by Ram ben Ze'ev
The atrocities of October 7, 2023, marked a horrific chapter in the ongoing Israeli-Arab conflict. On that fateful day, terrorists from Gaza, with the support of Iran and Jordan, launched brutal attacks, leading to the loss of more than 1,200 innocent Jewish lives, the taking of 251 Jewish hostages, and a renewed sense of vulnerability among Israelis. As the world watched in horror, the Israeli government was compelled to reconsider its approach to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens while also seeking justice for the Jewish victims.
Following the unprecedented and brutal terrorist attacks the Israeli government and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a comprehensive military campaign in Gaza. This campaign has been characterised by its systematic approach, starting in the north of Gaza and progressively moving southward, with the current focus on Rafah in the southernmost part of the Strip.
As the military campaign nears completion, a proposal has emerged that calls for the apportioning Gaza and returning areas of it to the families of those who suffered the most: the families of the Jewish victims of the October 7 atrocities, the families of the Jewish hostages, and the families of those murdered by terrorists in Gaza. Additionally, this proposal advocates for the return of land to the families of the 21 Jewish communities in Gaza that were unilaterally dismantled in Gush Katif in 2005. This plan offers a path to restitution and justice, and will pave the way for a more secure and peaceful future.
The attacks on October 7 were not just acts of violence; they were assaults on the very fabric of Jewish Israeli society. Jewish families were torn apart, and a sense of safety that many had taken for granted was shattered. The Israeli government's primary responsibility is to protect its citizens and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. Apportioning Gaza and returning parts of it to the Jewish victims' families will serve as a powerful message that terrorism will not go unpunished and that the victims and their families will be honoured and supported in tangible ways.
By allocating land to these Jewish families, the government would be providing a form of restitution that acknowledges their immense loss and suffering. It would also establish a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives, ensuring that their memories are preserved in the very land that was the site of their suffering. This act of reclamation would not only serve as a deterrent to future attacks but also as a symbol of resilience and defiance against terrorism.
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The disengagement from Gaza in 2005, which saw the dismantling of 21 Jewish communities in Gush Katif, was a controversial and painful process. Jewish families who had lived in Gaza for generations were uprooted, and their homes and livelihoods were left behind in the hope of fostering peace. Unfortunately, the subsequent years have not brought the hoped-for peace, and the region has instead seen continued violence and instability.
Returning land to the families of these displaced Jewish communities would address a historical wrong and provide them with an opportunity to rebuild their lives. It would also serve as a reaffirmation of their rights and a recognition of their sacrifices for the greater good. By allowing these families to return and rebuild, the government would be taking a significant step towards healing the wounds of the past and fostering a sense of justice and closure.
Apportioning Gaza and returning land to Jewish victims' families and displaced Jewish communities is a complex and sensitive proposition. It requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, including security, infrastructure, and the potential impact on the existing population in Gaza. However, with a thoughtful and strategic approach, these challenges can be addressed.
Firstly, security must be the top priority. Any areas allocated to Jewish victims' families and displaced Jewish communities must be heavily fortified and protected to prevent further attacks. This could involve the establishment of secure zones with robust military presence and advanced surveillance systems. Additionally, the government must work closely with international partners to ensure that these areas are safe and that the rights of the new inhabitants are protected.
Secondly, the infrastructure in these areas must be developed to support the needs of the returning families. This includes housing, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services. The Israeli government, in collaboration with international aid organizations, can invest in rebuilding and modernizing these areas to ensure that they are livable and sustainable.
Thirdly, the potential impact on the existing Arab population in Gaza must be considered. The allocation of land must be done in a way that minimises displacement and disruption to the lives of the current residents. This may involve negotiations and compensation for those affected, as well as efforts to integrate the new communities in a manner that promotes coexistence and mutual respect.
The proposal to apportion Gaza and return areas of it to the Jewish victims and displaced Jewish communities is not just about addressing past wrongs; it is about building a future rooted in justice and security. By taking this bold step, the Israeli government can demonstrate its commitment to protecting its citizens, honouring the memories of those lost, and rectifying historical injustices.
This plan, though ambitious, offers a path to healing and reconciliation. It acknowledges the profound suffering of the Jewish victims and their families, provides restitution to those displaced in the past, and sends a clear message that terrorism will not be tolerated. Moreover, it offers a vision of a future where justice is served, and where the land itself stands as a testament to resilience, courage, and the unyielding pursuit of peace.
Apportioning Gaza and returning areas of it to the families of Jewish victims and displaced Jewish communities is a proposal that embodies both justice and hope. It is a call to honour the past, secure the present, and build a future where peace and security are not just aspirations but realities. The Israeli government must consider this bold move, and in doing so it has the opportunity to turn tragedy into a catalyst for lasting change and to forge a path towards a more just and peaceful region.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue