The MGH are appalled by the violent attack of the Islamist terror organisation Hamas against Israel. We extend our thoughts and our solidarity to all those who are suffering under these atrocious terrorist acts.
On October 11, 2023, the Israeli medieval scholar Prof. Dr Yitzhak Hen wrote an e-mail to Prof. Dr Stefan Esders, a corresponding member of the MGH central board of directors, drawing attention to the terrible and inhuman quality of what is going on in Israel at the moment:: „Four days ago, my country experienced a horrific terror attack where more than one thousand people were massacred in their homes, and more than one hundred people were kidnapped to the Gaza Strip. Given the 30:1 ratio in population between Israel and the USA – this attack is more than ten times deadlier than 9/11. All of my colleagues have personal connections to people whose loved ones have been killed or abducted.
The atrocities committed towards innocent families in their peaceful homes, and the brutal treatment of those taken hostage, have been broadly distributed in the media and are too horrific to repeat. Those affected include people of all backgrounds, ages and religions, Israeli and foreigners, including US citizens, and many (in fact too many) of my students (past and present).
In recent days, I, like all my Israeli colleagues, have been contacted by international colleagues who inquire about our well-being and wish to provide us with whatever support they can. (...) I ask that you clearly condemn these acts of brutal violence against civilians and call for the humane treatment and speedy release of the hostages.
We understand that the politics around and within Israel are difficult to understand (and I will be happy to talk to anyone of you to answer any questions you may have). But we need to be clear – this was a terrorist attack that occurred on a peaceful high holiday in Israel, aimed at innocent people living within Israel. (...) I have seen some things in my life, but I have never seen (or imagined) anything like what had happened on 7 October 2023. I enclose a letter written by two law-experts that explains why this situation is different.“
The enclosed letter by Prof. Netta Barak-Corren (Hebrew University Law School, Princeton University) and Prof. Michal Shur-Ofry (Hebrew University Law School) bears the title: „This is not another round of violence“ and concludes with the words: „While a lot can be said about the complexity of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the share of blame of each side, what the word is now witnessing is a manifestation of pure evil and horror. Don’t shut your eyes to this truth.“