In defense of Israel

In recent issues of the Volante I have noticed a strong anti-Israel sentiment from the paper, specifically opinion page writer Nadiah Abuswai. The United States’ relationship with Israel began with their founding as a nation in 1948 following World War II, and has been particularly beneficial for the United States in recent years during the War on Terror.

Israel is one of the United States’ top allies in the world, and is one of the only stable democracies in the Middle East. While I agree that Israel uses force against the Palestinians, it is important for readers to understand that Israel is not simply attacking Palestine like Nadiah Abuswai would like you to believe.

The Palestinians elected Hamas, a known terrorist organization, to a majority in their parliament. Hamas charter calls for the death of Jewish people and the destruction of the nation of Israel. Hamas indiscriminately targets Israeli civilians firing more than 4,000 rockets at Israel last year alone.

Hamas uses civilian infrastructure and human shields during attacks. It then uses the deaths of their own people to justify attacks against the Israeli people. Israel sends text alerts, drops pamphlets and fires roof knocks to warn Palestinian civilians before firing on a target.

Israel is in a region of the world with significant importance for the United States’ foreign policy initiatives. It is the United States’ duty to stand by the Israeli people and protect them from radical governments like Iran and Palestine whose prerogative is to destroy our ally. It is for these reasons that I support the United States’ relationship with Israel, defend their actions, and am proud to stand with Israel.

— Kade Lamberty