle violent forces that endanger Palestinian Arabs as much as they threaten Israelis.

This is a time to stand firmly for values, not to appease or pacify. Only by facing the true nature of the conflict and backing those who strive to end extremism can we hope for a lasting, meaningful peace.

In fact, Israel has been building friendships with several Arab nations, some of which now see the impact of decades-long Palestinian indoctrination aimed at vilifying Jews and Israel at all costs. Before borders can be discussed, there must first be a shift toward education for unity rather than hate, and a defeat of terrorist activities that breed division. Only a reformed leadership teaching unity and self-determination over destruction can bring a true foundation for peace.

However, even Saudi Arabia has recently reverted to its stance on 1967 borders, issuing demands that solely benefit the Palestinian side. To reach a fair agreement, Israel might need trained military peacekeepers stationed at its borders and to work toward a thoughtful land exchange arrangement that prioritizes security and cooperation.

Tunnel vision is a visual defect in which anything outside the center of the field of view goes unseen. But what if this tunnel vision applies to our understanding of global issues? No matter the evidence or comparisons presented—from facts to ideologies and worldwide impact—the hatred toward Israel often blinds people from supporting it, even when it’s in plain sight that support is needed. Nowhere is this more evident than in the United Nations, where policies fail to hold accountable those responsible for atrocities, like the vast tunnel networks built right under their watch. This “tunnel vision” serves the goals of extremists, similar to the hateful ideologies of the 1930s and 1940s, and continuing a historical legacy of hostility.

Israel’s vision is one of peace and harmony for all, while the extremist vision is one of “Zionist” defeat. If the free world is to thrive as a progressive, functioning society, we cannot allow destructive ideals to gain influence; they must be confronted and dismantled. We must avoid the trap of ignoring what surrounds us, setting our sights instead on advancement—not destruction.

Israel’s struggle in the propaganda war arises from several factors, most of which have little to do with the actual situation on the ground or with any path toward a sustainable peace that would benefit both Israelis and Palestinians. A major element fueling this disparity is the media’s obsession with the David and Goliath narrative—a tale that sells but lacks substance. By framing Israel as the overpowering Goliath and its adversaries as the underdog David, media stories pull in readers and increase clicks, often at the expense of real, balanced reporting. This sensationalism overshadows nuanced realities, sacrificing truth for a compelling, albeit skewed, storyline.

Another issue lies in the broader anti-Western sentiment that has become pervasive globally. Israel is seen as a symbol of Western influence in the Middle East—a small, unpopular figure that serves as a convenient scapegoat for those who oppose Western dominance, but who hesitate to challenge larger powers directly. Alongside this, movements aiming to delegitimize Israel seize upon accusations devoid of historical context or accuracy, portraying Israel as a colonial oppressor while ignoring its ancient roots in the land. This narrative—often rooted in misinformation—finds an audience, gaining traction in influential political and cultural circles.

This international anti-Israel movement does not necessarily have the Palestinians’ well-being at heart. For many, the Palestinian cause is merely a pawn in a far-reaching political agenda. Extremist factions, particularly Islamist groups with aims of regional domination, are not invested in true peace or improvement of Palestinian lives; rather, they exploit the conflict to promote their anti-Israel, anti-Western agenda. This is a game of power and control, where Palestinian Arabs are used as pawns, furthering goals that hinge on Israel’s isolation and delegitimization.

The world’s tunnel vision toward this conflict is worrisome, with many nations willing to side with the anti-Israel camp, risking alignment with theocratic regimes hostile to democratic principles. Israel and its allies understand the implications of endorsing these regimes—doing so could undermine global stability, threaten democratic values, and open the door to theocratic dominance. Yet, this tunnel vision—sold to the masses and policymakers alike—paints a picture of stability that is, in reality, a house of cards. As more countries align with anti-Israel rhetoric in hopes of maintaining peace, they risk underestimating the dangers posed by authoritarian and theocratic movements, ultimately jeopardizing their own interests in the long run.

The battle Israel faces, then, is not merely territorial; it is a struggle for its very right to exist as a democratic nation. The propaganda war obscures this reality, leaving many unaware of the broader stakes and the potential consequences of abandoning a stable, democratic partner in a volatile region.

The Jewish people have long held a focused vision of survival and the dream of rebuilding their homeland. This drive is embedded deeply in Jewish culture, from prayers to traditions, and even to blessings recited when two Jews come together. Despite the relentless obstacles they’ve faced throughout history, the Jewish people have continued moving forward with determination, achieving a remarkable self-sustained nation that includes 2 million Arab citizens living as equal citizens among them.

This “tunnel vision” can be an incredibly powerful force for resilience when directed toward progress. But it can also be perilous when it becomes too narrow, overlooking broader implications. Unlike movements that seek global dominance or control, the Jewish people focus on their own self-determination and sovereignty. This can make it challenging to counter radical ideologies that operate without restraint, willing to lie, provoke, and deceive to achieve their aims.

Israel cannot fight this alone, and it is unfortunate that much of the world fails to recognize the historical consequences of allowing unchecked radical forces to gain influence. As these forces infiltrate and manipulate, citizens may be drawn into causes they don’t fully understand, only to realize too late the price they must pay. A closer look at history reveals the dangers of permitting extremism to lead the charge—before it claims more victims in its path.

Since we matter, and our existence has meaning, we must continue to reject and confront forces that threaten us, if we are to survive and thrive. We are all made of molecules, woven from the same elements of life, hurtling through space with a shared purpose—to endure, to grow, and to flourish on this little rocky planet floating through the expanding universe.