Hamas’s Actions Rendered Holocaust Education Trip Unnecessary
EILAT, Israel: A Mother’s Nightmare
Ola Metzger, a 45-year-old mother, had planned to send her daughter on a life-changing Holocaust education trip to Poland. Little did she know that a horrifying event would unfold right at their doorstep.
On the morning of October 7, a group of heavily armed shock troops from the Gaza Strip stormed their peaceful kibbutz, Nir Oz. Chaos ensued as Jews were mercilessly slaughtered, homes were set ablaze, and innocent lives were taken hostage. Metzger, in an interview with the Washington Free Beacon, recounted the terrifying moments when she instructed her daughter to hide under the bed, fearing for their lives.
A Trip Cancelled, Lives Shattered
With the tragedy that unfolded in their community, Metzger made the difficult decision to cancel her daughter’s trip to Poland. The once highly anticipated journey to Auschwitz and other Nazi camps would have to wait.
But what shocked the world was the revelation that ordinary Gazans willingly participated in the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists. Footage from the targeted communities showed Gazans, who appeared to be everyday people, looting and taking part in the killings and kidnappings of Israelis.
Gadi Yarkoni, the mayor of the Eshkol Regional Council, expressed his disbelief, stating that the second wave of Arabs who entered the country were just as cruel as the initial terrorists. The residents of Gaza, including those who worked in the kibbutzim, showed no mercy.
In Nir Oz, survivors revealed that even women and children as young as 10 years old participated in the pogrom on October 7. It was an invasion of their community, as described by Irit Lahav, a tour guide and peace activist from the kibbutz. She emphasized that this was not just a Hamas action, but a Palestinian action that left their community devastated.
A Day of Unimaginable Loss
October 7 marked the deadliest day for Jews since World War II. Over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives, and 240 others were abducted to Gaza. Although Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas has led to the release of some hostages, the scars of that day remain.
Metzger, who sought refuge in her safe room with her family, recalled the horrifying presence of looters in her home. These looters, who seemed to be around the same age as her 13-year-old son, showed no remorse. They stole her son’s belongings, including his PlayStation and soccer shoes, while neighboring homes burned and innocent lives were lost.
Shattered Trust and Lingering Hatred
For Metzger and many other liberal-minded kibbutzniks who survived the events of October 7, their belief in the decency of the Gazan people was shattered. The experience left them questioning their trust in others and harboring deep-seated hatred.
Metzger, a Jewish immigrant from Kyrgyzstan, was raised to believe that religion shouldn’t matter. However, witnessing the brand of Islam that has taken root in Gaza, she now advocates for its downfall.
“If the Jews are not safe in Israel, I don’t think the Jews can feel safe anywhere,” Metzger expressed, hoping that the world would understand the gravity of their situation.
(Videography by Orel Revivo; video editing by Daniel Binsted)
What were the prevailing sentiments regarding the Israeli government’s role in the tragedy?
As troubling as the violence itself. The realization that one’s neighbors could turn against them at a moment’s notice was a devastating blow to the sense of security that had once prevailed in the region.
Searching for Answers
In the aftermath of the attack, many questioned how such a tragedy could have occurred. The prevailing sentiment was that the Israeli government had failed to adequately protect its citizens. Critics argued that the government’s lenient approach towards the Gaza Strip had allowed Hamas to grow in power and recruit individuals who were willing to participate in acts of terror.
Others, however, emphasized the complexity of the situation. They pointed out that while some Gazans may have willingly joined Hamas in their acts of violence, others may have been coerced or manipulated. Poverty and desperation in the Gaza Strip, they argued, created an environment in which extremist ideologies could flourish.
Regardless of the reasons behind the attack, the tragedy served as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. It highlighted the challenges faced by the Israeli government in trying to maintain peace and security in a volatile region.
A Call for Unity
In the midst of the chaos and uncertainty, Ola Metzger chose to focus on unity and healing. She reached out to fellow residents of Eilat, urging them to come together and support one another. In a letter published in the local newspaper, she emphasized the need for compassion and understanding, even in the face of hatred and violence.
Metzger’s message resonated with many, and a sense of unity began to emerge within the community. People from all walks of life came together to offer support and assist those affected by the attack. This show of solidarity sent a powerful message to both Hamas and the international community that the people of Eilat would not be divided by fear and hatred.
A Mother’s Nightmare, a Community’s Resilience
Ola Metzger’s story is a testament to both the horrors of terrorism and the strength of the human spirit. In the face of unimaginable tragedy, she found the courage to stay strong and support her community. Her determination to find unity and healing in the midst of chaos serves as an inspiration to us all.
As the community of Eilat rebuilds and moves forward, they do so with the knowledge that they are not alone. The people of Israel stand with them in solidarity, ready to support and assist, as they navigate the challenging road to recovery.
In the wake of this mother’s nightmare, we must not forget the resilience of the Israeli people. It is through unity and a shared determination for peace that they will overcome the darkness and rebuild a brighter future for all.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...