Given the recent conflict in the Middle East, we find ourselves in an extremely difficult and painful place.
While I remain ethically and religiously connected with the State of Israel and all its people, I have mixed emotions regarding the history and actions of the Likud party, the West Bank settlement, and the horrific bloodletting taking place as I write.
Make no mistake, I am on Israel’s side. For many years the country has been forced into a Hobson’s choice; damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Regardless of the underlying reasons, I agree that it is, in effect, an Apartheid state. In Gaza and the West Bank, occupation has been the norm and not without reason. In the simplest state, the dilemma has always been “How to treat the entities that have sworn to destroy you.” Yes, Gaza has been long under embargo, causing much suffering. In the absence of an embargo, the materials of war (concrete for tunnels, explosives, etc.) flow in, and while not the wish of all Palestinians, this allows for the vicious attacks we see right now. It is analogous to “My enemy is pointing a gun at my head. What do I do to reduce the threat?”
If not for the so-called “Iron Dome,” the rocket attacks on Israel would have devasting consequences – and some do get through. I do not know what will happen next. Iran has fingerprints all over the attack, for what little that may be worth. I have advised friends, “If you want to sleep tonight, do not watch the news.” I grieve for the innocents on all sides being butchered.
