The world has now observed another chilling anniversary of the October 7, 2023 massacre of Israeli citizens.What we also mark is the launch of a war by Hamas whose strategic purpose was to destabilize the Middle East — which was edging towards peaceful co-existence — while filming their October 7th atrocities. Their purpose evidently was to remind the world that they are committed to the total destruction of Israel “by any means necessary.”
Make no mistake. It is a war. As in any war, unfortunately, civilians will lose their lives.
As Israel was responding with deadly force against Hamas and its allies, Hamas’ collaborators around the world hijacked the word “genocide” to charge that the Israelis are engaged in a methodical and calculated program of extermination. It is beyond irony that the people who were subjected to industrial-scale murder as a formal policy by the Third Reich should now be accused of such a crime. In a world where Jew-hatred thrives as a bacillus, such libels exist.
A generation — holding high Palestinian banners that speak of their ignorance of history, of the roots of conflict, and their refusal to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist — now marches on college campuses. These protestors may be able to spell “genocide” but their understanding of that word is defined by the agents of Hamas. These protestors are nothing more than dupes, many of whom would be executed by Hamas in Gaza for being infidels and for their progressive self-identity.
The Holocaust tore apart but strengthened the Jewish soul. Never again will Jews allow their enemies to commit acts of murder and unspeakable violence upon their people and not be targeted for retribution. In the war initiated by Hamas, Israel is within its rights to target the agents, soldiers, and commanders of this terrorist organization. Civilians will, unfortunately, be caught in the violence. And Hamas cynically uses those casualties while they deny food, medical assistance and honest governance to the very population they purport to represent.
The Israelis know their history. Self-defense is within the DNA of every Jew who will confront hatred with the steely resolve required in a world where an error in strategic judgment can lead to disaster. “Never again” is not a slogan. It is a sworn oath to posterity and to future generations of Jews.
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