Dear God,

Today marks the 3rd anniversary of the horrible terrorist attacks in Israel. In the days and weeks after October 7, 2023, the world reacted with support for the tiny Jewish home. I remember seeing newscasts from around the world in which the reporters were in tears as they described the terrible atrocities faced by Israelis. At the Nova Music Festival, 364 Israeli civilians were killed...and some of those that were killed were tortured beyond recognition. Body parts of murdered Israelis were found all over the area. The scenes that were shown were so horrendous. Anyone who saw the broadcasts were surely brought to tears.

This was a calculated attack which probably took a long time to coordinate and arrange. More than 1200 were killed, including many of the 251 hostages that were taken back into Gaza. Ex-pat Israelis across the world attempted to get back home to Israel as quickly as possible to check on their beloved family members and more importantly - to help fight back against the massive infiltration. As a result, there were massive flight shortages, as nearly all major international carriers suspended operations to Tel Aviv due to rocket fire and security. 

Every day since October 7, Israeli Jews and Jews worldwide have tried to live our lives with hope and love for others. However, while the pain is so deep and so strong, what has caused an even worse pain has been the rise of Anti-Israel, Anti-Jewish sentiments shown mostly by non-Jews, but also by prominent Jews across the world.

When will people understand that this is a convoluted subject? It is possible to love Israel, to support Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people while at the same time wanting peace for all of Israeli citizens and all peoples who live as "neighbors" to Israel. Words have meaning - and those meanings can also be quite painful. 

Of course, as the Israeli/Palestinian situation is chalk full of nuances, it is very easy to hear something and immediately react/respond in a way that does nothing but exacerbate the situation at hand. Without getting into specifics, let me just say that there are quotes, sayings, ideas that stand 100% against peace and hope. What we are witnessing in the United States (especially in the past year and a half) is terrifying for many American Jews.

Not being able to go to school, attend religious functions or just to take a walk alone is not ok. In every country that Jews have lived, there has come a time in which the "writing was on the wall." When that time occurs, we really have 2 choices - 1) to run away from the terror or 2) to stand up in support of fellow Jews, Israelis and stand for peace. 

I am often asked if I support the Israeli government. This is not a simple question with a simple answer. Yes, I support the Government of Israel - when it is holding itself up to the standards that we yearn to live by - Loving our neighbors as ourselves, protecting strangers and sticking our necks out for those who are "other."

When the October 7 terrorists attacks occurred, I believed (as I do today) that Israel has/had the right to protect her citizens. However, somewhere along the way, the current leaders of Israel lost their way - they stopped governing based by the example set for us in our Holy Texts. Yes, I believe there are leaders in Israel who should not be leaders and should never be given power of any kind again. They have abused their powers - and as a result, TOO MANY Palestinian women, children and civilians have been killed. This is never ok.

But, today, I yearn for nothing more than understanding.

I want to hope. I want to ask for peace. I want; I need to understand.

Perhaps one day, I will understand...but, today, I just cry. I weep for all of those who lives have been lost. I weep as I remember what life was like on October 6, 2023....