A Call for Moral Clarity, Responsibility, and a Jewish Orthodox Response in the Face of the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
(This statement was authored by Rabbi Yosef Blau and signed by many Torat Chayim rabbinic members although he is not a member and some of the others below are also not members)
The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza is one of the most severe in recent history. While it began with the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023—a brutal act that justifiably demanded a strong military response and demand for the release of the hostages—this does not absolve Israel’s government from assuming its share of the responsibility for the profound suffering of Gaza’s civilian population.
Hamas’s actions have repeatedly shown a cynical disregard for the lives of the people it claims to represent, using civilians as human shields and rejecting ceasefire proposals. However, Israel’s prolonged military campaign, now approaching two years, has devastated Gaza. The death toll is rising with very significant losses of lives, and Israel’s limiting of humanitarian aid, at times completely halting the entry of food and medical supplies, has raised the specter of coming starvation. We affirm that Hamas's sins and crimes do not relieve the government of Israel of its obligations to make whatever efforts are necessary to prevent mass starvation.
There have been months when Israel blocked humanitarian convoys on the mistaken premise that increased suffering would bring about Hamas’s surrender. Instead, the result has been the deepening of despair. The justified anger toward Hamas has dangerously expanded by some extremists into blanket suspicion of the entire population of Gaza—children included—tarnished as future terrorists. Meanwhile, in Yehuda and Shomron (the West Bank), extremist settler violence has resulted in the murder of civilians and has forced Palestinian villagers from their homes, further destabilizing the region.
Amid this devastation, the absence of a clear post-war vision from Prime Minister Netanyahu has allowed the most extreme voices in the Israeli government—including ministers from the religious Zionist community—to fill the vacuum with disturbing proposals. These include the forced “voluntary” exile of Palestinians from Gaza and the sacrifice of remaining Israeli hostages in the pursuit of an elusive “total victory.”
This moment demands a different voice—one grounded in our deepest Jewish values and informed by our traumatic history of being victims of persecution.
Orthodox Jewry, as some of Israel’s most devoted supporters, bears a unique moral responsibility. We must affirm that Judaism’s vision of justice and compassion extends to all human beings. Our tradition teaches that every person is created b’tzelem Elokim—in the Divine image. We are the spiritual descendants of Avraham, chosen to walk in the path of Hashem, “to do righteousness and justice” (Bereshit 18:19). Allowing an entire people to starve stands in stark contrast to this teaching.
As we reflect on Tisha B’Av, the words of our prophets ring with renewed urgency. The Haftorah of Shabbat Chazon reminds us: “Zion shall be redeemed through justice, and those who return to her through righteousness” (Yeshayahu 1:27). And on the morning of Tisha B’Av, the voice of Yirmiyahu echoes through our prayers: “Let not the wise glory in their wisdom...but in this: that they understand and know Me, that I am the Lord who practices kindness, justice, and righteousness on the earth—for in these I delight” (Yirmiyahu 9:23).
These are not just poetic phrases. They are the foundations of our ethical obligation—to demand policies that uphold human dignity, to provide humanitarian aid wherever possible, and to speak out when our government’s actions contradict the Torah’s moral imperatives, no matter how painful this may be to accept.
The future of Israel depends not only on its military strength but on its moral clarity. Let us be resounding voices for justice, righteousness, and peace for all people—even and especially in the hardest of times.
^
Posts
6 comments:
THE OCCUPATION OF THE UN AND HUMAN RIGHTS ORG. BY THE GLOBAL ISLAMIC LOBBY: THE OIC
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) presents itself as a bloc dedicated to advancing Islamic interests globally, often pushing an agenda that prioritizes the expansion of Islamic influence at the expense of Western values and principles. As the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, the OIC holds considerable sway in shaping global policies, frequently promoting narratives that are more concerned with Islamic solidarity than with universal freedoms or democratic values.
In its efforts to assert Islamic interests, the OIC often seeks to control critical global discussions on human rights, religious freedom, and security. This influence is frequently exercised in ways that align with the interests of authoritarian, Muslim-majority regimes, while undermining the values of individual liberty and democracy that are fundamental to the West. Its intervention in areas like governance, religious freedom, and human rights often directly conflicts with the principles upheld by Western democracies, notably the protection of religious minorities and free speech.
