As time flies, society is headed into a season of festivities, joy, and family closeness. Some communities, all around the world participate in celebrations. From month-long rituals to just one day.
In a particular part of the world beginning on October 7th, there is no cause for celebration or festivities. For over one thousand years Israel and Palestine have had conflict, but only in the early twentieth century has the conflict become more politically oriented. Israel and Palestine are divided between a strip of land that the countries have fought over for two thousand years.
According to an article titled “What Happened in The October 7th Massacre?” The terrorist group Hamas planned and successfully carried out an attack. The article elaborates “On October 7th, 2023, thousands of armed Hamas terrorists tore down large parts of the Gaza security fence using tractors, RPGs and explosives and invaded southern Israel. Simultaneously, Hamas terrorists in Gaza fired thousands of rockets toward Israel.”
So how does Israel respond? By officially declaring war on Palestine. According to an article called “Israel and Hamas October 2023 Conflict: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) “ ..”In response to the attacks, Israel’s cabinet formally declared war on Hamas. Israel has initiated efforts to recover hostages, begun an aerial bombardment campaign against militants in Gaza, mobilized hundreds of thousands of reserve troops, and repositioned ground forces close to Gaza.”
Israel cut off food, water, and fuel to Gaza and consequently the people of Palestine. According to PBS News on October 12, “Death tolls soared after five days of heavy fighting between Israel and Hamas. More than 1,200 Israelis and 1,100 Palestinians are now
dead with many still missing. In Gaza, the last power station has run out of fuel. There will soon be no electricity, no water or sanitation, and food is starting to become scarce. Most recently reported, various sources say that there have been over 10,000 Palestinian deaths due to completely restricted food, water, and healthcare. This horrifying death toll will only rise if nothing is done.
All of these events have overwhelming sorrow and worry hanging over the heads of many communities. According to an article titled “Christmas in the State of Palestine”. ”Christmas is more widely celebrated in the State of Palestine / Palestinian Territories than it is in Israel.”The holidays are a time especially dedicated to community and family closeness. How are families in Israel, Palestine, and even America (considering some of the hostages taken by Hamas) affected?
Yarden Gonin’s sister Romi was taken hostage by Hamas over a month ago. Yarden has been sleeping outside Israel’s military headquarters, in the efforts joined by many to pressure Israel’s military and government to do anything possible to have hostages returned home promptly. Not only Gonin but hundreds of families that have relatives who have been captured by Hamas, wait and protest every day outside of the Military’s Headquarters.
Families are asking that everything needed and asked to be done to get their family members done without persistent hesitation. Gonin said she is willing to wait outside the headquarters for as long as she needs to. When she was asked how long she’d stay Yarden Gonin replied “Until my sister is returned home.”
Family closeness during important holidays will be especially impossible for those trapped in Gaza or others waiting at the headquarters for Israel’s Military or some sitting at home seeing and hearing and reading about these tragedies wondering what they can do to help.
