An Incredible Self-Control

The most striking aspect of Israel’s response to the October 7, 2023 massacres is how its people preserved perfect self-control.

Despite the initial shock and the prolonged combat that followed, at no point did the population succumb to despair. They never mirrored the barbarism of their attackers, holding fast to their moral dignity even in those dark, harrowing weeks.

Jewish communities in Israel and the diaspora are reliving painful echoes of a past not so distant. Yet as the ugliness of antisemitism rears its head anew, the resilience with which the Jewish people face it is more admirable than ever. Outrageous statements from certain UN bodies, biased media outlets, or spiteful politicians crash again and again against the rock-solid perseverance of Jewish continuity. Hatred may rise and fall through the centuries, but Israel endures—and its spirit remains unbroken.

The staged theatrics of Hamas during hostage releases, the shameful pro-jihad rallies in free democracies, the spurious accusations, countless boycotts, and the intellectual slurs hurled by celebrities and establishments alike all ultimately disgrace their perpetrators. In contrast, the Jewish people emerge ennobled, strengthened, and proud to preserve their identity and self-respect amid the torrent of hatred.

Of course, Israelis suffer and mourn. Every day brings new names of soldiers killed or wounded, fresh missile alerts, and the agonizing task of explaining violence to young children without instilling terror. Yet each dawn, Israel confronts these challenges—and overcomes them. Though wounded in body and spirit, it refuses to yield an inch. Instead, it forges ahead: creating, inventing, and building—while many nations regress toward darker times.

This struggle demands constant vigilance over anger, resentment, and grief. It calls for immense inner strength to support our families, comfort the bereaved, and stand by the brave hostages and soldiers at the front. I am proud to stand among you. Thanks to your unwavering resilience, we have achieved the only victory that truly matters—the victory of integrity, determination, and tenacity that has sustained us through the ages.