Most of the “drowning children” that Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove refers to in his opinion piece, “What Was Missing At The Embassy Ceremonies” (May 25), were either human shields or Hamas operatives. We are all saddened by the loss of any innocent individual who was made to participate in the Palestinian planned attack, however, the majority who were killed were Hamas and Palestinian terrorists, all of whom were determined to force their way across the border with one purpose in mind, namely to cause havoc and destruction.
Fighting for one’s survival is never a pretty thing. It requires pushback that is unpalatable and painful. Israel finds itself in that kind of fight far too often, needing to protect itself against an enemy bent on its annihilation.
Rabbi Cosgrove conflates two unrelated events, the “March of Return” attack against Israel and the ceremony marking the establishment of an American Embassy in Jerusalem. He, as well as the rest of us Americans, has the luxury of comfortably contemplating the ethics of war, and then passing judgment. His survival, like ours, is not at stake.
I choose to celebrate wholeheartedly the establishment of an American Embassy in Jerusalem, a move long contemplated and long overdue. I choose to celebrate the humanitarian spirit that Israel demonstrates when it sends flyers across hostile territory to warn residents of impending attacks. I celebrate the efforts made to provide medical aid to those injured despite the evil impulse on the part of Hamas to reject it.
Rabbi Cosgrove’s dream of a two-state solution was lost long ago — each time the prospect was offered and rejected by the likes of Arafat and Abbas. Promoting the idea of victimhood is what feeds their narrative — one that inspires the violence we witnessed and the hatred that helps Palestinian leaders maintain their power. Let’s all choose to celebrate the accomplishments and heroism of the IDF and not provide fodder to the biased, one-sided reporting already engaged in by the American media.
Jamaica, Queens
