by Debra Rich Gettleman

“Hate never goes away; it just goes underground until it is given a little oxygen.”

— President Joe Biden

78% of Americans 45 and older support the U.S. pro-Israel stance against Hamas. Before you celebrate the fact that the majority of us believe in Israel’s right to defend herself against the brutal murderous Hamas terrorists who kidnapped, raped, and murdered innocent civilians on October 7^th, hear this:

Only 48% of Americans under the age of 45 believe the U.S. should voice public support for Israel.

This comes from a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll. The same poll noted that only about 44% of Americans say Israel’s response so far has been appropriate.

While some in the media seem to report this as good news, I’m having trouble accepting that. Maybe it’s my “Nudelman negativity,” (my mom’s family’s predilection to see every glass half empty), but Israel needs us right now. And if only a week has passed since the disgusting rampage Hamas led on Gaza, how does this bode for the future?

Black Lives Matter groups rally against Israel as Pro-Palestinian student groups on our top University campuses sign statements condemning Israel at a time when there should be no question of moral equivalency.

President Biden, appearing strong and presidential, affirms that America stands with Israel, full stop. But eight out of 10 Americans fear the current war will broaden across the Middle East and possibly across the world.

Israel sanctifies human life and urges innocent Palestinians to evacuate Northern Gaza. Hamas refuses to allow them to leave by blocking roads, bombing cars, and confiscating car keys.

We see more and more mainstream press outlets blaming Israel for the plight of everyday Palestinian civilians who want to escape the war-torn area and flee for safety. But where is the outrage at Hamas for holding an innocent civilian population hostage, using children as human shields, and blowing up their own infrastructure to wage a public relations campaign against Israel?

According to the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism, a group that monitors violent language and threats on social media, in the first 18 hours after the Hamas attack, threats and calls for violence against Jews rose by approximately 488 percent.

So, what can you do?

Stay informed

No matter how ugly and ruthless the Hamas crimes against humanity are, do not stop reading. Do not turn off the tv. Do not look away.  These are real images and facing them head on is critical at this moment.

Educate yourself

Read everything you can. Understand what is actually happening. Don’t simply listen to one side of the story. Pay attention to facts and draw honest conclusions based on evidence.

Visit ADL blog Debunking: Myths and False Narratives About the Israel-Hamas War

Don’t hide

Tell people you are Jewish. Tell people where you stand. Tell your colleagues and employer to stand up for Israel. In fact, the ADL is asking CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and other corporations to sign a corporate pledge to fight antisemitism and stand with their Jewish employees.

Tell your story

Remaining silent will not protect anyone. Speak your truth with facts and compassion. Disagree when friends, family, or co-workers say something insensitive or blatantly antisemitic. Saying nothing at this point in time is tantamount to agreeing with the false narratives, anti-zionist propaganda, and ill-informed justification for Hamas’ unbridled cruelty, violence, and disregard for the sanctity of human life.