I refuse to defend the indefensible

The tragedy that Israel has precipitated as a result of its continuing brutal occupation and the massive destruction and death in Gaza is the nurturing of another generation of young Palestinians, many of whom will grow up with one mission: to avenge the horror that has befallen their people. They will not rest until they liberate themselves from the bondage and dehumanization to which they have been subjected.

Instead, had Israel ended the ruthless occupation and offered the Palestinians hope for a better and secure future, young Palestinians would not resort to violence and terrorism but could grow and prosper in peace alongside their Jewish neighbors. Rabbi Mali's call, "to kill the future generation, and those who produce the future generation because there is no difference," is beyond outrageous. Killing innocent children on the assumption that they will grow up to be terrorists, which Israel is deliberately nurturing to justify its ruthless occupation and dehumanization of the Palestinians on security grounds, is the height of moral decadence for which the Israelis will pay dearly for years to come.

The greater tragedy is what Israel has inflicted on itself and the Jews around the world. Israel's image is stained by Palestinian blood, rendering it a pariah state. Beyond that, Israel has become a liability to diaspora Jewry, on whose behalf Netanyahu claims to speak, and instead of living in peace and dignity, they are now fearful for their lives.

The war is still grinding on, the death and destruction continue, and Netanyahu and his criminal gang are still reveling in the illusion of securing "total victory." However, even if every single Hamas operative is killed, it will only start a new chapter in the annals of the tragic Israeli-Palestinian conflict that will not end until the Palestinians win their freedom.

Instead of defending the indefensible, every Jew with any integrity has a solemn responsibility to make their voice heard and call for the end of this horrific war and support the Palestinians' right to a state of their own. History will condemn Netanyahu and his government for making Jewish safety and survival predicated on the Palestinians' dehumanization and death.