I just returned from a deeply emotional week in Poland. My father-in-law – a survivor of seven Nazi death camps – marked his 90th birthday by bringing 93 of his direct descendants (and spouses) to the scene of the crime. There, despite the horrors he experienced, he wanted to express his profound gratitude to G-d for the miracle of his survival and for the gift of his post-Holocaust life.
It was unnerving to contemplate the Nazis’ methodical evil, and many Poles’ supporting roles, during those years of horror.
Perhaps most unsettling was juxtaposing the world’s post-Holocaust reaction with the present reactions to Hamas’ pogrom. After the Holocaust, Germany clearly accepted responsibility. Many Poles ducked responsibility, claiming they were hapless victims, because they wanted distance from the moral travesty. Either way, the world didn’t excuse it. The world certainly didn’t celebrate it.
The world called evil by its name.
Fast forward 80 years, and we’re witnessing a very different response to the wanton torture and murder of innocents.
Not every Palestinian is a terrorist, and not every Palestinian knew what Hamas was planning. But the populace elected Hamas as their leaders. They know that Hamas sent agents to torture and slaughter innocent men, women and children. They all saw – via the terrorists’ GoPros - proof of the savage attacks.
The citizens of Gaza know what happened. Yet, it appears that many Gazans, rather than going the German route of accepting responsibility, or even the Polish route of ducking culpability are – from what I can tell – condoning and celebrating the brutality.
But I’m even more disturbed by some reactions here, in our blessed land of religious freedom.
If people want to point out that innocent Palestinians are unfortunately dying in Israel’s campaign to destroy Hamas, I get it. It’s very sad. If they want to criticize Israel for those deaths, I disagree (I lay the full blame on Hamas); but I don’t consider that an immoral stance. It may just be misguided naiveté.
But what can I say about some fellow Americans (including, sad to say, a few Jews), in universities and in the streets, who – even after the world has seen proof of beheadings, rapes, burnings, kidnappings, etc. – demonstrate in support of Hamas and hold placards that call for the elimination of Israel (“from the river to the sea” means nothing less)?
I’m dumbfounded.
So, in my post Oct 7 daze, I pray for the kidnapped and for our brave IDF. I mourn the victims.
And I grieve the death, in too many quarters, of basic human decency.