Stand with Israel on October 7th to Defend the Free World

History brings moments that shed light on our current conflicts and give us the opportunity to make a choice between good and evil.

October 7, 2023, marked one of these moments in our lifetimes.

On that day, a year ago, we witnessed pure evil on earth.

The Hamas terror group invaded Israel and carried out the deadliest massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust.

With Iranian support, they committed heinous acts, including murder, rape, torture, and abduction of thousands of Israelis and foreigners, taking hundreds as hostages to Gaza.

Since then, Israel has been engaged in a fight for survival and justice.

Many Israelis are still displaced from their homes in the northern part of the country.

Currently, Hamas still holds 101 innocent individuals from Israel, America, and over 20 other countries captive in distressing conditions.

Despite ongoing efforts to achieve peace along the borders and bring back the abducted citizens, Iran and its allies have been persistently trying to eliminate Israel since the October 7 massacre.

Recent developments indicate a shift in the balance of power.

The events of October 7 reminded us of the importance of taking genocidal antisemitism seriously, while Israel’s unwavering response has shown us something valuable.

Betting against Israel is a losing proposition.

Israel stands as a frontline defender of the Western world against tyrannical, illiberal, and jihadist threats.

As terrorist leaders fall, Israel sends a clear message to all: evil forces must be defeated, and they will be.

Hezbollah’s brutal attack on American Marines back in 1983, along with more recent atrocities, ended with their leader meeting justice for his crimes against Americans and Israelis.

Iran, as a major player in terror activities, is gradually finding itself isolated in the Middle East due to the resistance and opposition from various nations.

The Abraham Accords have brought peace and cooperation between Israel and several Arab nations, leaving Iran envious and sidelined in the changing landscape of the Middle East.

A failed attempt to disrupt this peace through violence on October 7 resulted in a new vision for the region, with hopes of liberation from radicalism.

It is evident that conflicts with Israel and the free world lead to inevitable defeat for those who oppose them.

We all face a choice to reject Iran’s violent agenda, support the people of Iran in their fight against oppression, and condemn terror groups seeking the destruction of Israel and America.

Standing with Israel is a choice for self-preservation and support for Western civilization against the radical Islamic axis of evil led by Iran.

As we reflect on the darkest day in our recent history, we have a unique opportunity to honor the fallen, work towards peace, justice, and healing in our fractured world.

Ofir Akunis is Consul General of Israel in New York.