SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Amidst an enduring backdrop of turmoil and discord, the Middle East once more commands the world’s focus. While Israel becomes entangled in a distant conflict, the residents of Syracuse unmistakably bear the gravity of this international scenario.
Here in Syracuse, others are voicing their concerns within the conflict thousands of miles away. Local Rabbi Evan Shore of a nearby synagogue (asked to remain anonymous) spoke about how his Synagogue is doing its best to create peace,
“my synagogue is praying for the peace, for the entire area three times a day. And I think this is what Judaism is for, the idea of peace.” said Rabbi Shore.
Khaled Meshaal, the former leader of Hamas, has called for a “Day of Jihad” across different nations, encouraging people to join the fight against Israel. In response, Rabbi Shore has expressed that he doesn’t have an issue with the protest, but he believes it’s important not to take actions that harm others.
“We live in the greatest country in the world, if you want to protest I don’t have a problem, but don’t break the law, don’t threaten the lives of other people,” said Rabbi Shore.
A Syracuse University student, Carson Crestohl, suggests that individuals who are not familiar with the current situation or the underlying reasons should consider conducting research on the historical context of the conflict,
“To get themselves educated on the history of the conflict. There have be wrongs committed by both sides of this conflict, but what I want people to understand is that the present Free Palestine movement is specifically celebrating the attacks and the murders of innocent Jewish men, women and children, not only in Israel but across the world,” said Crestohl.
In a region where peace remains elusive, both sides in the Israel-Palestine conflict continue to seek a path forward, as the world watches with hope for a lasting resolution.
