After an attack into Israel by Hamas, an Islamist terrorist group, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 hundreds of Israelis were taken hostage or killed. In retaliation, the Israeli military launched a massive air campaign to bomb the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) currently has troops and tanks stationed on the border in preparation for a ground invasion of Gaza reported Reuters. The article continues by stating an Israeli general called the attack “our 9/11.” Unfortunately, the consequences of war have spread beyond the Middle East and into America and Europe.

CBS reported that there has been a rise in anti-Semitic incidents since Oct. 7, and the Hill reported a steady rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes since the attack. Even members of Congress aren’t safe; NBC talked with congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, who had repeatedly received violent death threats along with another Palestinian representative, Rep. Rashida Tlaib. Omar and fellow progressive representatives have been known to criticize Israel and have made statements supporting a free Palestine state.

 College campuses have also become battlegrounds, just of a different nature. Reuters has reported that Pro-Israeli and Pro-Palestine groups have ‘clashed’ with protests and counter-protest. At Columbia University, one group holding “Free Palestine ” and “to exist is to resist” signs faced off against another group holding up pictures of the murdered and kidnapped victims of Hamas. According to The New York Times, countries across Europe have banned pro-Palestinian protests, which many have defied, and in London protesters clashed with police, leading to the arrest of 15 people.

While the attack on Israel is terrible, members of the global community should not take their outrage out on others; rather it should be a time of mourning, of unity and of healing as many in Israel and Gaza reassess their beliefs and struggle for their lives.