The Real Casualties
Earlier this week, we marked 500 days since Hamas terrorists attacked the nation of Israel. Within the past month, we’ve seen hostages being released by Hamas…a few at a time, in exchange for Israel releasing hundreds of Palestinians convicted of crimes against Jews.
Those started out to be happy reunions, with hostages who seemed to be in good physical shape. The last release, however, showed hostages in poorer physical condition.
But now, the first coffins, of hostages who were killed or died while in captivity, are being returned to families. The images of a line of coffins, draped with the Israeli flag, being saluted by Israeli troops is sad and anger-producing at the same time.
Those who were killed on October 7, 2023…and those who were killed in the 500 days since…are clearly casualties of terror. So too their families, who will grieve and mourn the senseless loss forever.
And, so too, those hostages who have been or will be returned…can one imagine the trauma they have suffered, and the scars they will bear for the rest of their lives?
It’s helpful to keep them and their experiences in mind, as people in suits meet in faraway places and determine what a just resolution will be to the situation.
For those still being held, those who have come home…and now, those who perished…it’s hard to use the word “just” in any context.
