A recent conversation

Hi all,
I recently had a conversation with an old friend who had a lot of good questions.  Here is an excerpt from our conversation. It was really thought provoking for me and I was glad to have a reason to be concise and talk about what I really think.


"I hope all is well, and I hope you're safe....There is a video... I want you to see... Israelis gathering together and wishing death on all Arabs, and making remarks against the religion. By no means am I in favor of Hamas or any other terrorist org alike, but I am for human rights, and I have been reading up on a lot of people being killed in mosques while praying, kids, mothers, the elderly being killed in schools and civilian residences. Not to mention settlements being built through Palestinian settlements. Many believe that Palestine isn't recognized as a nation just so Israel can "defend" itself by any means necessary and not face any repercussions. Today I read about several UN members being killed by Israeli rockets. Again I want to say that I am by no means for the side of Hamas, just for human rights! Hope to hear from you soon, be safe!"


My response: " In response to this conversation, living here in Israel has been really difficult. I'm here for the first year of Rabbinical School-- it's been fascinating so far. I saw this video a few days ago. Noticeably, in the title it says "Kahanist (neo fascist) demonstration" Also, if you read a bit further, it explains that these people were outside an anti-war demonstration being held by the IDF. The Kach group is actually considered a terrorist organization throughout the state of Israel. So, although I am not pleased to see this video by any means, it does not hold too much weight for me because this is a fundamental radical group that is not even considered Jewish. Just like in Islam and Christianity there are right wing fundamentalist groups, Judaism has those factions also. 

Unfortunately, extreme fundamentalism is a big part of this conflict, and this is why I find myself feeling very uneasy about people posting videos and articles on both sides. It's all fundamentalist propaganda made by someone to show evil in another group of humans. I also believe there is a human rights problem here. It is not okay to kill innocent people (on either side) and from what I understand from the people I know who work in the government here, many precautions are taken to avoid this. People are called, leaflets dropped, schools are warned, Gazans are given usually about 10 hours notice before something serious happens, where as in Jerusalem we hear the siren and then have 60 seconds to get out of harm's way. I would also suggest that the IDF absolutely isn't perfect. There are lots of problems with this ground operation, and if I had a solution on how to stop this, I would give it. I do know that Palestinians who are warned about the next Israeli moves are threatened by Hamas, who tells its citizens frequently to stay put and that if they abandon their homes or other places as Israel warns and they are found after this, Hamas will kill them and their families. Also, Palestine is recognized in both foreign and domestic law as a nation. They have a "special observer" seat in the UN. Most people here in Israel do recognize the legitimacy of Palestine. I think it's absolutely a problem that the West Bank is still occupied. It's not acceptable that Israel gave the PA control and then went back on her word, continuing to build there. However, I think it's important to mention that Gaza hasn't been occupied for 9 years. There was a complete military withdraw and because of this, a terrorist organization is governing this land from Qatar, with little to no thought about the repercussions for its civilians. 

I am afraid for the lives of all Palestinians right now. I am terrified for those who just want to live their lives. I am frightened by how much hate speech is flying all over the world. I am so mad that a place that is supposed to be considered holy by all three Abrahamic religions is under such fire. I'm mad that Hamas has launched rockets toward Jerusalem and some have landed in Palestinian villages and killed people. I'm also so scared about the future of brotherhood. Across the world right now, people are yelling things about death to the Jews or Arabs. I am worried that my grandchildren and yours will be brought up in a world full of hatred for each other. Know that people here, the non-extremists who you don't see on the news, are terribly worried for the tragedies in Gaza, the human rights violations on both sides. People in Israel aren't walking around with blinders on. MY experience has shown me that so many more Israelis care about the loss of life than I would have expected. Sorry this is so long, I wanted to give you a detailed and factual account based on my experience here so far. Be well, and keep in touch!"

I just wanted to put this out there, for people who have similar questions.  
Let's pray the ceasefire is permanent this time.