I am often asked, what I did this summer while my children were away at camp. The truth, I have become obsessed with the war in Israel. I spend hours looking at my Facebook, then at secondary sources trying to verify stories (the lawyer in me). I am appalled, scared and feel a sense of proudness at various times. I started this blog a year ago, with hopes of writing about managing my family. I entered one post. As much as I love my family, the world doesn't need to know that my kids started hockey practice after being back from camp for only 24 hours. However, the world seems to be misinformed, in denial, or just plain ignorant when it comes to Israel. I keep saying, the Jewish people need a good PR firm. Although I have no PR training, I can't remain quiet any longer.
As a jewish child in America, I remember learning of the Holocaust and wondering why? Why did others allow this to go on? Why did American jews allow this to go on? This is my attempt to do something!!!
Well folks, like it or not, admit it or not, Anti-semitism is "in" again. I recently read someone saying (I am paraphrasing), that until there is world outrage and rallies regarding the war in Syria, the Ukraine, etc. then this outcry against Israel is really just Anti-Semitism.
I was just in Toronto. Outside my hotel, on my way to breakfast, a group of people were protesting Israel. This was peaceful. Just a bunch of caucasian, non-muslim (women didn't have head coverings, so I am assuming) people sitting on lawn chairs with signs. I wanted to say something, but decided that since I had my 5 year old with me and I was in a foreign country, I better not. So, I am writing this instead.
But..... I just do not understand. How can any person in the free world protest Anti-Israel and for Hamas? What are they really protesting against, if not Jews? Facts from this war is that Hamas is a recognized terrorist organization, Hamas's charter calls for the complete destruction of Israel. Yes, the war has had "disproportionate" deaths, but beyond the numbers. Ask why? There are many reasons, Hamas uses civilians as human shields, Hamas does not allow civilians to go to safety, Hamas shoots rockets from civilian homes, hospitals and schools. Just to name a few.
From my law school days, I have tried to see the "other" side to this conflict. I can't. I sympathize with the people of Palestine. I realize that Israel is not perfect (not sure about my feelings on settlements). However, I have yet to read a rational argument for Hamas. Disproportionate? Seriously, this is war, not a basketball game. Also, Israel has spent a lot of time, money and brain power to protect its citizens, between safe rooms and Iron Dome technology. Hamas has spent its time, money and brain power (lack of better word) on digging tunnels to Israel. Nothing on protecting its citizens. The poor people of Gaza without food, electricity, etc. Whose fault is that? Hamas started this, chose to build tunnels instead of investing in daily life for its citizens. And I believe it was Hamas' missile that took out the electricity in Gaza!
So I am asking, What are the rational arguments in support of Hamas? If there are not any, why do so many people believe that Hamas deserves support, from the people I saw on the street in Toronto to some in the American government (John Kerry)?
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