On Sunday 6th October 2024, a vigil took place for the hostages held by the proscribed terrorist group, Hamas, following their attack on Israel, a year ago on October 7th. On this day, Hamas breached the Israeli border, committing numerous violent acts, including the rape of 1200 Israelis, and the abuse of over 250 hostages. In a particularly heinous act, they also publicized their crimes for the world to see. Yet you won’t hear about that on the nightly news. Instead, Israel is painted as the antagonist in the Middle East, alleging it is continuously bombing Gaza and neighboring areas.
The truth is, since that egregious assault on Israel and its civilians, Israel has responded by targeting key locations in Gaza, aiming to compel Hamas to release the hostages. This small strip of land known for its daily practice of democracy and freedom, stands out as a beacon in the region as a place where individuals can freely express their values and beliefs without the fear of severe persecution. Whilst it appears to be winning the war militarily, it’s getting a lot of negative attention worldwide. Violent pro-Palestinian protests occur almost daily on the streets of almost every major city globally. Jews no longer feel safe walking the streets for fear of random attacks on their personhood. It seems people simply do not want Israel or the Jewish people to exist.
Even the location of Sunday’s vigil was kept confidential to prevent the risk of anti-Semitic protests as there were many elderly, families and young children present. It’s heartbreaking to think that in a country like Australia, known for its liberal democracy, there are those who wish to do harm towards individuals based on their ethnicity or religion. It is unAustralian. Hatred of this kind has no place anywhere in the world, least of all in Australia. Regardless of one’s stance on the issue, violence should never be tolerated on our streets. Advocating for the death or harm of others is unacceptable and those who do so should face appropriate consequences.
If Israel cannot exist and defend itself, where should the Jewish people live and call home? From a worldly perspective, it deserves the right to be left alone. It has proven itself strong, independent, peaceful (when left alone) democratic and Westernised. If might is right, then Israel is right. Taking down Israel will require great strength and strategic prowess. Its fortitude grows by the day.
From a spiritual perspective, sadly for its enemies, God is still for Israel. It will not fall unless God allows it and the temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem. Until that day comes, Am Yisrael Chai.
Margo Huss is a loving Christian mother of 7 and wife of a Muslim Christian convert. She enjoys musing on hot political and philosophical issues from on the ground and through life in Christ.
A recovering Gen X-er, she offers a refreshingly honest, if not muesli-brained and opinionated view on current cultural issues. Contrary to what some might believe, she is open to new ideas and is a life-long learner.
Typically female, she transcends factual information and thinks she is always right. She may occasionally agree with you, though you will never know. You are wrong even when you are right. You may find her mainstream takes luke warm, but her faith runs deep and hot.
You can block her, abuse her, or simply enjoy interacting with her, but you cannot shut her up.
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