Vampire Weekend's Surprising Jewish Stories
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24The startling attack on Israel that was launched this past Saturday morning was the deadliest attack in the history of modern Israel.
As of Tuesday October 10th, Israeli media is reporting approximately 900 Israelis were murdered and over 2,500 hospitalized1. Additionally, more than 150 Israelis were captured and taken back into Gaza, where they are being held hostage. The vast majority of Israeli casualties were civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.2
The attack was carried out by Hamas, the ruling entity of the Gaza Strip, which sits on Israeli’s western border. The Gaza Strip also borders Egypt.
Hamas won Palestinian parliamentary elections in 2006 – the last time elections were held. In 2007 they fought a bloody campaign against their Palestinian rival Fatah, taking full control of the Gaza Strip.
Hamas was founded in 19873 as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, sharing its Islamist ideology. The founding charter of Hamas calls for Israel’s destruction and a main priority of Hamas is to pursue an armed struggle against Israel. Hamas has violently opposed peace negotiations such as the Oslo peace accords negotiated by Israel and the PLO in the mid-1990s.
Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, Canada, Egypt and Japan4.
Hamas has stated that they carried out its attack “in response to atrocities that Palestinians have faced over decades”5. Since 2006, Hamas has initiated at least 8 military conflicts with Israel, but none as large scale and lethal as what occurred this week.
Many believe that recent developments in the Middle East sparked Hamas’ attack. This includes recent discussions between Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalize relations which Hamas is vehemently opposed to. A major Arab country like Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel would diametrically oppose Hamas’s stated goal to destroy Israel. By attacking Israel and provoking Israel to take military action to defend herself, Arab countries like Saudi Arabia are put in a difficult political situation and make normalizing relations with Israel remote.
Additionally, Hamas is backed by Iran, which has openly called for the destruction of Israel. News outlets have reported that Iran helped organize the attack and gave the green light to Hamas at a meeting in Beirut the week before.6
Many in Israel and around the world are wondering how Hamas could pull off such a devastating attack on Israel. Under constant attacks since its inception by her enemies, Israel has proven to have a strong defensive military, fueled by innovative, cutting-edge technology.
Israel has said that a full investigation will take place after security is restored and those injured are cared for. But immediate reports clearly indicate Israel was not aware of or prepared for this attack.
Once reason is the timing of the attack which took place on the Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Reports have said that many Israeli soldiers were allowed to go home to celebrate with their families, which is common for holidays since all Israelis are drafted into the army.
Another potential reason is that Hamas did not act alone. As stated, Iran has supported Hamas financially and militarily and most likely was involved in the planning and carrying out of the attack. The potential for cyber warfare which may have inhibited Israel’s surveillance is a possibility.
Finally, the attack shows that Hamas is not a harmless group of thugs throwing rocks and using crude weapons. They are a fully weaponized militia with rocket launchers, automatic weapons, and missiles. They have the capability to inflict deadly attacks on Israeli military, police, and civilians.
Israel’s initial response was to repel the Hamas terrorists who had entered Israel. After three days of intense fighting, Israel has regained control of the south and is now turning their attention to attacking Hamas in Gaza. Israel has announced that they expect a long and protracted war as they aim to destroy Hamas’s military capabilities.
Israel has attacked a large number of Hamas strongholds in Gaza and they have mobilized over 300,000 reserve soldiers7. A ground invasion of Gaza seems imminent.
Complicating Israel’s response are the Israeli civilian hostages being held in Gaza. While the Israeli government is determined to defeat Hamas and provide protection for its millions of citizens, it can’t abandon these captured Israeli citizens.
Additionally, Israel has had to respond to incursions into Israeli territory on its northern border with Lebanon. Hezbollah has launched rockets and artillery into Israel "in solidarity" with the Palestinian people.8
While the overwhelming majority of international leaders have publicly condemned Hamas and vocalized support for Israel, some media outlets and other organizations have blamed Israel for the attack.9
They have claimed that Hamas’ attack was a response to Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians. Specifically, they point to Israel’s refusal to grant the Palestinians their independence, as well as Israel’s military actions against the Palestinians.
First, it must be stated unequivocally that no political grievance EVER justifies the murder and kidnapping of innocent people. Children and elderly civilians have been targeted and are amongst the casualties. This is plain evil and even Amnesty International which is known for being critical of Israel has stated that Hamas has committed war crimes.
Second, history has shown that Israel has made many attempts to live peacefully with the Palestinians, offering them independence multiple times including through the Oslo Accords in 199310 and the Camp David Summit in 2000. Additionally, Israel unilaterally removed any military or civilian presence from Gaza in 2005, giving the Palestinians full control of that territory for the past 18 years.
