OPINION:
The Hamas terrorists who committed the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel are students of Islamist teachings, as are all Arab Muslims. They are taught, according to their holy scriptures, that Jews are the descendants of pigs and apes, and are thus less than human. They also believe that waging war against Jews is a holy endeavor and that death for this cause is the prelude to eternal joy in heaven.
While not every mosque or Islamic madrassa subscribes to these religious beliefs, many throughout the world do. Perpetual bliss in heaven is an inspiring message — and thus we find Hamas terrorists engaged in jihad against Jews with great joy. They do not consider the barbaric atrocities of Oct. 7 untoward or unseemly, for they are only doing what they have been taught by their religious masters.
PAUL BLOUSTEIN
Cincinnati
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