Imagine being in Sderot, Israel, and experiencing the terrifying sound of Hamas rockets landing near your home. The fear consumes you as you quickly assess the whereabouts of your family members. Suddenly, gunshots and screams fill the air. Among the chaos, you recognize a familiar scream. Within minutes, you find yourself cradling your lifeless daughter in your arms. The bullet fired by Hamas severed her subclavian artery, bringing a sudden end to her young life. In desperation, you pray aloud, almost pleading, to trade places with her. But your prayers fall upon deaf ears. She is gone. You are left behind, consumed by grief and despair. Death seems like a welcome release, but you know you must carry on.
Could you take a life to find some semblance of justice? Who would you target? Where are they? Would you involve your other children in this quest for revenge? Perhaps, leaving them under the care of a babysitter while you seek vengeance. But can you even trust the babysitter to keep them safe? If killing your child’s murderer directly is not possible, would someone else suffice? And if you were to exact revenge, would it bring the satisfaction you desire, like relieving yourself after a long wait? And if so, how long would that feeling of satisfaction last?
If someone murdered my child before my eyes, I believe I would be driven by a primal urge to retaliate. While it may not be morally justifiable, others could empathize with my actions. However, despite this personal conviction, I have always opposed the death penalty due to its potential for error and its evident racial bias in the United States. Innocent lives have been taken, disproportionately affecting the Black community. The state should possess the ability to address problems more effectively than a grieving parent driven by violence, but in the US, it often fails to do so.
The Israeli government shares similarities with the US government in their approach to policing both their own citizens and other nations. They are partners in many aspects, including their dealings with the ongoing conflict in Gaza. To better understand the relationship between the US and Israel regarding Gaza, click here for more information.
Expressing my thoughts here feels futile when Israel’s military openly declares its plan for a genocidal campaign in Gaza. Evacuation orders issued to northern Gaza residents are impossible to comply with. The Israeli government knows this, just as we do. Children in Gaza, most of whom were born after Hamas assumed power, are also aware of this grim reality. They will soon join the list of casualties, their young lives cut short. Streets will be stained with their blood, their bodies torn apart. Siblings trying to protect each other will be crushed under debris, lying forgotten in the streets.
As an American residing in the UK, I find myself contributing taxes to two nations that would support and endorse this genocide. The US and British weapons would play a role in the atrocities that would unfold.
Reflecting on my personal experiences with grief, I recall the kindness and support I received from my Jewish neighbor during the loss of my son. The Jewish practices of mourning provided solace and guidance. Similarly, a close Muslim friend compassionately led us through the rituals and burial customs after his father’s passing, offering a beautiful example of intimacy during a time of sorrow. These memories reveal the stark contrast between the empathy shown by ordinary individuals and the indifference displayed by current leaders and media moguls.
Their actions desecrate the memories of the deceased and those yet to perish.
I believe these new spirits will not be forgiving.
Rob Delaney is a comedian and writer.
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