Kidnapped!

In the streets of Gaza, there’s a jubilant expectation of a return to normalcy. In Israel, as in the U.S., families of those kidnapped are on pins and needles awaiting their loved one’s return.

Despite all the fanfare over “the deal” negotiated, everyone knows it’s a house of cards. Previous negotiations crumbled for one reason or another, though it’s not surprising since none of the leaders on either side want a true peace. Israeli leaders have already said they remain firm on obliterating Hamas. So watching Biden and Trump applaud themselves for “securing” this ceasefire seems a bit premature.

But I hope for the best. I pray the bombing of Gaza never resumes considering the brutality of what has already been done—70,000 Palestinians dead, 700,000 children displaced, 70% of homes destroyed.

Because of the heartbreak of this war, one I feel every day, my wish is for cool heads to prevail throughout this tenuous, 6 week long release of hostages. No family should ever have to beg their leaders for their child’s release or imagine what is happening to their child during captivity.

This brings me to the children of immigrants who were kidnappped (or “separated” if you prefer euphemisms) from their parents at the border during Trump’s first stint in office. Close to 7 years later, over 1000 of these children have yet to be reunited with their families due to poor and outdated recordkeeping. Where are these kids? Who has them? Not their parents. In fact, no one in this hyper-informed, technologically advanced, security-driven nation seems to know. But I very much wish for them to be reunited with their families as well.

Although America’s President-elect has been legally barred from reinstituting such a cruel and unforgivable policy, that may change now that he’s above the law. Just before the election, his “border czar” Tom Homan, said on CBS News’ 60 Minutes, “It definitely needs to be considered.” No, it should not.

Kidnapping for any purpose, legal or not, is immoral. No law nor “righteous” cause can, under any circumstance, justify such a blatant act of inhumanity. That an American president could stoop to this variety of border control—sequestering children from families fleeing violence in their homeland—remains a disgrace to our nation. It’s also an affront to God, which MAGA voters apparently still give praise to.