What It’s About
October 7 marks a harrowing day of barbaric acts, including mass rape, mutilation, and savage sexual violence, perpetrated against innocent civilians. This piece delves into the aftermath, focusing on Israel’s confrontation with denial and disbelief from parts of the international community, and the relentless pursuit of justice and truth in the face of “progressive” skepticism.
Why It Matters
Israel’s dual battle—first, against the unimaginable horror of the attacks and, second, against a wave of disbelief and denial from parts of the international community—underlines the challenges of advocating for truth and justice. Israel’s resolve stands as a poignant testament to the country’s relentless pursuit of acknowledgment and accountability in the face of staggering adversity. It challenges the narrative spun by some sectors of the media and certain global groups, illustrating the ease with which facts can be distorted and contested, despite overwhelming evidence.
The Unacknowledged Trauma
In the wake of October 7, Israel found itself stunned, firstly by the brutality of the atrocities and secondly, by the swiftness with which certain narratives sought to undermine and deny the victims’ realities. The lack of immediate international outcry and the quibbling over evidence by some “progressive” journalists have illustrated a troubling trend of selective empathy and skepticism that often serves to marginalize victims rather than aid them.
A Challenge to Proof
The immediate chaos and trauma that ensued in the aftermath made collating evidence a secondary concern to providing urgent care. This situation has been exploited by those willingly blind to the offenses, demanding unequivocal evidence while overlooking the expressed experiences and testimony of survivors and eyewitnesses. The distressing delay in global responses, including from notable international women’s organizations and the United Nations, accentuates a discouraging reality of geopolitical biases impacting humanitarian empathy and action.
The Battle for Recognition
The international focus on “balance” rather than outright condemnation of the atrocities of October 7 perpetuates a false narrative, prioritizing political correctness over objective truths. Israel’s strive for acknowledgment in international forums and among global audiences—the arduous efforts to even prompt an investigation into the massive sexual violence crimes—throws into stark relief the uphill battle for justice and recognition faced by nations under attack from terroristic entities like Hamas.
Breaking Through the Narrative
The turning point came as more information found its way to the public and prominent media started to acknowledge the extent of terror wielded in the attacks. Surprisingly, outlets previously critical of Israel, like the New York Times, undertook substantial investigations, peeling back the layers of disinformation and exposing the horrors endured. Still, the scepticism perpetuated by some, under the guise of journalistic diligence, hinders the global understanding and acknowledgment of the full scope of terror and victimhood experienced.
In Conclusion
The narrative surrounding October 7 is emblematic of a larger global discourse rife with denial, ambiguity, and selective skepticism. Israel’s determined push for truth, against a backdrop of denial and misinformation, serves as a significant reminder of the enduring struggle for justice, recognition, and the invaluable worth of factual integrity in media and international relations.
This story was first published on jpost.com.