'Let them go,' not 'bring them home'

(JNS) — In the wake of the Hamas hostage crisis, a central and often-heard rallying cry has emerged from the Israeli and Diaspora Jewish communities: “Bring them home.” 

While this phrase is rooted in the profound desire to see our Jewish brothers and sisters safely returned, it inadvertently misplaces the onus of responsibility. 

Instead, the call should be: “Let them go.” This nuanced difference is critical, as it rightly places the burden on Hamas, the terrorist organization that took the hostages, rather than on the Israeli government and the IDF.

The misplaced onus in ‘bring them home’

“Bring them home” implies that the primary responsibility for the safe return of the hostages lies with the IDF and the Israeli government. It suggests a proactive action on the part of these entities to physically bring the hostages back, which often translates to military operations or negotiations. 

This framing can inadvertently place undue pressure and expectations on the Israeli authorities, potentially leading to decisions that could risk further loss of life or strategic disadvantage. 

While the IDF and the government continue to do everything humanly possible to extract these innocent people, their efforts are either underappreciated or worse, criticized by far too many.

Moreover, this phrasing overlooks the root cause of the situation: the terrorist actions of Hamas. By focusing on “bringing” the hostages home, the narrative subtly shifts the burden of resolution onto the victims’ side, rather than squarely on the perpetrators. 

This can create a misleading perception that the resolution of the issue is primarily a matter of Israeli capability and willingness, rather than an act of justice and humanity that should be demanded from Hamas.

The correct focus: ‘Let them go’

In contrast, “Let them go” directly addresses the actions of Hamas. It places the responsibility and moral obligation where it belongs: On the terrorists who have taken innocent people hostage. This phrase calls out the injustice and criminality of Hamas’s actions, making it clear that the primary demand is for the perpetrators to release their captives.

This shift in language helps to highlight the criminal nature of Hamas’s tactics and strengthens the moral and legal argument against them. It reinforces that the hostages should never have been taken in the first place and that their immediate release is the only acceptable resolution.

Moral clarity and international perception

Using “Let them go” instead of “Bring them home” provides greater moral clarity. It unequivocally condemns the act of hostage-taking and emphasizes the fundamental human rights violation committed by Hamas. 

This clarity is essential in garnering international support and pressure on the terrorist organization. When the demand is for Hamas to “let them go,” it is an appeal to universal principles of human rights and dignity, which are more likely to resonate with the global community.

This clarity is particularly important in a world where narratives can easily be distorted, and usually are when it comes to Jews and Israel. By focusing the demand on the actions of Hamas, we ensure that the international community remains aware of the true nature of the crisis. This awareness can lead to more unified and decisive actions against the perpetrators.

Shifting the narrative

The narrative shift from “Bring them home” to “Let them go” also impacts the psychological and strategic dimensions of the conflict. It reframes the situation in a way that delegitimizes Hamas’s actions and undermines their propaganda efforts. 

Hamas often seeks to portray itself as a defender against Israeli aggression, but when the focus is on their responsibility to release hostages, it becomes harder for them to maintain this ludicrous facade.

This reframing can also influence public opinion within Arab communities. Emphasizing the unlawful and immoral actions of Hamas can help to erode support for the organization among those who may otherwise view them as legitimate resistance fighters.

Such internal pressure is crucial in weakening Hamas’s hold over the region and reducing its capacity to carry out such heinous acts in the future.

Practical implications

From a practical standpoint, the call to “Let them go” aligns with international legal standards and humanitarian principles. Hostage-taking is a clear violation of international law, and the demand for their release is a straightforward assertion of this fact. It reinforces the position that the international community should take against such actions, making it harder for any state or organization to justify or support Hamas’s behavior.

Furthermore, this approach can enhance diplomatic efforts. When the international community rallies around the call to “Let them go,” it strengthens diplomatic pressure on Hamas and their supporters. This unified stance can lead to more effective sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and potentially, the mobilization of international resources to assist in the hostages’ release.

Supporting Israel’s efforts

While it is important to highlight the need for Hamas to release the hostages, this does not diminish the role of Israel in ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. The IDF and the Israeli government have the challenging task of navigating this crisis with strategic precision. 

However, by shifting the primary demand to “Let them go,” we support Israel’s efforts without placing unrealistic expectations on their shoulders. It acknowledges that while Israel will do everything in its power to protect its people, the fundamental responsibility for this crisis lies with Hamas.

Conclusion

The distinction between “Bring them home” and “Let them go” is not merely semantic; it is a crucial reframing that places responsibility where it belongs and enhances the moral clarity of the call for action. 

By demanding “Let them go,” Israel and Diaspora Jewish communities can more effectively rally international support, apply appropriate pressure on Hamas and ensure that the focus remains on the perpetrators of this grave injustice. 

This approach not only aligns with legal and humanitarian principles but also strengthens the strategic position of those advocating for the hostages’ freedom.

The call of “Let them go” reminds us and the world that the ultimate accountability lies with Hamas. It is a call for justice, human rights and the immediate and unconditional release of those who have been wrongfully taken. 

In this critical time, let us unite our voices to demand what is right and just: “Let them go.”