Israel Deserves an Investigation into Oct. 7 Attacks

Dear Family and Friends,

I have lived in Israel for almost a half a century. I came here with my wife and raised my children here. My children and grandchildren have served in the army, Tzahal, and contributed greatly to civil society. But I could never have imagined that the leadership of this country would betray my love and trust.

ONLY A FEW DAYS AGO THEY DID SO.

Last week, the Knesset Legislative Committee voted that there will not be an investigation of the Oct. 7 war by a state commission as prescribed by the laws of Israel. Thus, we the citizens of Israel will never know, nor will the world, who made the mistakes which caused the war. Let all those who were killed rise up and cry – “My country has betrayed me. I gave my most precious possession, my life. Why?”

Since this just occurred, I doubt whether the demonstrations have even been organized. Certainly, I cried many times in the last two years as I am sure you did.

Now, what do I do -sign a petition – I cannot march, I cannot stand in the rain which will soon fall.

Please call your Federation if you feel this is an important event and ask, when the information reaches them – will they encourage community members to bombard the office of the Israel ambassador to USA, the honorable Yehiel Leiter, born in Scranton, Penn., whose son was killed in this war, fighting against Hamas.

To me, much more important is to send letters to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicating you have children of friends who were killed, even more heartrending, family members in Israel who were killed.

By Israeli law, the Supreme Court of Israel is mandated to appoint a retired Supreme Court Justice to head the commission as well as appointing the members. Golda Meir, of blessed memory, faced a commission after the Yom Kippur War. She wanted the world to know what her actual role in that war was. Does not seem that is the case now because the Government believes the Supreme Court is totally political and totally a fake.

Just wanted to share this information. The living hostages have returned. Hamas has found, said with tongue in cheek, some of the bodies – hopefully they can find all 28.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi David Geffen is a resident of Jerusalem.