And the Israelis never, ever, hurt children, or women, or innocent bystanders. Oh, and the Palestinian forces only target children and women-usually at the Kotel. I could not believe that these words were coming from my son's lips. I quickly reminded him that while he may support Israel, even the Israeli army is affected by the rules of war. Innocent people often get hurt, and sometimes die, and living in fear is deeply affecting to everyone.
War is never a good thing, even if it is aimed to have a positive end.
I explained that unless people are willing to listen, no one's shouts will be heard. I reminded him of why we spill drops of wine at the Passover Seder, that, even in our escape from Egypt, we, as Jews, take a moment to remember the suffering of our oppressors. I can't prevent my heart from sinking as we pull through the now cleared railroad tracks as his voice pipes from the back seat. May not be reproduced without written permission.