Reflections on the Conflict in Israel

I traveled to Israel last weekend, and with the second anniversary of the tragic events of October 7th approaching, it’s crucial to reflect on what occurred, assess the current state of the conflict, and consider the way forward.

The Past

October 7th marked one of the most devastating attacks on Jews since the Holocaust. Thousands of terrorists from Hamas infiltrated Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people from 41 different countries, including 39 Americans. There were unimaginable acts of violence—women were raped, men were beheaded, and disturbing reports surfaced about live babies being burned. Additionally, 255 individuals were taken hostage, among them 12 Americans.

This violence is significantly backed by Iranian leaders, the leading national sponsor of terrorism, whose main goal appears to be the destruction of Israel. Holocaust survivors and historians often draw parallels between these recent actions and the objectives of the Nazis from decades past. In essence, this conflict is a battle between freedom and fear; to perceive it otherwise might cloud our moral judgment.

It’s vital to keep these facts clear. The Israeli media and various adversaries seem intent on revising history, often under Iran’s influence, which promotes narratives that aim to obscure the reality of good versus evil at the heart of this struggle.

The Present

On the ground, Israeli Defense Force (IDF) soldiers exemplify courage as they defend their communities and freedom. Importantly, the IDF consists of individuals from diverse faiths and political backgrounds—liberals, conservatives, Jews, Christians, Druze, and Muslims all fight together. This unity contrasts sharply with the enemy’s tactics, which involve targeting civilians and misusing hospitals for military purposes.

Up to this point, Israel has successfully recovered 135 hostages, conducting bold operations that have dismantled the leadership networks of Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah. They have eliminated threats across regions, including Tehran, Damascus, and Beirut, reflecting their unique capabilities and resolve in seeking peace.

However, anti-Semitism, arguably the oldest form of hatred, continues to gain traction in mainstream society. Universities have struggled to protect Jewish students, and incidents such as the murder of an Israeli Embassy employee in Washington, DC, earlier this year highlight a troubling climate. In June, an attack with flamethrowers disrupted a peaceful rally advocating for the release of hostages held in Gaza. Research indicates that many American Jews have altered their daily behaviors out of fear of rising anti-Semitism.

The Future

This leads us to question what lies ahead. Here are a few thoughts:

• The United States and its allies must unequivocally support Israel as it confronts those seeking its destruction. A sense of unity must replace fear as we pursue justice.
• All hostages should be returned. Holding individuals for negotiations is both inhumane and illegal.
• Anti-Semitism breeds violence and chaos, which we need to confront relentlessly. While the previous administration took steps to hold institutions accountable, ongoing efforts are essential to ensure such behaviors face real consequences.
• The UN and International Criminal Courts must be held accountable for their biases against Israel. Although the last administration withdrew from certain international organizations, funding cuts should be prioritized, particularly in peacekeeping efforts where terrorists find sanctuary.

America should remain a steadfast ally in the Middle East. If we falter, we risk enabling the triumph of evil.