As a Jew... Remembering October 7, 2023

Two years ago, on October 7, 2023, an attack began when over 4,000 rockets were fired at Israel. This was followed by an invasion of an estimated 6,000 attackers who breached Israel’s border using paragliders and motorized vehicles. The Israeli death toll was 1,195, including 364 civilians attending the Nova music festival (photo above). Numerous women were raped and sexually assaulted as Hamas and their supporters used sexual violence as a weapon.

In addition approximately 250 people were kidnapped, tortured and held in underground tunnels. 732 days later, 48 hostages, including 20 who are believed to be alive, are still being held. Among the hostages who were “released” were the bodies of Arial and KFir Bibas, who were aged 4 years and 9 months, respectively. Post-mortem exams showed that these babies were murdered by the bare hands of their captors. The photo below shows the Arial and Kfir being held by their mother Shiri as they were all being kidnapped on October 7.

It is not my purpose here to excuse the Netanyahu government, nor discuss whether the Israeli response is proportionate. I would point out, as a Jew who has studied history, it is possible to understand why a country and people would respond in the extreme after being the victims of not just this attack, but thousands of years of persecution and execution.

While world-wide, activists, including over 3,000 members of the film industry. threaten Israel with boycotts if Palestinians do not receive aid, medical care and shelter, they have not threatened Hamas or their supporters with similar penalties if the hostages are not released.

Even more disturbing are the Jewish celebrities who find it necessary to loudly proclaim their support for Palestine, and anger at Israel, often starting their statements with the word “As a Jew…”. Actor Mandy Patinkin has loudly proclaimed that Netanyahu and his government’s actions are dangerous to Jews worldwide. Sadly, these same claims have been made by “good Jews” over many centuries of hatred and violence, only to prove over and over again that it provides them with no additional safety.

While doing research for this piece I found few of these celebrities have spoken out against the many other “genocides” that have been responsible for the deaths of thousands during the 21st century. While Patinkin, in his role as a human rights ambassador, has made statements on occasion, the statements have lacked the passion of his declarations about Israel. Interestingly, unlike Israel, most of these countries were not responding to acts of war.

Jewish values include Tikkun Olam, which means “repairing the world.” I believe in this, and have spent much of my life trying to make this country a better place for everyone. Perhaps the world would be better if celebrities took action to protect everyone, including the 0.2% of the world’s population and 2% of the US population who are Jewish.

On this 2nd anniversary of that horrible day, I pray for the release of the hostages, the safety of Israel, an end to war and a peaceful and free life for everyone in the region.