On October 7, 2023, the terrorist organization Hamas, attacked the land of Israel unprovoked, and declared war. The dispute between Israel and Palestine has gone back decades, since Israel’s formation after World War II in 1948 by the United Nations. Since then, there have been many conflicts and destruction between the Israeli government and the Palestinian government. The organization of Hamas was established and came into power in Palestine in 1987. Since then, the land debate between Israel and Palestine became a war between Jewish people and terrorism. This is because Hamas is not a government for the people, but a terrorist organization determined to erase the Jewish people, not just in Israel, but everywhere. Since the seventh, hundreds of Israeli men, women, elderly, children, and soldiers have been killed, injured, and kidnapped. In fact, this attack had the most Jewish people killed in a single day since the Holocaust.
In recent years, spreading awareness and posting about worldly issues on social media has become a very prevalent aspect of our lives. However, many people only post about issues when it affects them. This is seen during recent times where the majority of people posting about the war on Jewish people, are in fact, Jewish people. The rest are silent.
There have been many celebrities to come out and speak about the war in solidarity with the Jewish people and Israel, such as Amy Shcumer, Gal Gadot, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jerry Sienfeld, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and a few more. Although their voices are greatly appreciated, the majority of the celebrities to speak out are Jewish as well. This is where the issue lies. Why is it only those who are directly affected the ones being so vocal during times of war?
“Because no one else was,” said a young Jewish girl as to why she decided to post about the war on Instagram. Due to the lack of attention from her other friends, she felt the need to post. The Jewish girl also felt a close connection to Israel and the war. She states, “I grew up Jewish, and seeing the country I grew up to love getting attacked, it makes me distraught.” Furthermore, the girl was disappointed in how none of her friends felt the need to post. She pointed out the fact that only one of her friends decided to post about it, but that was only after she posted on her Instagram. “How can you not, do you not see the brutal posts?”
Some, Jewish Americans, although not living in Israel, are still being affected by the tragedy. One Jewish American stated how they were affected by the war because they have many family members living in Israel who are being directly affected. An important aspect this person contributed to the conversation is that they decided to post on Instagram to bring awareness to the past. They stated how the Holocaust was brought to attention so it will never be repeated. Nowadays, teenagers thrive off of social media and status, so their opinion as to why teenagers may not be posting on social media is because they may find it “not cool” to do so.
Some believe that there is a lack of social media posts about the war from the younger generation due to a lack of education. This then leads to the question as to whether teachers should be educating students on wars, even ones so complex and controversial like this one, in class? A Roxbury history teacher gave insight on educating students during war. The teacher stated that since he is a history teacher, war time is inside the realm of his class and can be connected to the curriculum of the class. As well as, sometimes major issues are just too hard to ignore.
An amazing point this teacher brought up is how we all
have our own biases towards our own people. Jewish people will tend to pay closer attention to issues regarding Israel, whereas non-Jews wouldn’t. And this can go for any group of people. The teacher stated how he has talked about issues regarding his family and culture, that other teachers may not talk about.
One Roxbury student, who is non-Jewish and one of the few to post about the war, gave their insight as to why they did so. She stated how she had Jewish friends and they are being affected by the war, making it just as important to her. As well as posting to show those friends that she cares about them and their people. Regarding those who are non-Jewish and don’t speak out, this student stated, “The silence is loud.” Meaning, those who refuse to post about the issue are showing their lack of care and possible fear of posting in case of getting ridiculed. Nevertheless, showing solidarity for the Jewish people should not be something to be ashamed of.
Although this war has many layers and complexity, which can make it difficult to know which side to support, it is an overall attack on the Jewish people. Those who stand with the Jewish people and are not afraid to defend them, are greatly appreciated. Although speaking out may be difficult or unconventional for some people, standing up for what is right should not be something to be afraid of. This is a war on human rights, due to the escalation it can no longer be classified as just political division.
