Acknowledge the Religious Zionist Community's Sacrifices in the War

Key Findings:

In this op-ed, the author speaks in defense of the religious Zionist community, who’s ideologies and actions are often under fire from left-wing Israelis. The author points out that although this community has greatly contributed to the Israel-Hamas War, many of their actions are still viewed unjustly by the left. He advocates for respect towards them and their contributions. 

The author discusses Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram’s case, when on October 7, he fired towards an enemy tank that held hostages in it. Some left leaning individuals criticize this action, viewing it as motivated by a religious Zionist priority for land rather than the preservation of human life. The author points out that Hiram fought bravely in battles against terrorists in the Israel-Hamas war, and was critically injured. 

The author also points out that the religious Zionist community has sacrificed many lives in the war. Many religious Zionist soldiers who died in combat belonged to institutions and settlements that the Israeli left is critical of. However, some of the left falsely interpret this sacrifice as a way of glorifying death.  

The author points out that illegal violence against Palestinians is worthy of condemnation, and is reflected in only a very small amount of this community’s population as a whole.