After America was attacked on 9/11, there was a groundswell of support for us against the forces of evil – terrorism. Still, some shouted out against us, pointing to our imperialism and greed and saying that we deserved to be attacked. The questions of how we could do better would have been valid the day before, but not that day or the days to follow. At that point, we needed to recognize our disagreements and put them aside to focus on the true enemies – those who would destroy us – terrorists. When these servants of evil do their worst, we should pull together to be our best. We usually do. This week, too many of us did not.
We should have an honest discussion about the Middle East, but the time is not now. Now, instead of continuing our splintered political turmoil, we should be standing with Israel and the world against Hamas. There is no question – Hamas is a terrorist organization. And yes, they were put in power by the men, not the women and children, of their communities. Women and children are treated like garbage by fundamentalists; they are victims too. The men of Hamas put this attack together with what seems to be meticulous planning at every step, and over 2000 people have died so far, with unknown numbers of men, women, children, and the elderly having been kidnapped. Those kidnapped were not just from Israel; it is believed that the victims represent at least 20 countries, including America. This was not an attack against Israel alone; like 9/11, it was an attack against the world.
And yet, there are politicians, pundits, and entertainers speaking their minds against Israel. So, I ask again: Why are Americans okay with hating the Jews? I asked this question in a Thought on October 2, and I ask it again. I know that there are many strong opinions about Israel, and I have stated that I have a hard time supporting their government at times, but now is not the time to argue about this; that conversation can come sometime in the future. Right now, like the world did for us on 9/12, we need to stand with Israel against terrorism. And as a reminder, also like 9/11, these were not Muslims who created this atrocity. No real Jew, Christian, or Muslim would commit terrorism. No person who loves God would participate in an insurrection. Only people filled with hate sign up for that.
Hate, evil intentions, and vile behavior transcend party and nation and religion. And those who are being vocal have the right to speak. However – common decency and compassion should help us to control our disagreements while we root out the evil that exists everywhere. We should be empowered to stand with each other against all hateful violence. Pointing fingers in times of tragedy and loss never helps. We have an anti-Semitism problem throughout the world, and if any nation has the ability and reason to fight against it, it is America. We have always believed that we are a good nation. Now, we can prove it.
Prayer – Holy God, as we mourn the loss of so many innocent lives, teach us to stand against evil, regardless of our politics. We need to be united against Hamas and organizations like it. Amen.