KINAH FOR OCTOBER 7( AND BEYOND) 47
Susan R. Breitzer
Eichah How could they allow or cheer on the attack, and not be outraged by the killings, rapes, and kidnappings of the innocent Nova Festival participants and kibbutzniks? So we argue: Remember, God and humanity, what was done to us!
Eichah How could they claim that this tragedy was somehow deserved, and not discern that most of the victims were leftleaning Israelis, devoted to peace and coexistence? So we demand: Remember, God and humanity, what was done to us!
Eichah How could they embrace the idea that Israel had no right to defend herself and not find reason to support the painful choices she made in fighting back against the worst attack since the Holocaust? So we fulminate: Remember, God and humanity, what was done to us!
Eichah How could they spread the vile lie of genocide, and not remember the plight of the hostages, nor Hamas’ s willingness to use its own civilians as human shields and count on Israel taking the blame?
47
This poem has been modeled a`er Kinah number 7 in the tradiaonal Tisha B’ Av morning liturgy, using its acrosac structure( except in English) and repeaaon of the quesaon / cry“ Eichah” that here is not rendered as an accusaaon against God, but as an indictment of humanity( while sall calling for God, as well as humanity to remember).
91