OPINION:
Our Jewish friends are grappling with profound distress. They are deeply shaken by the inhumane videos and confronted with the resurgence of anti-Semitism. At the same time, they feel isolated by the disturbing silence of businesses that have rallied for other causes but fail to publicly take a stance on egregious war crimes committed against the relatives of their Jewish employees.
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Some friends keep their children out of school for fear of becoming targets. Living on college campuses, young adults find themselves isolated in their grief. For those fortunate enough to receive support from friends and colleagues, our Jewish friends remain apprehensive about the future.
The next test will come as Israel fully responds to the ongoing situation. As the Palestinians and their allies continue to propagate the narrative that their actions are a natural reaction to an occupation — one Israel ended over a dozen years ago after much internal debate— one still asks the question: how can acts of murder and barbarism ever be deemed an equitable response?
In these trying times, we remember the words of Zechariah 2:8 (NIV): “For this is what the Lord Almighty says: ’After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye.’”
In times like these, the American Christian community needs to offer support, not only at the organizational level but on a deeply human level.
I was a keynote speaker at the Israeli-American Council Conference earlier this year. This experience profoundly impacted my perspective on the recent events. Despite being among the few non-Jewish speakers present, I felt a powerful sense of unity and camaraderie that transcended religious and cultural boundaries. Elevator rides turned into uplifting conversations, and the individuals I met were a true inspiration.
One encounter stood out. I met a group of college seniors who were enthusiastic about their plans to move to Israel after graduation to join the Israeli Defense Force. Their passion was contagious, and witnessing their dedication to a cause they held dear was heartwarming.
During the conference, the organizers insisted I join a 4,000-person sing-along, where a muscular Israeli general slung his arm around my petite shoulders while introducing me to his children. Women from Los Angeles insisted that I join hands and sing “Stand by Me.” It was evident that a prevailing sense of joy permeated the event despite the many challenging issues we discussed, such as proposed judiciary changes and the troubling rise of anti-Semitism on college campuses.
Throughout the conference, my husband, Jim Gable, and I kept saying to each other, “Everyone is so happy.” These were indeed some of the most joyful people I have ever met. It was no surprise to Jim and me that in March 2023, Israel achieved the remarkable feat of ranking fourth in the World Happiness Rankings, considering factors like GDP, social support, individual freedom, and levels of corruption, as measured through Gallup polls.
Reflecting on the joyful faces of those I met, it has been incomprehensible to consider the terror and suffering inflicted on these same people and their sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers, and sisters.
The massacre of young adults at an Israeli music festival, the recorded killings of grandmothers, and the beheading of innocent babies and toddlers defy humanity. They epitomize depravity in ways we never thought we would witness in our lifetime. The Israelis describe the kibbutz murders as a pogrom, a Russian word that means to “demolish violently.”
It is indeed unfathomable that such acts of pure evil persist in today’s world. Equally distressing is that some Harvard, New York University, and other college students attempt to justify these horrific actions by Hamas by blaming Israel as if small children deserve dehumanizing deaths.
Regardless of our geopolitical perspectives, one thing remains crystal clear – the suffering endured by women, children, and the elderly is something no one deserves. In these tumultuous times, we must unite and express our support through words and actions.
I implore you to embrace your family, reach out to your Jewish friends, and inquire about their loved ones and friends in Israel. Extend your solidarity.
In times of uncertainty, unity and support can be a beacon of hope, reminding us that humanity’s innate goodness can shine through even in the darkest moments.
• Lisa Gable is a CEO, former US Ambassador, UN Delegate, and author of Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller “Turnaround – How to Change Course When Things Are Going South.” Lisa is recognized worldwide as a turnaround mastermind and innovative businesswoman and started her career in the Reagan administration.
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