Let’s chant, ‘Let them go,’ not ‘bring them home’
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.”
Instead, the call should be: “Let them go.”
The 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.
“Bring them home” implies that the primary responsibility for the safe return of the hostages lies with the IDF and the Israeli government. This phrasing overlooks the root cause of the situation: the terrorist actions of Hamas.
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 shift in language helps to highlight the criminal nature of Hamas’ 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.
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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. 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.
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’ 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’ hold over the region and reducing its capacity to carry out such heinous acts in the future.
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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’ 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.
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.
Steve Rosenberg is principal of the GSD Group and board chair of the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
