Dear Ambassador Herzog,
I am an American citizen, but I write to you as a Jew, a Zionist, and a human being.
Like all my family and friends and the vast majority of my compatriots (and virtually all decent people everywhere) I was horrified and heartbroken by the news of the obscene atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7th. I understand that Israel has a right to defend itself, and is thus obligated to seek the destruction of Hamas to deter such heinous acts being perpetrated by any group in the future. I also understand that the use of human shields by Hamas and the tactical conditions of Gaza make the grim task of responding to the attacks of October 7 in accordance with the laws of war excruciatingly difficult.
Two wrongs, however, can never make one right. Nothing justifies aggression against innocent civilians, especially the more than one million children who live in Gaza. Israel must give innocent Gazans every chance to dissociate from Hamas and remove themselves from harm's way. Moreover, the humanitarian crisis unfolding right now in Gaza is a war crime and must be redressed. The people of Gaza must have access to food, water, medicine, and shelter. Israel is obligated to provide these necessities to Gazan refugees immediately.
Remarks such as those by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to the effect that “an entire nation out there…is responsible” are reprehensible and must be retracted. The Palestinian people are human beings, not animals. They are not and cannot be held collectively responsible for the actions of Hamas, any more than the innocent civilians slaughtered on October 7 could be held collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government.
This terrible war is a tragedy and will spawn more tragedy before it is over. But tragedy does not abnegate any individual's or government’s moral duty. The protection of innocent life is and must always be the first principle of any legitimate state, and that protection is owed to both Israelis and Palestinians by all governments. As a world citizen I expect to see Israel obey international law, and in the aftermath of this war to recommit to a robust peace process that is the only means to prevent the repetition of this tragedy.
Thank you for your attention on this matter, and for conveying my concerns to your superiors. My prayers are with you and with all the people of Israel-Palestine.
Sincerely,
Andrew Seth Meyer
Professor of History
Brooklyn College
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