We Are Not Together

Pressure is mounting on Israel, both from the outside and within. With every passing day, the world increases its rhetoric against Israel, blaming Israel for Gaza’s civilian catastrophe. Even our closest allies, led by the US, have become increasingly critical of the war. On the other hand, the suffering families of hostages are increasing pressure from within, demanding to release their loved ones at any cost.

Despite the heavy blows Israel has dealt it, Hamas still finds itself in the driver’s seat, letting the pressure mount and awaiting the next political crisis to hit Israel. With Ramadan approaching, Hamas will incite riots at the Temple Mount with Iran’s blessing. As in previous years, these riots will further unite the Arab world against Israel. All of this may explain why Hamas is not interested in negotiating despite the heavy toll it has experienced.

There is a beautiful phrase all around Israel now saying “Together we shall win” (ביחד ננצח). However, it is not working, as we are not together, and therefore not yet winning. We are seeing these effects in Gaza City, which was reportedly conquered a long time ago, where Hamas is still holding strong, planting hidden explosives and even firing the occasional rocket.

In times of war, you would think that political games should stop. Yet in Israel, it is in full strength, with parties across the political map pointing fingers. Israel’s options at the present are sorely limited. Trying to eliminate Hamas without causing civilian casualties, is almost impossible, especially when Hamas is shooting from within its civilian population.

We watched the world come to Israel’s support on October 7, only for it to quickly shift back to antisemitism in the guise of anti- Israel rhetoric within weeks. In a way, it is reminiscent to the loneliness Jews felt during the Holocaust. But now we have Israel, which makes all the difference. All we need to do is come together, and then we will win.

Jack Molad