Finally, while unfortunately many innocent Palestinians have lost their lives or been injured during the many battles between Hamas and Israel, that has never been Israel’s intention. A fundamental difference between Hamas and Israel is that Hamas intentionally targets innocent Israeli civilians and puts Palestinian civilians in harm’s way. Israel defends its own civilians and targets Hamas terrorists who hide behind Palestinian civilians, which has caused inadvertent casualties.
There has been widespread international condemnation of Hamas' attack on Israel. Statements include:11
US President Joe Biden:
"The United States unequivocally condemns this appalling assault against Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza," Biden said. "I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people," Biden wrote. "The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation."
French President Emmanuel Macron:
"France stands in solidarity with Israel and the Israelis, committed to their security and their right to defend themselves."
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak:
"The scenes we have seen in Israel over the last 36 hours are truly horrifying." Sunak said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "to assure him of the U.K.'s steadfast support as Israel defends itself against these attacks," adding that "terrorism will not prevail."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
Trudeau said his country condemned the "terrorist attacks against Israel." "These acts of violence are completely unacceptable," he wrote. "We stand with Israel and fully support its right to defend itself. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky:
"In the face of such a terrorist strike, everyone who values life must stand in solidarity. Our position is crystal clear," he said. "Anyone who causes terror and death anywhere on the planet must be held accountable." “The same evil, and the only difference is that there is a terrorist organization that attacked Israel, and here is a terrorist state that attacked Ukraine,” Zelensky says in a video address to a NATO parliamentary assembly in Copenhagen.
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, who has Palestinian ancestry:
“The best thing that could happen to the Palestinian people is for Hamas to completely disappear. Those savage beasts do not represent the Palestinians,” Bukele says on the social network X. “Anyone who supports the Palestinian cause would make a great mistake siding with those criminals.” He also compared Hamas to the MS-13 gang, which has terrorized El Salvador for years.
B''H this dialogue has brought to light that the Muslim peoples will not tolerate the existence of others - something hard to swallow intellectually, Muslims 'live by the sword' but wait the sentence finishes 'to do the work of Yaakov, if Yaakov merits it' - the Torah gives us boundaries to live by - may we merit to live and do what we were created for.
Another point: the “Palestinian People” were created by the Arab League specifically as a weapon against Israel; now that these same countries are normalizing relations with Israel they have abandoned the Palestinians who no longer have a reason to exist. They do however have a unique opportunity to reinvent themselves as a modern Arab nation/society way ahead of most others in all sorts of technologies - if only they will realize that their purpose has changed and let go of their hatreds.
Their tragedy is that instead of the world - especially the countries that created them - helping them to grow and change they are still encouraged to continue their outdated, futile “struggle”.
Has one Moslem country condemned the atrocity? There are 1billion Moslems celebrating even Iran and Saudi Arabia unite against Israel. There are 8milliom Israelis facing 1billion Muslims. Where is the Vatican in condemning these atrocities silent as usual. As for civilians the US dropped the bomb on Japan twice. Of course the Japanese are a different race. Ask the American troops about the cowards the Iraqis' were hiding behind defenceless people,nazis,Daniel pearl etc.
Hamas not only calls for the destruction of Israel, it also calls for the murder of all Jews world wide.
Hi,
I am saddened by recent events in Israel. May the people of Israel and the Jewish people all over the world find strength and comfort in these difficult times.
The author has stated that no political grievance ever justifies the murder and kidnapping of innocent people. Is it justified for Israel to cut off water, food and electricity supply for 2.2 million people who have nowhere to go in order to take down Hamas?
My apologies if this post offends. Thank you.
Sharon, Hamas claims they are independent of Israel and that Israel should not exist. That being the case, why should Israel supply them with water and electricity?
Hi Hadel,
Do you imply that the 2.2 million people of Gaza are responsible for killing and abducting Israelis? Should they pay for Hamas’s act of terror?
Hi Sharon, Thank you for your blessing and prayers. Your question is not a simple one. Any time war happens, innocent civilians get caught up in it. Were there innocent Germans in WWII that were killed by the Allies as they aimed to destroy the Nazis? Most probably. Were there innocent civilians in Afghanistan killed when the USA went to destroy Al Queda? Definitely. Israel is now at war. It's not a war it chose or initiated. But it has the moral responsibility to protect its citizens. It is very sad and painful that any innocent civilians are hurt or even killed in that process. But I do think Israel is justified to do what it needs to do to protect innocent Israelis.
Hi Elliot,
Thank you for explaining the matter.
I understand that Israel have to do what can too root out Hamas , and innocent people may be hurt or killed in the process.
However the direction to cut off food, water, fuel and electricity has affected 2 million people at Gaza who has nowhere else to go.
Did the US resort to cut off access of food and basic necessities to Iraqis in order to destroy Al Qaeda? Did the US impose other forms of blockades to Iraqis then?
At least, Israel could have considered a humanitarian corridor for innocent civilians.
I understand Israel is in pain now, but I hope you will think about the impact your actions may have on innocent people.
