On October 7th 2023, Hamas-led Palestinians attacked the Southern District of Israel. This terrorist attack launched another war between the two countries after years of struggle following the war for Israel’s independence in 1948. The current conflict between the two countries has caused much sympathy from people all around the world. One student at Fairfield Ludlowe High School in particular has experienced the war on an especially personal level, with family members living in Israel. They struggle to comprehend how members of our world can be so horrifically violent and full of hatred. 

The student has multiple family members currently residing in various locations in Israel. Upon the initial attack, they had much to say on the subject and how it is affecting all of us, not just those directly involved. This student described that they initially heard about the attack through a message from their mother detailing that there were over 100 missiles being fired at Israel, a terrifying thought, making this student afraid for their family living in Israel. When asked about how the attack changed their perspective on violence, they illustrated that it wasn’t exactly a change, but more of a shift, realizing the dire situation of our world’s reality. The student emphasized that seeing nuance is necessary: while what Hamas terrorists are doing is terrible, it is key in times like these not to stereotype a group of people, Palestinians, based on these actions, saying “You can’t generalize a group based on good or bad.”

Despite the efforts many students are making to show their support, the initial reaction of many people in the school was disheartening to this student. They admitted that they “felt isolated and alone,” as many teachers chose not to talk about the attack, and students acted as though nothing had changed. However, this war must be discussed in school. One of many lessons that can be learned through studying this conflict is the necessity of breaking down the stigma of conflict that has developed over the years in our school, in our society.. Despite how uncomfortable subjects relating to violence may be, in the words of the student, “It’s about talking about it” so we “can come together and bring each other up.” We must embrace discomfort in search of a more aware society. This student’s personal connection to the war is unique, yet it applies to all in its exemplification of how times of war can be a way to bring people together, in order to increase awareness and fight the ignorance of the public in times of crisis.