10 Comments

Thank you for your eloquent explanation of why the decision to take this “deal” is obvious. For those of us in the Galut, who don’t understand what being Israeli truly means, your message is crucial.

Hamas is ruthless and does not value life. The only way to defeat them is to destroy them. It is devastating that so many in the world refuse to understand this, at least when it comes to Jews.

Am Yisrael Chai

Expand full comment

Great column today. We could use that piece of paper sitting next to your shabbat candles.

Expand full comment

Thank you for the thoughtful commentary on the deal with the Devil. I’m Christian. I stand for civility and civilization against barbarism. I stand with Israel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Expand full comment

Iran, via Hamas, is playing the long game. You are correct that if you had refused the hostage agreement most if the naive world would have spoken against you. I believe you know this is a psychological torture technique used by Hamas_Iran.

All you can do is Never Stop hunting Hamas. Hamas is not really fighting you yet. They attacked and massacred civilians. But remember Hamas has plans upon plans. Sitting in Qatar, drinking and eating and lying to the world. Get the hostages you can back, and keep doing what you are doing, hunting Hamas. If you don’t fight, your entire country becomes hostages. May God Bless and Keep You safe as you fight on for all that is righteous. It is an unpopular thing to do, but popularity means nothing. Just say “What will you do when they come for you and your family.” I consider the IDF warriors for all of us who do not blindly follow a madman in Iran. Thank you.

Expand full comment

Nadav is wrong and you are wrong, but not for the reasons presented. The whole approach is wrong because a basic assumption in all of these arguments is that Hamas only had one surprise up their sleeves. Our enemies have been playing chess for two years at least while we have been playing backgammon and eating sunflower seeds. All assume that Hamas does not want to continue fighting. Here is a possible surprise for you: Hamas wants to deal the IDF a total defeat. If you cannot imagine that happening then you are overconfident and still under the spell of Konseptsiot (fixed, inflexible pre-conceptions about the enemy). The only acceptable hostage deal is a one time offer that we dictate: all of our hostages for the same number of terrorist prisoners, of their choice, to be safely transferred to Gaza. One hour to agree, and twenty-four hours to transfer.

Expand full comment

Thank you for having the inner strength to take the wise hard road.Too easy to use platitudes and once again forget who we r dealing with.Hamas and the World are watching.

Expand full comment

Thank you for distributing this opinion piece - helps me put it in perspective.

Is there a new prayer for the kidnapped and the IDF to be recited at shabat candle lighting? I am lighting a third candle with them in mind

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

Thank you. I do wish you could be a little less silent though. We need to know you are with us. Am Yisrael Chai

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

I understand and I thank you from the bottom of my heart

Expand full comment