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The world has entered a transition period from 2023 to 2024. In 2023, humanity is in a predicament. The war between Russia and Ukraine has strained the resolve and commitment of Western countries. Voices from the European Union and the United States have expressed dissatisfaction with the continuing conflict and questioned whether aid to Ukraine should continue.
Although the fight against climate change has the support of many intellectuals, it is a struggle for people displaced by fighting, suffering from disease and poverty, and threatened by authoritarian governments that restrict fundamental freedoms. It’s not a priority for some people.
Turning to the Middle East, the barbaric Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023 and mounting evidence of premeditated atrocities committed by Hamas criminals led to devastation in the Gaza Strip and chaos across the region. . Not every country’s ships can safely navigate international waters, and Israelis and Americans are targeted by Iranian proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and throughout Israel. As the war between Hamas and Israel enters its fourth month, many are calling for an end.
These cries are the result of the paradoxical times in which we live. Many of us have benefited from technology that improves our lives and communication has never been easier. But we have also become accustomed to instant reactions and gratification. If we send a WhatsApp message and don’t get an immediate response from our phone, we’re not happy. Time has shrunk, and so has the ability to deal with delays and assess the long or medium term. However, living only in the short term is dangerous. Complex problems can usually be solved only by wise and patient people.
The Book of Job is a timeless story that has been the subject of scrutiny and study for over 2,500 years. Globally, the book of Job depicts the suffering of good people and why bad things happen to good people. This is a theological question, and there are few satisfying answers. However, many people view the book of Job as a story about Job’s perseverance. Job, a wealthy landowner with a family and children, maintains his faith in God even as he begins to lose everything he has worked for. In fact, he never turns away from God despite his doubts, and at the end of the book, despite other lessons about theology and judgment on his fellow man, Job’s patience and faith are rewarded and he is not lost. You’ll get back everything you seemed like.
we have to be patient
We must persevere in the free world’s fight against the forces of evil. As Israel conquered Gaza and destroyed Hamas’s terrorist infrastructure, it became clear that Hamas had been very patient in building its capabilities. Physical evidence and intelligence recovered by the IDF prove that the tunnel system and vast weapons stockpile were established over many years. The plan for the October 7th attack was carried out over a long period of time.
While in custody nearly 40 years ago, Yahya Sinwar hinted that he intended to someday kill his Israeli interrogators. His tenacity never wavered and he has the same murderous determination today. Israel’s people and leaders must demonstrate similar steely patience when dealing with such a ferocious enemy. The cost of October 7th to the Israeli psyche was enormous. There is no question to us what Hamas or Iran would do if they retained control of Gaza. More October 7th will follow, more rockets will hit Israeli cities, and more Iranian proxies will launch attacks. We can’t be short-sighted and expect quick wins. We must continue to be patient until we get a definitive result.
Questions about “the next day” are being raised in discussions with former colleagues at the City University of New York and in Israeli media today. Such questions are premature. In this conflict, you need to set a goal every day, and that goal should be carried over to the next day until it is achieved. You’ll find a solution for the next day.
Nazi Germany was rebuilt, but only after it was destroyed and there was unconditional surrender. The same was true for the Empire of Japan. It took time to reverse the brainwashing of the Germans and Japanese. It will take time to reverse the brainwashing of Palestinians. Time and national unity require reflection and understanding of the short, medium and long term challenges we face. It is not necessary to raise or answer every question today.
The high number of deaths of innocent Palestinians has become a hot topic in Israel and abroad. We should be concerned about the death of even one innocent Palestinian. But as evidence mounts and stories of freed hostages surface, some are wondering where these innocent Palestinians are living.
Was Ahmad Kaharot, the director of Jabaliyah’s Kamal Adwan Hospital and a Hamas brigadier general, an innocent Palestinian? Was the UNRWA doctor who took hostages in the attic an innocent Palestinian? Was the wife of the Hamas terrorist who captured Mia Shem an innocent Palestinian? Were the Gazans who helped Hamas build underground cities innocent Palestinians? Was Shifa hospital director Mohammad Abu Salmiya, who allowed Hamas to bring hostages to the hospital and oversaw their (mis)treatment, an innocent Palestinian?
Only time will tell the extent of the collusion between Hamas and Gaza residents. One fact is clear. Given the chance of free elections in this area, these “innocent Palestinians” would overwhelmingly vote for Hamas to return to power.
Patience is a powerful trait. It has sustained Hamas terrorists’ hatred of Israel and their belief that they will one day destroy the Jewish people.
We need similar patience as we continue our efforts to survive.
The author is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Chemistry at the City University of New York. He lives in Rehovot and has two grandchildren in the IDF. The opinions expressed in this article are his own.
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