We can’t sweep this image under the rug. It’s a stain on our conscience

As a non-religious Jewish humanist, I am deeply guided by the words of Rabbi Hillel: “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. This is the whole Torah; the rest is the commentary. Go and learn.” This principle acts as the moral compass for my entire life, guiding my reflections and actions, and its application is no less relevant now in the face of recent events in Gaza. This ethical guidance compels me to seek justice and humanity, regardless of the context, and the current situation is no exception.

Amid the conflicting narratives emerging from Gaza, my trust lies in the information provided by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). I believe our army operates with the ethics that represent me as an Israeli, a commitment to justice and humanity that resonates with the values Hillel taught. This trust in the IDF does not simplify the complexity of the situation, nor does it minimize the suffering of all involved in the conflict. It reflects, however, my belief in the integrity and the necessity of a reliable source of information in this tumultuous time.

I cannot forget about our Israeli brothers and sisters who have been kidnapped, whose situation is a painful reminder of the brutality of this conflict. Yet, despite this, my conscience and my commitment to humanitarian principles forbid me from ignoring the suffering of the innocents in Gaza. The tragedies resulting from attempts to provide humanitarian aid, where the line between relief and danger was tragically blurred, are deeply disturbing.

The international community’s response and UN alerts about the famine faced by a quarter of Gaza’s population underline the severity of the humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for action. These are times that test our humanity, our capacity for empathy, and our willingness to act according to the values we profess.

In the face of this crisis, indifference is not an option. Inspired by Hillel’s legacy, I am compelled to advocate for an approach that honors human life and dignity, promoting a vision of peace that transcends the boundaries of conflict. I hope we find a genuine reconciliation where compassion and justice prevail over division and pain. May we tirelessly work to create a future where everyone can live free from fear and where today’s tragedy reminds us of what we overcame together in the name of the humanity we share.