New Book Explores the Complex Aftermath of Hamas' Attack on Israel

A crucial publication, October 7: The Wars Over Words and Deeds, has emerged two years after the tragic Hamas massacre that occurred on October 7. This book, which combines insights from 17 scholars, journalists, and intellectuals, takes a comprehensive look at the implications of that fateful day, targeting the ongoing global confrontation over the truths, morals, and meanings related to this tangled conflict.

Edited by Dr. Asaf Romirowsky, the Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME), and Donna Robinson Divine, a revered figure in Jewish Studies, the volume incorporates a diverse array of perspectives on Middle Eastern politics, antisemitism, and ideological conflicts sparked around these events. Contributors include noted experts like Andrew Fox from the Henry Jackson Society and KC Johnson from Brooklyn College.

Dr. Romirowsky emphasizes that the October 7 assault was not just a physical attack but also one that undermined the concept of truth itself. He posits that societal responses have allowed terrorism to be rationalized and antisemitism to be portrayed as a form of justice. Healing from this conflict entails acknowledging both the violent acts that transpired and the subsequent discourses that arose.

The book compellingly addresses a dual conflict that arose after October 7: one of tangible violence and another concerning moral and narrative distortions. Through various essays, it investigates how language and media have been manipulated to conceal the truths surrounding violence, legitimize antisemitism, and revise public perceptions of Israel and the Jewish community.

The narrative outlined in October 7: The Wars Over Words and Deeds not only serves as a record of tragedy but also as a manifesto for intellectual and moral accountability. As Divine articulates, the global response to the incident revealed profound fractures within academic institutions, journalism, and international frameworks and urges readers to defend moral clarity amidst a landscape rife with distortion and misinformation.

With the savage actions of Hamas casting a dark cloud not only over the civilians caught amid the conflict but also on institutions responsible for interpreting these events, the book adeptly captures how these heinous acts have garnered support on various campuses and in the media. The impact of these occurrences reaches beyond Israel and Gaza, encapsulating a world grappling with protests that echo support for Hamas, indicating an ideological crisis rooted in misinformation.

Ron Hassner, a distinguished academic in Israel Studies, praises the collection for its bold and thorough examination of such a contentious issue. The essays encapsulate a wealth of opinions, methodologies, and findings from a rich variety of voices, including military strategists and scholars specializing in a multitude of fields.

To facilitate deeper engagement with the book's themes, discussions will take place at the upcoming 18th Annual Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa (ASMEA) Conference, slated for November 1-3, 2025, in Washington DC. This platform will encourage critical dialogues around the moral and intellectual battles chronicled within its pages.

October 7: The Wars Over Words and Deeds is positioned as an essential read for anyone looking to understand the complexities surrounding the narratives that have evolved in the wake of one of the 21st century’s most alarming conflicts. With its publication set for October 28, 2025, it promises to be a pivotal resource that will shape discussions about truth, morality, and the ongoing struggles tied to this significant historical occurrence.

This ambitious endeavor invites readers to engage with the intricacies of the discourse framing the narrative of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, offering insights that are both timely and necessary in today's divided climate.