The OIC’s reluctance to address the threat of jihadist extremism within its ranks raises serious concerns. While it positions itself as a defender of Muslim communities, it has often failed to confront or condemn the rise of violent Islamist ideologies, including jihadism. In some cases, the organization has actively obstructed efforts to tackle this global threat. Rather than pushing for meaningful action against extremist ideologies, the OIC has often chosen to advance a political and ideological agenda that prioritizes the interests of certain Muslim-majority nations over the security and values of the global community, including the West. Through its influential role, the OIC works to shape global policy in a manner that aligns with its members' ideological goals, undermining efforts to safeguard security and the values that have long defined the Western world.
This large bloc of 57 countries wields significant power at the UN, consistently dictating agendas and using its collective influence to lobby for votes that align with its ideological and political goals. Through strategic alliances and pressure tactics, the OIC ensures that the global agenda often reflects the interests of authoritarian regimes and the expansion of Islamic influence, rather than the principles of individual liberty, democratic governance, and security that are central to Western values.
The shocking revelation that the Gazan boy [Abdul Rahim Muhammad Hamden,] is alive, despite con artist Tony Aguilar's baseless claim that he was 'killed' by the IDF, is yet another clear example of the blatant propaganda and lies this individual peddles. It's no surprise that the discredited "just asking questions" Tucker 'Qatarlson'—who's made a career out of pushing deceitful narratives—chose to give Aguilar a platform for this absurd 'interview.' Both are just perpetuating falsehoods to serve an agenda that seeks to undermine the truth."
I needed to see and read this post today and smile.
I hope they find each other. simply gorgeous work!
The bigots' jealousy of Zionists.
The fascist Jackson Hinkle is a known liar and a fraud . Even his ex stated so. But he just followed the racist-Arab Maram Susli "syriangirl" who initiated a lie within 2 hours of Tyler Robinson murdering Christian-Zionist Charlie Kirk. She was very upset that the victim was a proud Zionist.
Just like all conspiracy theories by Arab racism. 911 the "4,000" lie was invented by Hezbollah on Sep.17.01.
In 1963 it was Arab fakestinians who spread the lie upon Iarael re JFK.
In 1968 Arabs in California spread this after Arab "palestinian" Sirhan Sirhan murdered RFK.
How Pakistani-Islamic Amna Nawaz Conveniently Missed the Magna Terror Case and More: A Critique of PBS NewsHour’s Misleading Narratives.
PBS NewsHour, September 15, 2025
Issue #1
Nick Schifrin: "But that is highly unlikely, suggesting little chance for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, especially after Israel's strikes last Tuesday in Qatar, targeting Hamas' chief negotiators in the country that had been the mediators."
To call Hamas leaders in Qatar "negotiators" is misleading and paints a false picture. These are not diplomats seeking peace but the very masterminds behind the horrific October 7th massacre. The men Israel targeted are not peacekeepers—they are terrorist leaders and have long been residing in Qatar, which has repeatedly played host to Hamas figures, offering them refuge and support.
Nick Schifrin’s portrayal of Qatar as a neutral, democratic peace broker conveniently ignores Qatar’s long history of sponsoring terrorism. His rhetoric is colored with terminology that sympathizes with the perpetrators, furthering a narrative of victimhood that obscures the true nature of Hamas.
Issue #2
Moreover, PBS neglected to cover a major development in national security, where two Islamic men from the Nasir family were arrested on serious terrorism charges. The 58-year-old suspect, Adeeb Ahamed Nasir, was born in Pakistan. This is significant considering the prominent role of Amna Nawaz, a journalist of Pakistani heritage, in the organization of PBS NewsHour.
On September 14, 2025, the FBI arrested Pakistani born Adeeb and his son, Adil Justice Ahmed Nasir, in Magna, Utah, for leaving an incendiary device underneath a FOX 13 News vehicle, which forced an evacuation of a nearby neighborhood. Both men now face multiple charges, including Threat of Terrorism, Possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Possession of Explosive Devices.
[https://www.fox13now.com/news/crime/fbi-arrests-2-after-incendiary-device-left-under-fox-13-news-vehicle].
It's remarkable that this story was barely covered, yet it directly relates to the broader issues of radical Islamic terrorism within the United States—an issue too often downplayed or ignored in mainstream media. The absence of serious reporting on these developments speaks volumes about the priorities of outlets like PBS, which seem more focused on promoting political narratives than addressing the real threats facing American citizens.
This revision maintains the core ideas but frames them in a more formal, measured, and fact-driven manner while preserving the conservative perspective. Let me know if you want further adjustments or additions!
Post a Comment