WELCOME HOME: A Call For Peace

I can’t get the images of the three Israeli women hostages who were released over the weekend out of my mind. There are those that say this was not a good deal for Israel, but as a mother, I can only say Barach Hashem!

While the young ladies look so strong and defiant, I can’t help but wonder how they are going to put this experience behind them. Forget the politics, these women, and all of those who were brutally kidnapped by Hamas, will be returning to a very different world. While their family’s loving homes may look the same, their perspective on life can’t help but be changed.

As a Jew, I was horrified with Hamas’ actions on October 7, 2023. As a mother, I can’t even imagine what it might be like to know that your child is being held against their will in what is sure to be horrific circumstances.

As a Jew, I supported the IDF’s efforts to rid the world of Hamas.  As a mother, seeing the suffering of innocent children in Gaza was difficult to watch.

As a Jew, I have been taunted and teased due to my religion. As a mother, I pray that my son never has to go through that.

So, it’s not unreasonable for my feelings to be torn about the cease fire. As a Jew, I wish antisemitism – all prejudices actually – and Hamas terror would be annihilated. As a mother, if it was my child, I would sacrifice long-term peace to have my child returned.

I keep saying “as a Jew” as though we are different from other members of the human race.  And, that’s just it, I would prefer to be saying “as a member of the human race,” but, unfortunately, there are groups of people protesting on campuses and throughout Cities demanding that Jews be sent “back to the ovens” and for Israel to be wiped off the map. The calls for these sorts of actions have been going on for centuries and don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

I wish we could all gather round and sing kumbaya, but until that day comes, I write this musing with a mother’s heart full of happiness for the three families that have been reunited; with a sad heart knowing not all the families of hostages will have a happy ending; and with hope in my heart that we can all come together to combat evil and live in peace. Won’t you join me?