Our daughter Hannah lives in Jerusalem. As Hamas exploited Israeli missteps and insensitivities to launch its latest campaign for attention and relevance by indiscriminately lobbing missiles into Israel, a friend, with her two-year-old daughter Or, was visiting.

Rockets were heading toward Jerusalem, air raid sirens sounded. The adults grabbed some snacks and toys for Or and headed to the hallway that served as a (relatively) safe space in the apartment building. It was “baby’s first” air raid!

What else was a first for Or this week? Closure of Ben Gurion airport. Calls for censure of Israel for its response. Ceasefire with Hamas.

We’ve been down this road before; these were all firsts for Or. They are certainly not her lasts, despite our prayers and the hopeful expression of many, including Israeli officials, former military figures and civilians.

Hamas aims to dominate Palestinian politics. Hamas aims to eradicate Israel. The longer they attack Israel, and the more intense Israel’s response, the better it is for Hamas, particularly in the international propaganda war.

There has been widespread condemnation of Israel for a “disproportionate” counter-attack to the thousands of rockets launched from civilian areas toward civilian targets. Who determines what response is proportional, and therefore acceptable? If one of Hamas’ 4,000 missiles destroys a six-story apartment building, should Israel’s retaliation be limited to bombing a similar building in Gaza? If 4,000 missiles hit 4,000 targets, then what?

Is it not insane that in our technologically advanced and seemingly sophisticated world, conflict resolution almost always means trying to kill one another before sitting down to talk? Would that the next conflict begin with a war of words and end with a declaration of (at least) detente.

Baby’s first peace? That I would joyfully celebrate with Or. May we live long in good health!

Shabbat shalom! שבת שלום