Standing together against despair: Hope and solidarity after the October 7 Hamas massacre

Writer: Peggy Shapiro
Courtesy: Vandana Jhingan

On October 7, 2023, a horrific massacre perpetrated by Hamas struck Israel, leaving shock and anguish in its wake. The event marked the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust, as well as a wave of global antisemitism that compounded the trauma. The cruel violence – characterized by murder, torture, and heinous acts of brutality – stunned the world. Yet, in a deeply disturbing turn, rallies of support emerged not for the victims, but for the perpetrators, revealing a disheartening global divide.

For many, especially those whose families are survivors of the Holocaust, this massacre triggered generational trauma. It is a chilling reminder of a painful lesson Jewish communities learned during World War II: when the world knows of atrocities and remains silent, it often feels as if they are abandoned.

In the days following the attack, Jewish communities around the globe grappled not only with the brutality of Hamas but with the troubling realization that significant parts of the world rallied behind those who perpetrated the violence. Universities became hotbeds of antisemitic sentiment, and even movements like “Me Too,” which had championed the fight against gender-based violence, remained silent on the rape and torture of Israeli women.

Faced with such despair, the Jewish people draw from the resilience ingrained in their history. One of the most potent sources of strength comes from their enduring traditions. During Passover, an ancient festival celebrating the liberation of the Jewish people, many families set an additional place at the table this year for the over 200 hostages held by Hamas. In a powerful act of remembrance and solidarity, they reflected on the age-old declaration, “In every generation, they rise up to destroy us,” while finding renewed determination to carry on the legacy of survival and hope.

The spirit of Israel itself embodies this resilience. Despite the devastation at the Nova Music Festival, where young lives were cut short in an act of hatred, the Israeli people have vowed to dance again. Their national anthem, Hatikvah, means “hope” – a value embedded deep within the Jewish consciousness. The prophet Ezekiel’s vision of the Valley of Dry Bones echoes through the generations, speaking of the restoration of Israel and its people’s unwavering spirit: “…I will put my Spirit in you and you will live.”

Moreover, in the midst of this isolation, the Jewish people have found unexpected allies, particularly within the Hindu-American community. Numerous Hindu organizations and leaders have stood firmly with Israel and the Jewish people, offering messages of solidarity, compassion, and hope. Their words have not only comforted but also highlighted the shared values and friendship between the Jewish and Hindu communities.

Among these voices is Michigan State Senator Niraj Antani, who extended heartfelt wishes for the Jewish new year, expressing hope for a better future. Rakesh Malhotra of the Federation of Indian Associations emphasized the need for peace and the safe release of hostages, while Mihir Meghani from the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) stood in solidarity with the Jewish people and Israel in their fight against terrorism. Rajeev Singh, a student leader at Stanford, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the growing partnership between Hindus and Jews in combating hatred and extremism.

In these times of darkness, such expressions of solidarity offer much-needed hope. The strength of communities standing together against hatred and violence reminds us all that even in the face of despair, there is a path forward – a path built on unity, resilience, and the unwavering belief that hope will prevail.

The Author is the Director of Policy and Outreach at StandWithUs, an organization dedicated to supporting Israel and fighting against antisemitism through education.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Indo-US Tribune or its editorial board. The publication of this article is intended to encourage discussion and does not imply endorsement of any particular viewpoint.