Today, police cars surrounded my local temple. Today, my fellow Jews dreaded opening social media, with an immense fear of what they would see. The welcoming air of our synagogue was tainted by the horrific actions of the terrorist group Hamas, who had entered Israel and were brutally murdering innocent civilians. As I saw the police cars and the new security detail outside the place I once considered the safest, I realized how grave the current situation was for Israelis and Jewish people alike.

“Free Palestine” supporters lined the streets of New York City, believing that the terrorist group simply consisted of “freedom fighters” who wanted to create a sovereign Palestine. Freedom fighters are often described as being courageous individuals who fight for specific rights that they feel that they aren’t getting. But when we look at Hamas, it is evident that these individuals are anything but courageous. Their main targets are women, children, and the elderly, all of whom are unsuspecting victims. Those who stand in support of Hamas claim that “they did what was necessary” to protect the interests of Palestine. However, it is quite evident that slaughtering innocent people in front of their children and then broadcasting it for the entire world to see is tragic cowardice and anything but necessary. To those who continue to refer to the villains behind Hamas as “freedom fighters,” or anything but terrorists, for that matter, what type of freedom do you really stand for?

Hamas cannot be stopped unless we work together. Over 1,000 terrorists are abducting and taking innocent Israelis hostage, and as of October 11th, the death toll reached 1,200. Hamas is becoming increasingly violent as they are unrelenting in their efforts to “eradicate the cancer that is Israel.” This has not only led to horrific deaths in Israel, but it is also leading to increased Anti-Semitism both in Israel and abroad. Although being Jewish and being Israeli are two separate things, ignorant people have begun to combine the two, attacking both.

After receiving backlash from the public, the British Broadcasting Service has referred to Hamas as militants, freedom fighters, or perpetrators opposed to terrorists. But we must call the group what they truly are. Hamas is a terrorist organization that has taken innocent lives and will continue to take more. It is completely unspeakable that there are people who still support such a group, and as supporters of Israel, we must remain hopeful that Israel will come out of this conflict both victorious and stronger than before.

With that being said, we also have a responsibility to report any hateful media posted by these violent organizations and continue to spread awareness about the atrocities committed by Hamas. There are also organizations, such as The Jewish Agency for Israel, NA-TAL- The Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, and United Hatzalah, that accept direct donations to assist the Israeli army. Donating is especially important during this time, as we must help the Israeli army stop Hamas from causing any further damage. We also must offer support and comfort to both Israelis and our Jewish community during this time and remember that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel; you are never alone.

Am Yisrael Chai!