Guest: Israel has served as a safety net for Jews globally. The attack is one of hatred
The past days have generated a crush of emotion for Oklahomans who have ties to Israel. The overwhelming response of Americans and particularly Oklahomans in support of Israel’s catastrophic loss of life makes me fiercely proud and immensely grateful. Heartfelt thanks to President Joe Biden, to our Oklahoma congressional delegation and the U.S. Congress, and to our resolute U.S. Armed Forces for their steadfast determination in helping eradicate this evil. Many Israelis have expressed how heartening it is to know they have not been abandoned in this terribly dark time.
The initial attack on Oct. 7 — a Jewish holy day and holiday — was the deadliest day in Israel’s 75-year history. This is an uprising of hatred, not an uprising of defiance against Israeli policy. On a per capita basis, to date this act of terrorism and loss of life is equivalent to 10 9/11s AND more than 5,000 civilians being taken hostage. Tragically, we know these numbers are only going to grow.
In more than 50 years, I have personally known Israel as a place of tikkun olam — repair of the world — not a place of destruction. Israel highlights creativity and innovation, celebrating life and its goodness at every opportunity. It builds rather than destroys, buoys rather than devastates, heals rather than harms. Hamas and its supporters are the antithesis of these values. For more than 75 years, Israel has waged a constant battle of survival in a hostile location, where its neighbors have sworn to eliminate both the nation of Israel and its people.
Israel’s democracy — like all democracies — is founded first and foremost upon a sense of security and safety for its people. This is a fundamental part of the social contract. A democracy is charged with the protection of its citizens, wherever they are; it cannot exist if its citizens are exposed and vulnerable. No country tolerates a murderous entity within or near its borders and therefore must balance morality with self-defense. Israel is no exception. The world seems to recognize this and must continue to do so.
Anyone watching this conflict, especially Oklahomans familiar with murderous acts of terrorism and Americans familiar with 9/11 and Pearl Harbor, should have experienced a shock of conscience because this is an assault on human values. By any definition, what is happening in Israel is sheer brutality, which threatens the ideals that are the foundation of all democratic societies.
This is a moment of moral clarity — back the type of barbarians who crash planes into buildings, parade innocents in the streets, and use their own people as a shield for their deplorable cruelty, or take a stand with those around the world who cherish liberty — there is no gray area.
For 75 years, the existence of Israel has served as a safety net for Jews around the world. Israel has been a beacon of hope — in democracy, humanity and a brighter future. While Israel may seem vulnerable now, as were Oklahoma and the United States, the country will marshal its strength and hold the promise of a haven for those in peril. Out of the darkness, Israel will find the light. Israel will continue to bring good into this world.
To ensure Israel’s most pressing humanitarian needs are met, the Magen David Adom, Israel’s Red Cross, is a charitable option. And to ensure the future of the Jewish state, continue to be a determined advocate and voice for this island of democracy.
Edie Roodman is executive director of the Oklahoma Israel Exchange and former longtime director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Attack of Israel deadliest in 75 years. This is an uprising of hatred
