In recent months, the world has witnessed a disturbing trend: growing hostility towards the state of Israel, along with a dramatic rise in antisemitism around the globe. What should be a time of support and understanding for a nation enduring one of its most challenging crises in recent history has instead turned into a period of unrelenting criticism and blame. The conflict in Gaza, which has already claimed the lives of hundreds of Israeli soldiers, has left thousands of others wounded, many of whom will carry the physical and psychological scars of this war for the rest of their lives. In addition, the horrific human cost has left countless families torn apart; grieving widows, orphans, and parents who have lost their children. Yet amid this tragedy, the world seems to have shifted against Israel, with many even siding with the perpetrators of hatred and violence.
It is critical to understand that Israel did not seek out this conflict. For years, the state of Israel has made countless efforts to secure peaceful coexistence with its neighbors in the region. Israel has entered into peace agreements with some Arab nations, offered territorial concessions, and shown a willingness to negotiate even with groups that have refused to acknowledge its existence. The objective has always been clear: a stable, peaceful region where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side, with dignity and security.
However, peace with Israel has never been a priority for the militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza. This terrorist organization, motivated by a deep-seated hatred for Israel and a radical ideological agenda, has been responsible for countless attacks on innocent civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian. The conflict escalated when Hamas launched an unprovoked assault on Israel, murdering mercilessly innocent civilians, including women and children, in a brutal act of terrorism. These killings were not isolated events – they were part of a systematic and ongoing campaign aimed at erasing its very existence.
One would think that the innocent populations in Gaza are not part of this theology. However, when one witnesses the overwhelming support from the populace of Gaza cheering as they parade the hostages through the streets of Gaza one must come to the realization that most, if not all Gazans are part of this philosophy and there are no or very few innocent bystanders.
The tragic reality is that Israel had no choice but to defend itself. As a sovereign nation, it has a fundamental right to protect its citizens and its territory from external threats. Israel’s response to the attacks was a direct result of the violent actions initiated by Hamas. Yet, as Israel defended itself, the broader world seemed to forget the context of the war; that Israel was fighting for its survival against an enemy that sought nothing less than its destruction.
The cost of this war, however, is not just measured in military victories or defeats. The human toll on Israel has been staggering. Hundreds of soldiers have died, with thousands more injured – many severely. These soldiers are not faceless numbers; they are sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, friends and brothers, who bravely volunteered to serve their country in the defense of their people. The wounds they carry – both physical and emotional – will affect them for the rest of their lives.
In addition to the soldiers, there are the countless civilians who have been affected by the conflict. Families have been torn apart, with widows and orphans left behind in the wake of Hamas’s murderous rampage. These families are not just statistics – they are individuals who have lost loved ones in a senseless and avoidable war. The emotional and psychological scars of this conflict will likely last for generations, as children grow up without parents, and spouses are left to mourn the loss of their partners.
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the situation is the alarming rise in antisemitism, which has accompanied the escalation of the Gaza conflict. Jewish communities around the world have been subjected to increasing levels of hate and violence, with synagogues being attacked, Jewish individuals being harassed, and public figures making antisemitic remarks. This rise in hatred is not merely a reflection of a disagreement with Israel’s policies – it is part of a broader pattern of prejudice against Jews as a people.
What is most perplexing, and tragic, is that this wave of antisemitism seems to be gaining traction despite Israel’s longstanding desire for peace. While Hamas, a terrorist organization with ties to other extremist groups, continues its campaign of violence, the international community by-in-large overlooks the root cause of the conflict: the unyielding hate and violence perpetrated by Hamas. Instead, they turn their anger toward Israel, holding it accountable for the actions of its enemies.
The unfortunate reality is that Israel, a democratic state surrounded by hostile neighbors, is often portrayed as the aggressor, while the terrorist groups that initiate violence are painted as victims. This narrative is not only false but also dangerous, as it allows antisemitism to flourish under the guise of political activism.
Israel’s suffering cannot be ignored or minimized. Israel is a country that wants peace, its citizens long for it, its leaders seek it, and its soldiers fight and die for it. Yet, when the world turns a blind eye to the truth and sides with those who wish to destroy Israel, it sends a powerful message that the lives of Israelis do not matter.
In this time of hardship and tragedy, it is crucial for the international community to recognize Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. True peace can only come when we recognize who the true perpetrators of this awful situation are, the ones that the world seems to be defending as innocent bystanders, who are really the guilty parties.
