Reflections on October 7, 2023: A Call to Empathy, Truth, and Biblical Perspective

Now that the last living hostages have been returned to their families, and healing begins to take place, we can begin to reflect on what happened on October 7, 2023 in Israel from a new place of closure.

In a world increasingly numb to tragedy, the events of October 7, 2023, stand as a stark reminder of human depravity and the ongoing battle between good and evil. On that fateful day, Hamas jihadists launched a brutal attack on Israel, targeting innocent civilians at the Nova Music Festival and nearby kibbutzim.

Over 1,200 people were murdered, more than 200 kidnapped, and countless lives shattered. As we mark the anniversary of this horror, it’s essential to pause, reflect, and respond—not with apathy, but with the compassion urged in the Bible: to weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn (James 5).

The Shock of Indifference

One of the most disturbing reactions to this genocide isn’t outrage, but indifference. For many, unless tragedy strikes their own family or circle, it might as well not have happened. This apathy is shocking, yet perhaps unsurprising in our desensitized age. The attackers—cold-blooded murderers, sadists, and degenerates—documented their atrocities themselves, boasting in videos and voice messages to their families about killing Jews. A son ecstatically calls his parents to brag about his “achievements.” This isn’t mere violence; it’s genocidal glee.

These acts weren’t born from political grievances alone. The perpetrators weren’t protesting “Zionism” as some claim to mask their hatred. Anti-Zionism often serves as a thin veil for antisemitism. True critics of Israel can engage in rational discourse—pointing out flaws in its immigration system or societal issues—without descending into hate. But for many, it’s simply Jew-hatred, plain and simple.

The Biblical Bond and the Roots of Hatred

As Christians, our connection to the Jewish people runs deep. They are our brothers in faith, believers in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the same God who brought salvation through Jesus Christ, a Jew Himself. This shared heritage demands our sympathy and support. The land of Israel isn’t just a geopolitical entity; it’s promised to the Jews in the Book of Genesis. To ignore this is to reject the biblical framework that should guide our understanding of the world.

Yet, hatred persists, fueled by ideologies that dehumanize the “infidels.” Islam, as presented in the Quran, Sunnah, and Hadiths, carries a genocidal thread toward Jews who reject it. Imams and sheikhs often label non-Muslims as animals or worse, paving the way for atrocities like those on October 7. This isn’t a “religion” in the modern, compartmentalized sense—it’s a militant ideology of conquest, rooted in ancient traditions where faith, society, and politics were inseparable. The attackers fulfilled Koranic commandments, treating their victims as subhuman.

Hamas’s Calculated Strategy and the False Narrative

Hamas didn’t launch this attack expecting to defeat Israel militarily. They knew it would provoke a fierce response, leading to civilian casualties in Gaza—casualties they could exploit for propaganda. By hiding behind civilians and using them as human shields, Hamas shifts blame onto Israel, portraying the Jewish state as the aggressor. The term “Palestinians” itself is a modern invention; these are Arabs entangled in a conflict engineered by jihadist groups.

This strategy preys on humanity’s flaws: superficiality, ignorance, and a propensity for evil. The world buys the lie that this is a fight for “independence,” ignoring historical truths. The conflict isn’t new—it dates back centuries, with contenders always seeking to uproot the Jews from their God-given land. Promises of war booty, slaves, and dominance in Islamic teachings further fuel this primitive mindset: if they can’t have it peacefully, they’ll take it by force.

Choosing Sides: Truth vs. Lies

We face a choice: stand with truth and God, or succumb to apathy—or worse, side with the satanic lie of jihad. As believers, we must view this through a biblical lens. Israel is God’s people, with a divine right to their land. Supporting them doesn’t mean endorsing terrorism; it means advocating through politics, lobbying, and prayer for peace and justice.

Mainstream commentators often obfuscate these truths with verbose analyses, prioritizing popularity over conviction. They fill airtime with platitudes while jihadists plot destruction. In contrast, the goal here is enlightenment—to cut through the propaganda and present the facts plainly.

A Prayer for Peace

The tragedy of October 7 wasn’t an isolated event; it’s part of a longstanding war that may continue unless confronted with truth. Yet, hope remains. Not all Arabs in the region support Hamas—many crave peace, jobs, and normalcy, their voices silenced by totalitarian terror. Let us pray for God’s will: protection for Israel, and peace for all who seek it.

What’s your perspective on standing with Israel? Let’s foster understanding and compassion in a divided world. If this resonates, share it with others.

Reflections on October 7, 2023: A Call to Empathy, Truth, and Biblical Perspective© 2025 byGeorge Bakalovis licensed underCC BY-NC-ND 4.0