Blog

Do you remember the saga of the 13 Thai boys and their soccer coach trapped in a cave for 18 days, June 23-July 10, 2018? The world held its collective breath hoping that they could be rescued, as we eagerly awaited updates, with the images of their safe exit providing much joy.

Do you remember how our attention was riveted this past early summer as a small submarine carrying five explorers was bound for the wreck of the Titanic on June 18, 2023, as we held out hope that they survived, and how saddened we were to learn of the catastrophic collapse of the vessel? These two moments stand out in stark opposition to the world’s response to the 136 hostages still held by Hamas for more than 100 days.

• Where is the world’s daily concern for their release?
• Where is the International Red Cross’s demand to visit them and assure their health?
• Where is the unanimous condemnation of the United Nations and/or the Security Council and demand for their release?
• Where is the European Union’s forceful demand for their release?
• Where is the pressure on Hamas demanding their return to the negotiating table?
• Have you seen the horrific videos that Hamas just released about them?

I cannot know how the hostage’s families feel, although my life’s experiences these past five years might help me understand better than many, but I will not surmise nor speak for them. But I will continue to speak up, as each additional day is one day too many. It is a stark reminder that the Jew remains the world’s pariah. Why? Because God demands of us a moral and ethical life, and to teach that to others. Clearly there are too many others whose reflection does not mirror these teachings.   They have become “A Portrait of Dorian Gray”, the novel by Oscar Wilde whose protagonist has sold himself to the devil for immortality. He does not age, but rather his portrait absorbs his immoral behavior. When he finally views his portrait, the obscenity that it has become leads to his death. We are witnessing far too many Dorians in the world, blindly unable to recognize what an obscene caricature of themselves they have devolved into with the inability to see nor care. They have sold themselves to the Dark Side.

I sense a gradual fatalist attitude in Israel that most of the hostages will not survive, the world will once again condemn Israel (we can hardly await the ruling of the ICC), no one will even mention Hamas, and no one will care at all for Israel’s pain.

I would be remiss if I did not express gratitude to the Biden administration for standing with Israel at a time when she is alone. The consistent and unwavering support, despite great internal and international pressures, provides consolation at a time when American Jews feel alone, forgotten and ignored. There are many governmental officials of both parties who speak up in support of Israel, and in a unique moment, I can smile as I proclaim that there are too many to mention. Thank you all. We will not forget who stood with us, who stood against us, and who was silent. You are the ones who must look honestly inward. Are you brave enough to peek at your portrait? What will you see?

I pray that all 136 hostages be returned safely to their families, and that for one shining moment, the world shows that it cares.