Since its declaration of statehood in 1948 Israel has been subject to an exceptionally rich history of war and violence, especially for such a young country. It faces harassment from the outer world, as well as- most threateningly- from within. Tension and hostility constantly hang at a loose thread that sometimes snaps leading to outbursts of attack and terror.
On September 13th, the day before Rosh Hashana, Israel raided the Temple Mount, and foiled a terror plan. Israeli police forces confiscated pipe bombs, firecrackers and stones that Arabs of East Jerusalem had prepared in order to attack praying Jews on Rosh Hashana eve. This invasion triggered extreme responses from Palestinian leadership along with mainstream and social media. Palestinian masses were upset and infuriated as they were led to believe that their holy sight of the Al Aqsa mosque was in danger.
On the first of October 1a horrific act of violence took place. While driving on a raod in the West Bank Rabbi Eitam and Naamah Henkin were shot dead by a Palestinian gunman in front of their children’s eyes. Shortly afterwards, violent outbursts of murderous stabbings and violent attacks became a daily occurrence throughout the country.
These attacks are undoubtedly instilling great fear in Israelis. In his condemnation of the violence, Lars Faarborg Anderson, current EU representative to Israel stated that these attacks “undermine trust ordinary citizens feel for the passersby in the streets, let alone trust needed as communities if there is to be any prospect of peace.”
Feelings of helplessness, pain and anger are prevalent within Jewish communities forced to watch the unjust, irrational violence from across the ocean. Many students of Stern College for Women feel a specifically deep connection to Israel, after having lived there during their seminary year.
An anonymous student who spent this past year studying in Israel, expressed her distress. “Ammunition hill is right next to my seminary, and now also the sight of violent attacks. It unnerves me to think that I used to walk their often, and even more so that my friends are still there and in danger.” Regarding the worry she now feels for her friends she added, “I used to not understand my parents’ worry for me, but now I do.”
Tzivya Beck, a Junior majoring in political science expressed her concern for both sides. “It pains me that the escalation of terror in Israel has made people into what they may not have been otherwise. Israelis are becoming citizens of hate and vengeance, while Palestinians and Arab/Muslims around the world are being stereotyped as “violent.” Tsvia further analyzed that “the stereotype itself might be causing some individuals to be pressured into acting violently.”
On Sunday October 11th, an organized support gathering of song and dance in solidarity with Israel, took place in Times Square. Molly Procrass, a senior at Stern College, spoke of the importance of such events. “Through events like this in public places such as Times Square, we are given the opportunity to change the very skewed and misinformed public opinion.” Molly expanded on the event itself, describing that “It was amazing. Everyone was singing and dancing, there was no anti-Arab/Palestinian talk, just pure love and support; which leaves a positive impact on all those watching.”
Molly also believes that although Stern students are physically very far from the conflict, they can still take action. “We must try to combat the media bias, and can do so by writing pieces for the newspaper in support of Israel.”
Kayla Mogil, a former soldier of the IDF, and Freshman at Stern College, feels deeply connected to the terror that is striking Israel. “It hits close to home for me as I served in the army and my boyfriend is currently there and in danger.” She explained that “The situation doesn’t make me sad or worried, just angry. There is a lot of injustice served at Israel. Israel condemns terror, whereas terrorists are glorified as martyrs by their families. Attacks are at defenseless people, which has no purpose but to terrorize. I had to wear a bulletproof vest in war at the Gaza border and it’s not fare for regular civilians to need to wear this to feel safe.”
Kayla also attended the Times Square event and believes that it “shows people that Israel is made of love.” She also expanded on the self-harm the terrorists are inflicting. “They are harming their own people who hold jobs and good lives. Their actions will inevitably lead to a huge crackdown.”
Talia Molotsky, Senior and president of TAC at Stern College, commented on an event held on Tuesday, October 13th in Weissberg Commons at the YU campus titled ‘Jewish Response to Terror’. “I felt that this served as an outlet for students to think and feel about what has been going on in a meaningful way.” There were two speakers, one of whom shared with the audience an idea of what students can do moving forward. Rabbi Schacter said that to take upon oneself something small in light of the events can actively ignite and maintain sensitivity. “The Israel Club has been busy empowering students to take action, but the focus of this event was about spiritual and emotional reactions, which is so important, too.”