Israel, Palestine, and Us
It has been one year since the October 7th Hamas-led attack on Israel. This attack saw 1,200 people killed and 250 taken hostage, with around 100 people still being held. Since the attack, Israel has led a retaliatory offensive which has led to the death of over 41,000 Palestinians. Hezbollah has recently joined the fray via rockets fired from Lebanon on Israel, as has Iran. This seemingly endless violence has not diminished but rather escalated through the year.
Amidst the pain and suffering overseas, there has also been a spike in antisemitic attacks on American soil, as well as attacks on Muslim and Palestinian communities. Tense protests have been seen on college campuses throughout the country, disrupting class and graduation ceremonies and causing concern for many. In addition to protests and physical violence, there has been an increase in anti-Semitic graffiti in schools and synagogues.
In a year of violence and bloodshed, we are no closer to peace in the region than we were before. It is difficult to see the light while holding the knowledge that people are suffering on a large scale. It is important to note, however, that rather than observing and forgetting the conflict overseas, American media has maintained a steady stream of reports on the region.
As Americans, we often have short attention spans regarding issues that do not directly impact us. In this instance, however, a large number of people have continued to observe and be concerned over the alarming rate of violence. Young people especially have become active in advocating for Palestine, while anti-semitism is seeing a higher rate of legal punishment.
It is heartening to see that Americans care about foreign affairs and will not turn a blind-eye to the bloodshed and hate, regardless of where it is happening and who it is effecting. One year later and we still care. One year later and we are still watching.
This was such an incredible blog to read that truly informed the audience of the need-to-know things occurring throughout the Middle East and during the ongoing war between Palestine and Israel. It is such a disheartening thing to know that in today's day and age, people are still fighting with one another due to differences and willing to go to such lengths that involve innocent bystanders rather than talk and try to work something out amicably and peacefully. This has been such an ongoing crisis for years and it is unfortunate that there is no end to it in sight. All we can do is hope and continue to educate ourselves on what is taking place in order to stay up to date and aware. Thank you so much for sharing!
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