Seven months ago, I left Israel for a much-needed break from the tension, stress, and trauma of war. I was utterly exhausted and thought time away would give me space to recuperate. Instead, I followed the news even closer and felt my zeal for Israel increase as I watched those around me continue with their lives, acting as though the most inhumane and outrageous events weren’t taking place.
I thought leaving would bring relief, but instead, it left me feeling more isolated than ever. When I was in Israel, there was unity and a shared understanding because everyone was going through the same trauma and raging emotions. But, being in another country feels like I’m walking through wet cement while everyone else hurries past on the dry pavement. Sure, many acknowledge and pray over what is happening in the Middle East, but more often than not, it’s only a moment’s thought. Their knowledge also tends to be skewed by the media, which has completely lost sight of why we are fighting in the first place.
On October 7th, 2023, over 6,000 Palestinians — terrorists from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, along with Gazan civilians — invaded Israel at 6:30am. They ransacked the Nova Music Festival, destroyed peaceful kibbutzim, infiltrated military bases, stormed police stations, opened fire on buses, and committed heinous crimes that are too evil to stomach! Over 1,200 innocent civilians were massacred, 5,400 injured, and 240 taken hostage.
500 days later, Israelis and Jews continue to live in the nightmare of the Black Sabbath as though it happened yesterday, while the rest of the world has moved on, distracted by the twisted narrative that overlooks the cause of this war. 73 hostages remain in Gaza, held in dark tunnels with no access to food, water, light, medical attention, or showers. They are beaten, taunted, enslaved, and shackled. If the world truly cared about human rights, they would be demanding the immediate release of these hostages.
Imagine these events happening in your country and this torture being inflicted on your countrymen. How would you want your government to react? Most likely with full force and no rest until justice was served and your people returned! So, why are you sitting by rather than fighting alongside your neighbors for peace, restoration, protection, and truth? Silence is complicity. Yes, I see you shaking your heads at the news reports and muttering your sympathies, but that doesn’t change the rising statistics of antisemitic hate crimes occurring worldwide. Are your eyes and ears closed to the waving Palestinian flags, “From the River to the Sea” chants, and abuse appearing in your communities? Why are you doing nothing about it? Out of fear of losing friends or being targeted? Well, guess what? At least you have a choice. Meanwhile, history is repeating itself, and those of us with Jewish blood coursing through our veins or holding Israeli passports risk our lives every time we walk down the street, attend school, or go on vacation!
We are raised on movies that celebrate heroes who go to the ends of the earth to defeat the villain, rescue the stolen, and bring peace to the world. Often, these heroes destroy cities in their missions, but nobody seems to care because evil was defeated and the good were victorious. So, why does our reaction change when the fight against evil happens in real time? Where is the support for the heroes fighting to save their people, protect their nation, and stand against injustice?
Albert Einstein said it best: “The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.”
Don’t get me wrong, what’s happening in Gaza is devastating, but don’t be deceived. While Israel works to protect its people, using funds to build bomb shelters and anti-missile defense systems, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority use their money to build terror tunnels through hospitals, schools, and homes, hide weapons in children’s bedrooms, and hoard humanitarian aid for their militants while their people starve. Before 2005, Gaza had the chance to be the next Dubai! But, after Israel withdrew and the Palestinians elected Hamas as their leader, the objective shifted from community prosperity to destruction and hate. The recent ceasefire is proof of each side’s values: Israel negotiated for the return of its innocent civilians; Hamas negotiated for the return of its killers. If the media’s headlines were correct, “True victims of genocide would do anything to ensure their survival — not trade innocent babies they’ve kidnapped for the freedom of murderers. Yet these ‘victims’ are willing to continue enduring their alleged ‘genocide’ if they don’t get exactly what they ask for.” (Instagram: @zicksworld)
Being away from Israel is harder than I expected. I thought I’d feel lighter, but my heart is heavier than ever as I watch the public’s reaction and listen to them justify Hamas’ actions or blame Israel for the consequences of war. My mom recently joked that I speak more about Israel since leaving than when I was there, and it’s because I’m shocked at how few people understand the magnitude of this battle. This war is about more than Israel; it’s a warning to the Western world. These terror organizations see the support they’re receiving and will exploit it to conduct more October 7ths in other countries. If we stay silent, we’re not only enabling them but inviting them! This is why we cannot sit idle.
You might not be personally affected by October 7th or this ongoing war, but I’m sure there are people in your circle feeling its effects. Comfort them, listen to what they are going through, catch their tears, and tell them they are supported. I especially want to speak to the Christian world because Israel is not just another piece of land on this earth; it is the Promised Land given to Abraham and his descendants by God! So, if you feel disconnected, I highly recommend opening your Bible and learning why these are pivotal times. It’s time to do as the Lord commands, standing boldly (Acts 4:29), pursuing righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22), and being courageous (1 Corinthians 16:13)!
Proverbs 24:10-12 tells us, “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?”
Please share this article. Spread accurate news reports. Reach out to your Jewish neighbors or Israeli friends. Step in when people slur anti-Semitic hate. History will remember those who took action and those who remained silent; which side will you be on?
