On Tuesday morning, two Palestinian men stormed an Orthodox synagogue in Jerusalem with guns and meat cleavers, killing three rabbis and one scholar, including three Americans and one man from the United Kingdom. The attackers were killed at the scene by police officers, but not before eight other people were injured, one of whom has since died from the injuries. This attack is yet another example of the escalating violence of the past month, with some labeling these attacks as the beginning of a Third Intifada. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “respond harshly” to the events on Tuesday, including demolishing the attacker’s homes. How do you react to the events in Jerusalem, and what effect do you see foresee from the recent spike in violence?

Chen Arad ’15

My English vocabulary lacks words sufficiently poignant to describe this atrocity. It brings back painful memories from the early 2000s, when Israelis had to think twice before leaving their houses. It is thus easy to identify with Israel’s right-wing leadership’s accusations against Palestinian leaders. However, vengeful and careless statements—often driven by political interests rather than well-thought-out strategy—are the last thing the situation needs. Studies of the 2000 Intifada led experts to a consensus that a more calculated response could have reduced bloodshed on both sides. Israel’s leadership would be better off tuning in to statements by security chiefs, like head of the Shin Bet Yoram Cohen, who oppose collective punishments against Palestinians and reject claims that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has been inciting to terrorism.

Chen Arad ’15 is a cofounder of Brandeis Visions for Israel in an Evolving World.

Tzlil Levy '17

As the only democracy in the Middle East, Israel is the only country in the region that allows freedom of religion and expression. It is intolerable that Jews cannot enjoy these rights due to terrorist attacks. The attacks are part of a cycle of violence, which breeds more hate and more hostility. The more recent stabbings highlight the escalation of violence in Jerusalem and the rising anti-Semitism. These recent atrocities call for immediate action. It is necessary to prevent the murder of more innocent people. These attacks also affect the United States and the relationship America has with Israel. As more Americans are being persecuted abroad, it is essential for America to stand behind these families in a time of grief. As the violence continues, it is Israel’s right to defend its citizens, country and most of all, its principles of democracy and freedom of religion.

Tzlil Levy ’17 is the president of the Brandeis Zionist Alliance.
Rabbi David Pardo
My first reaction is despair. For those of us who’ve spent any amount of time in Israel over the years, the “mom’s advice” we haven’t listened to (much like wearing a sweater when it’s cold and getting to bed before 10) is to not hitchhike or spend Shabbat in this or that area. The most recent attacks have happened in undisputed territory, in the middle of harmless acts of day to day life—prayer, travel, celebrating the birth of a baby born after 10 years of fertility treatment (the baby was murdered). Nothing is safe, nothing is sacred. This is not guerilla warfare or freedom fighting; even the word “terror” is losing its edge. As Matti Friedman expertly demonstrated over the summer and Alan Johnson published just recently, the global community must view Palestinians as moral agents who are responsible for their choices. Perfunctory English language condemnations are insulting and unproductive. It’s time for real change.
Rabbi David Pardo is the co-director of the Seif Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus.
David Gabriel M.A. '14
The Har Nof, Jerusalem massacre last week was a deplorable act which deserves condemnation. However, it took place within a larger socio-political context. In order to best make sense of this situation, it is important to remember that only two months ago Israel engaged in a brutal military campaign in Gaza. Ostensibly this war was fought due to legitimate Israeli security concerns, however it failed to ameliorate these concerns and instead wrought collective punishment on thousands of Palestinians guilty only of being within the vicinity of Hamas. For its part, the already tenuous and politically impotent Hamas used its obsolete rudimentary weaponry against Israeli towns and cities. Yet, this war was anything but a war. It was an exchange of fire between a regional power, Israel and lackluster Hamas, in which neither armed force retained concern for the other’s civilian population. The consequences were devastating, both in terms of physical destruction, and the re-emergence of inter and intra-communal hatred. The likelihood of a Third Intifada is therefore increasing, as influential leaders make flagrant remarks regarding the resurgent culture of violence within the affected parties.
David Gabriel M.A. ’14 student in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies.