The ongoing conflict in Israel has always been characterized by a struggle between two opposing forces: a love for the land and the human endeavor to establish a society that thrives, in stark contrast to attempts to annihilate it, both in the past and present.
On the flip side, some view the Palestinian movement as what Douglas Murray refers to as a “cult of death”—a commitment to destruction that looks toward death across generations, offering little to the world apart from a drive for violence.
The young victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Washington, D.C., who worked at the Israeli Embassy—a Christian and a Jew—had been planning to celebrate their love and get engaged.
It’s almost poignant, isn’t it? These victims exemplified the profound connection between Christians and Jews who support Israel, their lives forever intertwined through love and profound loss.
Was the attacker a more fitting representation of the opposing ideology? His erratic behavior belied a mindset captured by the slogans: “Free, free Palestine!” and “There’s only one solution – intifada!”
To “free” Palestine unfortunately translates to the destruction of Israel, and the exile or death of countless Jews. An intifada isn’t merely a protest; it embodies a bloody campaign targeting civilians.
Campus activists and street demonstrators have echoed these sentiments since the latest escalation of violence on October 7, 2023. Yet, it remains early to fully grasp the implications just hours post-attack.
Nonetheless, those who chant these slogans can’t feign ignorance about their connection to fear and violence. “Palestine” could have sought nationhood but chose instead a path of destruction.
The victims were at a gathering discussing how to deliver humanitarian assistance amid conflict, organized by the American Jewish Committee for Young Diplomats in the nation’s capital.
While Israel has been accused of withholding aid from Palestinians in Gaza, Hamas reportedly diverts resources. Yet, Israelis and Jews are striving to find a way to love and protect the most vulnerable while also safeguarding their own.
The appeal of the Palestinian struggle lies in its perceived certainty. Death offers a more straightforward, immediate answer compared to love, which is often fleeting, requires effort, and can be elusive.
Still, love is the essence of building, creating, and thriving. It’s fragile but infinitely more potent than death. This is why the Palestinian cause continually falters while Israel remains resilient.
Joel B. Pollack is a senior editor.
