How can this hatred against Jewish people be so evil?
On October 7, 2023, a day forever etched in the collective memory of Israel, an unspeakable tragedy unfolded, leaving a deep scar on the nation. This date, now ominously known as Black Saturday, witnessed a horrifying act of antisemitism and shook Israel and the world.
As we reflect on this dark chapter in history, it is essential to remember the stark reality of hatred and violence Jewish people face.
The Horrors Unleashed
The October 7 massacre in Israel was an evil antisemitic act, defying human comprehension. Quiet Jewish communities in Israel faced an indescribable level of brutality and inhumanity. This monumental act of antisemitism left behind haunting images of families torn apart by death or kidnapping, innocent civilians injured, women raped, children decapitated, whole families burnt alive, and a nation left grieving and in terror.
The horrors experienced by Israelis should serve as a stark reminder of the enduring presence of hatred in our world against Jewish people. No other single group of people throughout the millennia has been targeted so consistently and so lethally. This history is evidence of the work of the devil, who seeks to destroy God’s chosen people.
Hamas’ Sinister Agenda
At the heart of this tragedy lies Hamas, a terrorist organization with a sinister agenda. Their actions against God’s people are a chilling reminder of the depths of evil antisemitism can reach. Their acts of terror are not merely antisemitic but intrinsically evil—many have called them inhuman.
Hamas’ goal, by its own leaders’ admission,[1] is not only to perpetuate an atmosphere of terror and hatred but also to eradicate Israel and all Jewish people. Their actions on October 7 demonstrated a complete disregard for human life and a deeply entrenched antisemitic ideology.
Hatred’s Origin: The Father of Lies
Hatred, especially antisemitism, finds its roots in the Father of Lies—Satan. The evil one has infiltrated the minds of the radical Islamist terrorist group Hamas with the malicious lie Israel is the source of the world’s problems and must be destroyed. As if the One and true God of Israel could ignore such threats to His people! Nothing could be further from the truth as the Lord promised to make Abraham a great nation (Genesis 12:1–3). God also promised to give Israel a specific land flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 30:3–5). As much as the enemy wants to destroy Israel, the Lord will never allow it to happen.
Just as Satan is the master of deception, Hamas manipulates facts, spreads false narratives, and employs propaganda to justify their actions.[2] The truth is a casualty in their ongoing war against Israel and Jewish people.
God’s Ultimate Response: Perfect Justice and Mercy
In the face of such profound darkness, it is essential to remember God has the ultimate response. His perfect justice and boundless mercy offer solace and hope to those affected by the October 7 massacre and by antisemitism in general. While we may struggle to understand these events, God sees and knows all as He cares for His people.
In these trying times, it is comforting to remember God’s justice will prevail. He will hold those who commit acts of evil accountable for their actions (Revelation 20:11–15). We find our ultimate source of strength and hope in this divine balance of justice and mercy.
Believers’ Response against Antisemitism
As believers, we are called to be a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:16). Our response to antisemitism should be one of unwavering support for our Jewish brothers and sisters. We must stand together, denouncing hatred and prejudice in all its forms.
One way to combat antisemitism is through education and awareness. By understanding the history and consequences of antisemitism, we can better recognize and fight it. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum provides valuable resources and information on this topic.
More importantly, we are called to pray and speak against injustices. We must pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), which means we pray for the peace of Jewish people. God has called us to let our light shine, and in this case, we can bring light to the darkness of antisemitism—in every way, shape, or form these acts of hatred happen.
A Call to Prayer
In these tumultuous times, it is crucial to remember the power of prayer. We extend an invitation to all people to pause and pray for Hamas to cease their antisemitic violence. Only through a change of heart and a rejection of hate can we hope for a brighter, more peaceful future.
The October 7 massacre in Israel stands as a grim reminder of the enduring presence of antisemitism and evil in our world. This tragedy should unite all believers in Jesus—and not-yet believers—in our resolve to combat hatred and prejudice against Jewish people.
As we remember Black Saturday, let us also hold on to the hope God’s perfect justice and boundless mercy will ultimately prevail. In our response to antisemitism, may our love, understanding, and commitment guide us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the protection of Jewish people, and for the salvation of all peoples before God’s throne.
[1] Memri, “Former Hamas Minister of Culture ’Atallah Abu al-Subh: ‘The Jews Are the Most Despicable and Contemptible Nation to Crawl upon the Face of the Earth,’” MEMRI, April 8, 2011, https://www.memri.org/tv/former-hamas-minister-culture-atallah-abu-al-subh-jews-are-most-despicable-and-contemptible; “Hamas Sermon from the Gaza Strip: Our Doctrine Entails Exterminating the Jews,” MEMRI, July 24, 2014, https://www.memri.org/tv/hamas-sermon-gaza-strip-our-doctrine-entails-exterminating-jews; “Senior Hamas Official Fathi Hammad: We Will Cleanse Palestine of the Filth of the Jews, Heal the Nation of the Jewish Cancer; Netanyahu, Lieberman, We Are Coming to Chop off Your Heads!,” MEMRI, July 12, 2018, https://www.memri.org/tv/hamas-political-bureau-member-fathi-hammad-at-gaza-rallies-cleanse-palestine-of-filth-cancer-of-the-jews.
[2] Sagi Cohen, “Denial of Hamas’ October 7 Massacre Is Gaining Pace Online,” Haaretz, November 7, 2023, https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-07/ty-article/.premium/denial-of-hamas-october-7-massacre-is-gaining-pace-online/0000018b-aa45-d5aa-a19f-afffabf10000.
