For weeks, I’ve listened to the debate addressing the war in the Middle East. Supporters of Israel argue the necessity of war and casualties in their attempt to destroy Hamas. Supporters of the Palestinians (not Hamas) argue that Israel’s attempt to destroy Hamas is an overreach resulting in death, destruction and potential long-term occupation.  

The debate over this current war—and every prior political and humanitarian conflict between Israel and Palestine— will continue well beyond my lifetime. I have friends and colleagues on both sides of this conflict, listening to each other with respect and compassion.

With that said, there are two results of this current conflict I want to address: (1) the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia and (2) the long-term death toll war and violence produce.

In a recent