A Reflection on The Third Anniversary of October 7, 2023

 Today is the third anniversary of the horrific attack on Israeli citizens. Questions remain as to whether or not the Netanyahu administration received advance warning that something of this magnitude was being planned. I have no doubt this will be a primary focus in Israeli elections and subsequent hearings.

It was reasonable for Israel to respond to the October 7, 2023 attacks orchestrated by Hamas. For many Israelis, this was the final straw after many centuries of antsemetic actions, culminating in the death of six-million Jews during the Holocaust. The State of Israel was created as a safe haven for Jews who desired a homeland free of persecution. However, we are now faced with the uncomfortable issue of how far Israel went with its retaliation against Hamas, including the deaths of approximately 70,000 Palestinian civilians and massive infrastructure destruction. After all this, Hamas remains in control of Gaza territory.
The safety of Jewish people continues to be a major concern to me. The paternal side of my family is Jewish, and my maternal side is Catholic. Part of my Jewish extended family includes residents of Israel, so it is natural that I am concerned for their safety. At the same time, I worry that the response of Israel's government to the events of October 7, 2023 might have repercussions for years to come.
I long for the day when Israelis and Palestinians can be good neighbors, respecting each other's traditions. I walked freely through Israeli and Palestinian neighborhoods during my visit in 1997. Such a peaceful scenario is possible again, but it will require a new approach to peaceful coexistence throughout the Middle East.
Donald Trump's so-called Board of Peace is not the solution to Middle Eastern tensions, but rather another way for Trump to build his bank account. The next president must be able to work with Israel and its neighbors in a true exercise toward friendly relations throughout the Middle East. Such a venture might also require a new prime minister in Israel, in addition to Palestinian leaders who recognize and accept the State of Israel as a legitimate neighbor.
I continue to pray for peace in the Middle East, despite a multitude of challenges. Our current path must be diverted toward something better.

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