BY ED FELIEN
To the person pasting a QR code over our article “Never forget Hind Rajab” in our June edition: Please stop.
Write to us.
Let’s talk about it.
Your QR code linked to a recapitulation of the horror of October 7. We have, in past issues, condemned that action as an atrocity. But what seems even more unthinkable than the original murders, Hamas knew their horrific actions would elicit an even more horrific response from Israel. They were willing to sacrifice the lives of innocent Palestinian women and children to score political points against Israel. That is a contemptible and compounded atrocity.
I wrote in our January edition: “The Hamas leadership that planned and executed the Oct. 7 raid on Israel, and Netanyahu and his war cabinet must be investigated by a U.N. commission to determine whether either or both sides committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
But the atrocity committed by Hamas on October 7 cannot excuse the continued atrocities committed by Israel. One atrocity does not condone another atrocity.
“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind,” Gandhi.
Matthew 5:38-48: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[b] and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Hamas killed 1139 Israelis in their October 7 raid. Israel has killed 38,000 in their retaliation.
Is that enough?
Do we need more?
The standard for horrific atrocities in war was established in Gubbio in Italy. Partisans had killed a Nazi officer. The Nazis rounded up 50 Gubbio citizens and killed them. There is a mausoleum in Gubbio containing their remains that commemorates this slaughter. The Israelis are approaching the fifty to one standard set by the Nazis with a thousand times greater impact.
Enough is enough.
Stop the war.
Recognize the grievances on both sides.
Hold each side accountable for atrocities.
Recognize the legitimacy of a Palestinian state.
And declare peace on both sides.
