I believe most people value accurate information. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to sort out what’s factual from what’s not. Statements about the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and its aftermath have been especially confusing. I hope this letter clarifies things.

Most countries, including the U.S. in past and recent wars, do not warn civilians about military attacks in advance. However, to minimize civilian casualties in battle, Israel has urged Gaza residents to leave areas occupied by Hamas terrorists. Tragically, Gaza’s Hamas-led government frequently blocks residents from evacuating, and refuses to let nonterrorists seek refuge in Hamas’s tunnels.

It’s widely acknowledged that Hamas keeps terrorists, weapons and military equipment in and underneath hospitals, schools and homes. Hamas terrorists have looted United Nations facilities and humanitarian aid meant for Gazans, and used it for themselves.

Jews and Arabs have lived together since biblical times in the same small space of Israel, about 8,630 square miles; in contrast, Oregon is 98,380 square miles. Israel was created following 1947’s U.N. Resolution 181 to divide the area into Jewish and Arab states in May 1948.

Until recently, all of Israel’s neighbors sought its destruction. Hamas and Hezbollah remain determined to eliminate Israel and kill Jews.

To learn more about the history of Israel and Judaism, I recommend Howard Fast, “The Jews”; Max I. Dimont, “Jews, God and History”; and Dara Horn, “People Love Dead Jews.”

LAURIE CAPLAN

Astoria