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January 12, 2024
As a caravan of flat-bed trucks loaded with huge loudspeakers and microphones lined up across the Gaza border, families of hostages took to the microphones to send a message to their loved ones — the 136 hostages being held by Hamas for 100 days. Screaming in Hebrew and English with the hope that their children, brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents hear their cries, the families of the hostages have been facing a never-ending nightmare since Black Saturday – October 7th. For them, every day is October 7th relived.
Families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza call to them over loudspeakers near the Israeli border with Gaza, January 11, 2024. (Flash90) Credit: Times of Israel
On the world stage, as if the anguish of these families does not exist and the facts of Black Saturday are entirely forgotten, South Africa began its proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice at the Hague (ICJ). As the Honourable Irwin Cotler has stated, “South Africa’s ICJ application inverts this reality, placing Israel—for its response to the October 7th invasion, which genocide scholars have found to have likely constituted genocide—in the docket of the accused.”
In their opening statements, the South African legal team did not mention one word about the October 7th massacre by Hamas against innocent Israeli and international citizens. There was no reference to the rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas, nor any acknowledgement of the Hamas-documented atrocities against Israelis.
Where has the world gone wrong?
The ICJ, created after the Holocaust to prevent genocide and crimes against humanity, has avoided prosecuting such crimes in Syria, Sudan, or China. And yet, after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust in one day, and with 136 hostages still being held in horrific conditions by a terrorist organization in tunnels under Gaza—clear crimes against humanity—the ICJ is hearing the case against Israel.
Where has the world gone wrong?
Today marks a harrowing milestone: 100 days since Black Saturday. It is incomprehensible to think about what the 136 hostages have endured in captivity at the hands of Hamas for the past 100 days. Stories from those released confirm our worst nightmares, revealing a reality far worse than imagined. The physical and psychological torture that Hamas and collaborating Palestinian citizens are committing against innocent women, children, men, and the elderly held as hostages is nothing short of a crime against humanity, and it must stop NOW.
As the Montreal Jewish community, we must NEVER forget that as we carry on with our daily routines, the lives of 136 hostages and their families have been completely shattered, and we must continue to bring awareness and fight for their release.
Against the backdrop of the ICJ proceedings, the father of one of the hostages stood atop one of the flat-bed trucks with his tefillin on his hand and head, adorned by his tallit. “Shema Israel…” he screamed out in anguish. “Hear, O Israel”, his cries pierced the sound of war on the Gaza border. Today, 100 days later, Hear, O Israel, our prayers for the release of our hostages. Let us all take a minute today to commemorate, remember, and activate for our hostages. The time to bring them home is NOW.
We are about to embark on our solidarity mission to Israel with over 20 community members to bear witness, bring hope, and show our unwavering support. Our family in Israel needs us more than ever, and as we always have, the Montreal Jewish community is responding with our love, support, and actions.
Am Israel Chai.
Yair Szlak, LL.B
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Federation CJA
