I am at an absolute loss to try to understand the op-ed in this week’s Jewish Link, “The Murdered Hostages Should Become a Symbol Of Hope for Israel” (September 12, 2024).

I freely admit that there are many things in this world that I don’t understand. Some are subjects so esoteric like Quantum Mechanics or Matrix Algebra that they are way above my level of comprehension. Others are inherently simple concepts but are wrapped in a very convoluted and complex matrix, like in the Mishnah Kinnim, where bird offerings are mixed up and the complex math involved in determining their status. Then there are other instances that I just don’t get, such as the op-ed under discussion. How can the author Micah Halpern advocate calling the brutal murder of the six hostages a symbol of hope? I just don’t understand where he is coming from.

The hostages had been held for months in tiny underground cells under more horrific conditions than the dungeons of the middle ages. Then they were summarily murdered for no purpose other than to make a statement. To me that could evoke many possible symbols, such as man’s inhumanity to man, humankind’s basest instincts, or man’s inherent bestiality. But not hope.

There is only one possible defense for which I can forgive Halpern. That is, in trying to cope with senseless tragedy people react and grieve in different ways. Perhaps this is the mechanism that Halpern chose to try to assuage the grief of the families and nation. However, it certainly should not become a symbol of hope.

I repeat, I just don’t get it.

Max Wisotsky

Highland Park