Additional Coverage:
- Hamas murders 6 more hostages. Have we learned nothing from history about antisemitism? (newsbreak.com)
The 2023 movie “Irena’s Vow” details the real-life heroics of Polish nurse Irena Gut Opdyke, who during World War II became a housekeeper for a German Army major. In this perilous role, she secretly sheltered 12 Jewish individuals within the confines of the Nazi officer’s home, rescuing them from the horrors of death camps.
An acquaintance, a local innkeeper, initially advised Irena to keep a low profile to evade danger. However, upon discovering her secret, he chose to ignore the fact, stating, “I don’t want to know anything.”
This story’s unfoldment in 2024 comes at a time when antisemitism continues to surge at prestigious American universities and globally, spurred by entities including Hamas terrorists.
One wonders if our grasp of antisemitism and its dangerous proliferation has deepened through history.
In a tragic turn of events, the Israel Defense Forces recently found the remains of six individuals in a Gaza tunnel. Among them was 23-year-old Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Hamas, in a frightful claim, suggested that these hostages were killed as an Israeli rescue operation loomed, further threatening the lives of many more captives should any rescue attempts proceed.
Additionally, Hamas has released distressing videos of the deceased captives, including 24-year-old Eden Yerushalmi, who expressed her despair and accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of forsaking her and fellow hostages.
The crisis remains dire, with more than 200 taken hostage during a deadly raid by Hamas on October 7, which left 1,189 people dead, mostly civilians. While Hamas still holds at least 101 hostages, including seven Americans, the Gaza health ministry under Hamas reports over 40,000 Palestinians having perished since the conflict’s start last fall.
Amidst this, as massive protests erupt demanding action in Israel, President Joe Biden criticized Netanyahu for insufficient efforts in securing the hostages’ release, yet it raises questions about the US’s role as well.
Despite Netanyahu’s attempts to negotiate a ceasefire— thwarted by continuous rejections from Hamas—the international and domestic pressures intensify.
Just recently, the Justice Department indicted six Hamas leaders responsible for the atrocious October 7 raid, charging them with conspiracies that include plans to murder US citizens.
As the November elections approach, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are called upon to assertively ensure the safety of Jewish Americans amid ongoing and blatant antisemitism, whether it be in educational institutions or public streets.
The situation underscores a crucial lesson: indifference or denial, akin to the innkeeper’s initial stance of “I don’t want to know anything,” is not an option. We must confront and act against the persistent threat of antisemitism decisively.