Commentary

Undoubtedly, Hamas would like to see the ceasefire as a turning point in the conflict. It believes the halting of the fire will result in the IDF losing momentum and it gradually scaling back its operations through a series of limited ceasefires and restrictive conditions until a complete halt to hostilities is achieved. Simultaneously, Israel would lose legitimacy for high-intensity warfare, the international community would increase its diplomatic effort to strike a broader arrangement, and in the meantime, Hamas would recover.

Today marks World Children’s Day. Every parent wonders if their children are getting all their basic rights: food, drink, warmth, a shower, education, love, security, a proper bed, a pleasant environment, and more. As a mother, I don't even know if my daughters are alive.

It is crucial that Hamas’ governing facilities not only be seized but also completely destroyed. Israel must destroy the Kerem Shalom and Erez border crossing, so as to make it clear there will never be a return to the situation in which Palestinians can enter Israel. 

Just as in the War of Independence, we are fighting for our very existence. Many names have been given to the war. For me, the “Genesis War” is the preferred option, not only because it broke out when we finished the Torah cycle and started over from the beginning, but because the terrible events forced us to abandon many of our old conceptions and views and pick up from scratch.

In memory of Major (res.) Moshe Yedidyah Leiter, who was killed in battle on Friday evening while fighting in Gaza.

Kristallnacht's 85th anniversary was this week. I want to say to all our friends in Israel: These days, we sadly realize that the poison of antisemitism is also active in our country. We want a Germany where a person wearing a yarmulke has nothing to fear on our streets. This is what we will fight for. We will use the full force of the law.

I dread the prospect of Israel having won the war in Gaza only to lose its collective solidarity as a nation; I fear the chaos that will reign here – which will make the judicial reform protests pale in comparison.