The Essential Guide to October 7th and Its Aftermath

The October 7 massacre and the ongoing war in Gaza that followed found many JCC professionals and members without sufficient knowledge or understanding of the complex and nuanced reality in the Middle East. Many questions, including who are the Hamas terrorists, what is the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, what role do key countries in the region play, among others, have been raised again and again—not always with answers. 

We hope the attached guide, developed by The Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) and Professor Gil Troy, historian, author, and a popular commentator on politics and other issues, will answer these and other questions. This guide also is intended to shed light on the complexities of life in Israel, especially during the ongoing conflict, and help you participate in meaningful dialogue with various parties who inquire about what is happening in Israel.