Wisdom in the Face of Destruction

Key Findings:

This essay urges readers to confront the brutal reality of human cruelty in the context of the Israel-Hamas war by invoking the historical context found in the Torah. It draws from rabbinic teachings to warn against being kind to the cruel — arguing that it ultimately results in harm to the innocent. 

The command to remember Amalek is to protect against forgetfulness of such evils that pave the way for their recurrence.

Grief must be had for the suffering in Gaza, full stop. Pausing and acknowledging the pain of those affected is needed. The Midrash where God rebukes the prophet Jeremiah for not weeping at the destruction of the Temple is highlighted.

The essay recounts Israel's historical attempts to contain Hamas in Gaza, connecting past restraints to the perceived brutality of recent events on October 7. The notion of pidyon shevuyim, the redemption of captives, is discussed. The author gives a fervent prayer for the liberation of captives, despite acknowledging the slim likelihood due to the cruelty of their captors. 

The essay then discussed the potential consequences if Israel does not destroy Hamas, citing a Torah verse that warns of future thorns and vexations. It argues that the threat extends beyond Israel due to Hamas's ideology, which prioritizes civilian deaths as a desired outcome.

Advocating for destruction to secure a peaceful future is a paradoxical situation. The author calls for strength and resilience in the face of challenges, and expresses a hopeful outlook for a brighter future despite the current darkness.