I worked for much of my U.S. Foreign Service career in north Africa and the Middle East. However, I was never able to visit Israel, even though many places in that country are memorable reminders of my Christian heritage.

At that time, visiting Israel from a Muslim-majority country was difficult. It would have meant making a special trip to one of the few countries allowing me to receive the visa I needed. I never got around to doing that. So, I regret to say, I never visited or “walked where Jesus walked.”

The Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on innocent civilians, striking unexpectedly in recent days, have shocked us by their cruelty. Israel’s tourism may suffer, but that, no doubt, is far less a priority for Israel than deciding on their response to the attacks.

We wait as responses work themselves out. Of course we expect responses, as we expected the United States to respond to the attacks of September 11, 2001. Only the terrorists and their supporters would deny Israel the right to respond, but what kind of response? How can Israel fight terrorists without harming civilians, including innocent children? Without stoking more calls for hatred?

Thomas L. Friedman, an opinion columnist for The New York Times suggests that a sometimes overlooked partner for Israel in dealing with Palestinians is the Palestinian Authority, a more moderate group. (“Israel Has Never Needed to Be Smarter Than in This Moment,” New York Times, October 10, 2023)

The Palestinian Authority is autocratic and appears at a low ebb in popularity with Palestinians. Nevertheless, in such a time of hatred and suffering, any possible breakthrough should be explored.

Response is vital, but we must work for a just response. Hatred is such an easy choice, but it only fuels more hatred.