Author Explains Deeply Personal Stance on Israel-Hamas Conflict

A Russian-speaking author living in Israel, who previously identified as a cosmopolite, has articulated her firm stance on the ongoing conflict, stating her "forever tied" connection to Israel due to her daughter's reliance on the country's systems. She admits to being deeply affected by political discourse, particularly after her "absolute cosmopolitanism" shattered 11 years ago. The author expresses fear over widespread hysteria surrounding Israel and distinguishes herself from those who feel forced to live in the country, asserting her love for Israel as her "homeland of destiny."

She rejects fanaticism and patriotism, observing that "extremism of the right and the baseness of the left are tearing us to pieces." The author highlights a comment that triggered her reflection: "If Israel can kill 500 innocents along with a Hamas militant, why can't Hamas kill a bus full of innocents along with a soldier on it?" She acknowledges the logic of this statement within the context of war and Hamas's methods of terror, noting it explains global hatred towards Israel.

She then quotes extensively from another commentator, Alony Elinel, who criticizes Western "moral satiety" and hypocrisy. Elinel argues that those in the West, like "The Guardian" journalists, can afford to be "sterile humanists" from afar, detached from the brutal realities faced by Israelis. Elinel contrasts this with the experience of identifying "burned children" or "neighbors in pieces," and warns that the "Islamist contagion" will eventually reach Western cities. Elinel accuses the West of applying higher moral standards to Israel's actions in Gaza than they did to the U.S. post-9/11, calling the comparison of Israelis to Nazis "absolute moral madness."

Elinel places responsibility for the destruction and deaths in Gaza squarely on Hamas, stating they initiated the conflict, used civilian areas for military purposes, and held hostages. She asserts the IDF's obligation to eliminate those who attacked Israel, arguing no army would allow terrorists to live safely. Elinel dismisses critiques of Israeli military actions as "cheap, dirty manipulation" and "Goebbels-style propaganda" designed to influence European arms supplies, contrasting it with the lack of similar outrage over conflicts in Sudan or Syria.

The author also includes a comment from Maria Pereverten about a "very unfair hell" for those who impose their systems on others. Reflecting on a recent walk, the author's friend suggested buying water from "Jews," a remark that solidified her position. She concludes that in a conflict between "mortal enemies," one must choose a side, and she identifies Hamas and Palestinians as her enemies, acknowledging this may sound "bad" but stating it is her position.