The Hamas terrorist attacks on Oct. 7 changed Israel and the world forever. An astounding 1,300 people were killed in a brutal rampage that murdered more Jews in a single day since the Holocaust. 

As soon as I heard about the attacks, I reached out to a few of my friends who either lived in Israel or had family there. Fortunately, my friends were fine, but a lot of their friends were not. A friend’s aunt and uncle were kidnapped and taken hostage, and his friend was killed. 

Another friend had several friends who were murdered as well. Several others had siblings fighting on the front lines or family in Israel. 

I was consumed with an overwhelming mix of worry and devastation. However, I knew that my emotions meant absolutely nothing compared with those of my friends with relatives in Israel who were paralyzed with fear every second of the day.

Hamas posted videos of their unthinkable atrocities committed on Israeli civilians — including babies, children and the elderly — with a vicious sense of pride. 

Yet despite video evidence, despite the fact that Hamas is globally regarded as a terrorist organization, despite the fact that the murdered Israelis were innocent civilians, some people spun these attacks into a positive. Did slaughtering babies “Free Palestine?” Is torturing elderly people somehow “justified resistance?” Seemingly not, but part of the internet would say so. 

In addition to the Jews who were killed, so, too, were innocent Palestinians, Americans and tourists from other countries. Many Palestinian activist groups were quick to denounce Hamas and make it clear that Hamas does not represent the Palestinians’ interests. 

When people say these attacks are justified or reasonable, they are not only ignorant and antisemitic, they are completely inaccurate given that everyone suffered. Some people mention the history of Israel and Palestine’s complicated relationship and use it in relation to this discussion. It’s important to address the political history, but now is not the time. No past events can ever excuse such appalling acts of violence inflicted on innocent people.

My connection with Judaism has only grown stronger after witnessing Jews around the world unite to support the people of Israel. In Israel, there is a Jewish boy who perhaps looks just like me and has the same set of beliefs, values and interests as I do. But for some reason, I am spending time at school while he is wondering whether he will wake up the next day. 

This feeling is immensely difficult to describe, but I know that I must stick up for the kid just like me, along with all Jews in Israel, because I could be in their shoes. Jews around the world must continue to raise awareness about these attacks and not lose sight of why we are doing this. We aren’t persecuted — but we could be — so we must not forget about the people exactly like us who aren’t as fortunate as we are. Despite the fear Jews face, I am never prouder to say that I’m Jewish and to wear my Star of David necklace from Israel.

Israel’s government hasn’t been perfect, and its history is certainly flawed. But so is every country in the world. America certainly has a rough history, although, for some reason, people can express love for America without being made to feel guilty of its mistakes, threatened and subjected to brutal violence. 

How come people can’t do that about Israel? Judaism — that’s the answer. Antisemitism results in criticisms of Israel from which other nations are exempt.

With all the evil against the Jewish people, there is a lot of work to be done. But there’s hope and strength in the unity of Jews around the world. I encourage all Jews to not shy away from their Judaism or their love for Israel. 

One of my favorite parts of Judaism is the Jewish people’s resilience. Despite merciless oppression for thousands of years, Jews refuse to be defeated. We continue to exist, thrive and contribute to the world. We have always overcome adversity, and this time will be no different.