Reflections on the Current Crisis in Israel: Moral Clarity Amid Humanitarian Tragedy

 

Dear Friends, Last week, I traveled to Israel representing our Conservative/Masorti Movement as part of a leadership delegation organized by the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations. During this mission, we met with key government and military leaders, including President Isaac Herzog, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. We visited neighborhoods in Bat Yam and Tel Aviv recently hit by Iranian rocket attacks, which killed civilians and destroyed homes. We also toured the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot—ranked among the top 10 research institutions in the world—where Iranian missiles targeted life sciences research facilities. Two buildings sustained serious damage. That Iran deliberately struck a global hub of scientific innovation speaks volumes: while Israel aimed to neutralize existential threats and minimize civilian casualties in Iran, Iran retaliated by attacking institutions that exist to improve human life. This was my fourth visit to Israel since the atrocities of October 7, 2023. That day, Hamas launched the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust—murdering 1,200 people, kidnapping over 250, and committing horrific acts of violence and sexual assault. The trauma remains raw. Entire communities in Israel’s south were decimated. Fifty hostages remain in Gaza. A Humanitarian Crisis—Engineered by Hamas Much of the world has focused on the suffering in Gaza—suffering that is undeniably real. But we must speak the truth about its cause: Hamas has weaponized human misery. It hides military assets in schools, mosques, and hospitals. It blocks or steals humanitarian aid, often reselling it to civilians at exorbitant prices to fund their operations. It uses its own population as shields and the intentional suffering of its people as propaganda. As Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon aptly put it, “We see human suffering as a tragedy; Hamas sees it as a strategy.” Too many international voices have wrongly placed the blame for this crisis solely on Israel, obscuring the root cause: Hamas’s actions and ideology. These distortions not only misinform—they embolden terrorists, incentivize the use of civilians as cover, and prolong the war. Moral Clarity and the Danger of False Equivalence Israel, like any democracy, is imperfect. Citizens debate policy vigorously, and dissent is part of its social fabric. Criticism of the government is both legitimate and necessary. But this moment demands moral clarity. Seeking a false balance between Hamas—a terror organization that glorifies death—and Israel—a democratic state committed to protecting life—does not advance peace or justice. It extends and deepens the crisis. If our goal in speaking out is to do our part to bring an end to this war, free our hostages, and end the suffering, we must insist that the international community hold Hamas accountable for the devastation it has caused—not only to Israelis but also to Palestinians in Gaza. Every day that Hamas remains in power is another day of preventable suffering. At the same time, we call on all governments—especially the United States, Western allies, and Arab states—to work with Israel to take action to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians safely and effectively. Our Responsibility as a Movement As members of the Conservative/Masorti Movement and the global Jewish community, we have a role to play. We are committed to truth, compassion, and the sanctity of all human life.  We appreciate Israel’s increased efforts in recent days to provide food and other aid.  And we must be vocal in advocating for the unobstructed distribution of humanitarian aid,  Israel’s right to defend its citizens, and in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of every hostage. I urge you to shine a light where there’s darkness and challenge misinformation and moral relativism.  Challenge those who refuse to hold Hamas accountable.  Amplify the stories of survivors and families.  Support initiatives that bring aid to innocent Gazan civilians and security to Israelis. Continue working for a just and lasting peace. Together with Resolve and Hope One of the most profound moments of the trip was dinner with two recently released hostages: Ilana Gritzewsky, freed after 55 days in captivity, and Iair Horen, held by Hamas for an unimaginable 498 days. Both are survivors of deep trauma, physical and psychological abuse. Iair’s younger brother Eitan and Ilana’s partner Matan Zangauker remain in captivity. Their pain—and their determination to secure the release of their loved ones—was deeply moving. In these dark times, our commitment to Israel must remain steadfast. Our bond is rooted not only in history and faith but in shared values: democracy, dignity, justice, and peace. Let us remain united in purpose and unwavering in hope—until the hostages are home, until Hamas is disarmed, and until every innocent life can be lived in freedom and safety. With gratitude and determination,

Andy Schaer President United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism