What can I do to respond to this great cry?
We have all been exposed to the cries and pleas of the families of the fallen and of the fighters in the Gaza Strip. They are crying out for one thing – that we be united and cohesive, that we cease engaging in polarizing politics, that we radiate faith and strength in the justice of our fight to eradicate evil and wickedness.
This wish is shared by all bereaved families. In almost every interview with them, they ask for this thing. Even the soldiers who go on leave and are exposed to discourse in the Israeli media are amazed by the gap between the cohesion and brotherhood among the soldiers and the polemics in the studios and the continuation of the controversy that we have had enough of in the past year.
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They express their amazement and bewilderment at the ongoing war, when our best sons are fighting in Gaza, being killed and wounded, while certain elements continue to act as if nothing has happened.
To point a finger
This is the question each of us must ask – what can I do to respond to this great cry? What can I contribute to strengthening unity and dispelling the evil spirit of discord and division?
Well, it starts with personal conduct. In conversation with coworkers, neighbors, friends, and acquaintances. Don't get drawn into divisive conversation. Don't be tempted by the urge that pushes us to hurl harsh words at another Jew, whatever the circumstances. Think not twice, but seven times, before writing a word that could hurt and provoke a quarrel and a fight.
At the same time, it is appropriate to flee from any arena where passions of controversy and gratuitous hatred are created. Neither in the field nor in the media. Not to open communication channels that deal with controversy and hatred of brothers. In this way, we protect our souls from consuming poisoned messages, and also convey a clear message to those channels.
It is doubtful whether the general public knows how sensitive the media channels are to any fluctuation in the ratings. When you watch them or go to their websites – it immediately translates into money and success. These channels need to feel that the public is disgusted by the divisive and finger-pointing discourse. The message will be absorbed very quickly, and will bring about change.
This is not an easy fight, because there are elements who are still trying to reignite the dispute. But sometimes the best way to end a quarrel is not to get involved in it. If there is no response and consideration, these people will realize that there are no buyers for this product and that the entire nation is in a completely different place.
Reality has become clearer.
The Simchat Torah events created a new reality, which eliminated many of the divisions that tore us apart in the past. While there are those who are still stuck in the past and have not yet replaced the diskette, the majority of the people fully understand the reality that has become clear before our eyes.
Every day that our soldiers enter more and more homes in the Gaza Strip, it becomes clear how absurd the distinction between the terrorists and the so-called 'uninvolved' is. Most of them are 'involved' in hatred of Israel from the hairs of their heads to the soles of their feet. We saw them in the Simchat Torah massacre, and the joyful cheers of the women and children. Anyone who still dreams of peace with these murderers is living in a prison.
We have also seen the sacrifice and dedication of the residents of Judea and Samaria and the 'youth of the hills.' How much they have been slandered, and how they are now fighting like lions for all of us. This is the truth that is now becoming clear and an environment in which we should all unite.
