Letter’s Absence of Criticism of Hamas’ Role in October 7 Attacks is Striking
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
In their letter praising a “peace rally” in Chappaqua to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza (February 20-26), Messrs. Grant and Soloway assert that everyone has a First Amendment right to protest peacefully. I agree.
That said, what they leave out is tellingly one-sided, i.e., any criticism of Hamas and its deliberate murder, torture and sexual molestation of Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, the taking, holding and maltreatment of hostages (including some Americans and children), the use of hospitals as military command posts and the use of Palestinian civilians as human shields. Regardless of their grievances, these are immoral and inexcusable acts. Most Israelis and Americans, correctly I think, see Hamas as morally equivalent to the Nazi party. And the Associated Press reports that recent polling indicates that 57 percent of respondents in Gaza and 82 percent in the West Bank believe Hamas was correct in launching the attack.
Given these facts, how can Israel accept any “peace plan” that allows Hamas to exist as a potent threat to the safety of its citizens? As in any war, innocent people suffer and die. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, the war did not end until two atomic bombs killed some 200,000 civilians. Unfortunately, when faced with an existential threat, there is no way to have a long-lasting peace until the threat is neutralized.
If Messrs. Grant and Soloway truly seek a peaceful solution to the war, they might consider at least calling on Hamas to unconditionally release all remaining hostages. If their complaints are only about Israel, it is understandable why people might see them and their fellow “peace protesters” as closet antisemites.
Phillip Goldstein
Pleasantville
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