War, Suffering and Our Response

Is there intentional starvation in Gaza? Some say yes. Others say no. The lack of food is blamed on Israel, Hamas, the United Nations—depending on who you ask.

Instagram posts and texts flood my feed, each offering “proof” for one side or another.

In moments like this, I turn to my Israeli colleagues for grounding.

Donniel Hartman, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute, wrote in his essay Morality in Times of Fear that:

“We (Israelis) are responsible for ensuring Gazans, like all of God’s creatures, have a right to access food safely and that, as occupiers of Gaza at this moment, we are responsible to guarantee this.”

Similarly, my colleague and Member of Knesset, Rabbi Gilad Kariv, issued eight demands to the Minister of Defense, calling for immediate provision of food, water, field hospitals and comprehensive reports on the deaths that have occurred at food distribution centers. Read more here.

The reality of pain and suffering of innocent Palestinians is undeniable.

The war’s end must begin with the release of hostages. The humanitarian crisis is, first and foremost, a result of Hamas’ choices—prioritizing hatred of Israel over love and protection of their own people.

Yet still, Israel bears a high level of responsibility for the well-being of innocent civilians in Gaza.

Yesterday, Israel began to airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza. Today, they have agreed to daily pauses in the war to allow for humanitarian aid to enter from Israel and from other countries.

We, too, can help. I chose to donate to support the World Central Kitchen in Gaza.

I can’t negotiate peace in Israel, but I can make some effort to find peace within myself by sharing the voices that I trust in Israel, by advocating for Hamas and Israel to end to this war, and by giving tzedakah to better the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians who have been harmed so deeply over the past 660 days of violence.

May the One who creates peace in the heavens above help Palestinians and Israelis to find peace, make peace, and rebuild a better future. And may we do our part to advance that peace.