Opinion: This Passover, have room in your hearts for Israelis and Palestinians

A traditional Passover Seder plate is seen on the first night of Passover. But for some, that colossal loss of life is somehow less relevant because Israel “did not start this war.” And, in any event, if there is any room left in their hearts for pain, they think it should be reserved for the Israeli hostages who have no Seder to attend. “Adam was created alone, to teach you that … anyone who destroys one soul … as if he has destroyed an entire world. … And … anyone who sustains one soul … as if he has sustained an entire world.” Similarly, the Talmud continues, Adam was created alone “for peace among people, so that one person will not say to another: My father, is greater than your father.” At bottom, we are all human and, on that level, we all have equal value. So as much as we mourn the loss of Israeli life and the loss of the ability to live a “normal” life in Israel, and as much as we condemn the increasing antisemitism in America, we must never forget God’s message to the dancing angels: The loss of a single life, let alone thousands, is a tragedy no matter what.