Thank you.
Hello Elliot--
Thank you for providing such a well written explanation of the war. Yes, it certainly IS sad and painful that innocent civilians are hurt and killed in this process. I wish that were not the case, but that is the painful reality we are living with. The blame lies 100% with Hamas. I wish people understood that fact.
The people in Gaza elected Hamas as their leaders. They knew who/what they were voting for.
Access to basic necessities is a fundamental human right regardless of one’s political choices.
The reply is twofold: 1-if you bite the hand that feeds you, you should not be surprised that it stops the feeding;
2-most countries including the US have a ruling that defines people who give “aid and comfort” to an enemy during war as a traitor deserving the death penalty - why then should we be expected to provide assistance to those who are actively trying to destroy us?
Hi Dvirah,
(1) Israel has imposed air, sea and land blockade to Gaza for 16 years and counting.
(2) Israel does not need to provide assistance. Israel can allow other countries to provide assistance, or let the UN to do its job.
Again, access to basic necessities- food , water, electricity, shelter is a fundamental human right, regardless of race, religion, creed or political affiliations.
The situation is dire in Gaza and is no strong voice to advocate for them at a Global level. I pray that Hashem may have mercy on them .
Sharon,
Why don't you criticize Egypt blocking its borders to Gaza?
To my knowledge , Egypt claimed there are attacks on its borders and that it is in talks to open its borders for humanitarian aid.
Kindly share the link to the news claiming that Egypt blocked its borders.
Thank you.
Oh, so attacks on Egypt justify blockades but attacks on Israel don’t?
How do you think Hamas acquired so much firepower? THAT is where the world’s “humanitarian” aid goes. The blockades are only to minimize as far as possible the flow of weaponry to Hamas; up to now every else passed thru.
Also, since you agree Israel does NOT need to provide assistance, that includes water & electricity - which Hamas will only use against Israel, not for its nonterrorist population.
If you lived in the area you’d see for yourself how careless Hamas is of civilians under their control.
Re basic necessities, see my earlier post about Palestinian independence.
Lastly, the situation is dire in Israel also. Israel is a small country with limited resources - I don’t see why in this situation of existential danger she should worry about the very people threatening her.
Hi Dvirah,
I requested for you to share links to the news stating that Egypt blocked its borders to refugees. I could not find such news in CNN or BBC website. I will be critical of Egypt the same way I am critical of Israel if what you claimed is true.
You did nor share the link as requested and yet you accuse me of bias.
Israel has directed Gazan residents to evacuate the northern area of Gazan. The UN warn of potential human catastrophe . You can verify the news at CNN or BBC website.
You are conflating the people of Gaza with HAMAS . Did the 2.2 million people of Gaza conspired to commit heinous acts of terror to Israel? Why the collective punishment?
Access to basic necessities is a fundamental human right, regardless of race, religion.
Shabbat Shalom.
Your media hides many things.
And yes, Israel does everything possible to spare noncombatents but that is not always achievable.
Remember also that the people of Gaza chose Hamas to lead them. This is where they led them to.
Israel cannot and should not take responsibility for the Palestinian's decisions. The Palestinians have had many opportunities for peace and maturity but instead have locked themselves into a pschycotic toddler mentality - see my post regading the origins of the Palestinian people and their abandonment by their Arab creators.
Ultimately the whole situation results from a greedy refusal to allow nonMoslems any right of existance - until that changes, there will be no peace.
Dvirah,
Israel can consider deploying its military to monitor distribution of humanitarian aid so that it does not fall to the wrong hands.
Perhaps this is a better way to detect terrorist strongholds than pummeling Gaza to the ground .
Just my thoughts.
Good morning, what do you think the "blockade" was? Yet you protested against it.
I repeat: Ultimately the whole situation results from a greedy refusal to allow nonMoslems any right of existance.
Israel cannot and should not commit suicide because of the haters and the greedy. In this situation she has not only the right but the necessity of thinking only of her own survival.
OH 1 G-D EVER FREE FROM THE CHAIN OF REBIRTHS BEYOND DEATH AND WITHOUT FEAR {REV RABBI AKIBA'S DEFINITION OF 1 G-D = ORAL WORD OF G-D} OH 1 AND ONLY 1 G-D PLEASE PROTECT ISREAL FROM THE DICTATORIAL HAMAS.AMEN.
If the Palestinians want independence, let them stand on their own feet and be independent! They have - now for nearly 30 years - land, resources, technology. The only thing stopping them is lack of doing.
Zelensky never mentions the word "Israel". Shame on him!!!
Long live the Jewish People!
HAMAS is ISIS...
claims of Israel causing suffering to the Palestinians and stealing their land are totally false. Aside from Israel’s long history of being in the land and has much evidence, including many excavations over recent years, clearly proving our existence in the land and our right to exist. It’s for these reasons that criticism of Israel is antisemitism.