A Year of War: Reflections on Conflict, Media, and Societal Resilience

On October 7th, 2024, American Jewish University’s (AJU) Open Learning hosted a timely conversation titled "October 7th: A Year of War on the Battlefield and in the Media". The online webinar, moderated by AJU President Dr. Jeffrey Herbst, featured Jonathan Conricus, a former IDF (Israel Defense Forces) spokesperson, reflecting on the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.

Conricus, joining from his home while his family moved to a bomb shelter as sirens blared in central Israel, provided a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict. He recalled his initial disbelief on October 7th, 2023, as he watched videos of Hamas terrorists attacking Israeli civilians. This disbelief soon turned into a sense of urgency, leading him to rejoin the IDF as a spokesperson during the war's initial months.

Reflecting on the past year, Conricus expressed surprise at several developments. He acknowledged the intelligence failure regarding Hamas's capabilities and intentions, describing it as a "total misreading and misunderstanding" that led to a devastating lack of preparedness. He also admitted feeling ashamed of the IDF's initial response, a sentiment echoed by some Israelis. However, Conricus also highlighted the resilience of the Israeli people, praising their unity and support for one another amidst tragedy. He found the global Jewish community's outpouring of support equally inspiring.

Conricus's analysis of the conflict went beyond military assessments, examining Hamas's strategic goals and the challenges of achieving lasting peace. He argued that Hamas seeks to "end the occupation," which, from their perspective, means the end of Israel's existence. He stressed the need to address the root causes of extremism in Gaza, including reforming the education system and countering radical religious teachings.

While acknowledging the IDF's success in degrading Hamas's military capabilities, Conricus emphasized the long road ahead. He argued that true victory hinges on dismantling Hamas's political control and fostering a new leadership in Gaza that prioritizes prosperity over terrorism. This, he predicted, would be a multi-year endeavor requiring international cooperation, particularly from the United States.

Turning to the "war in the media," Conricus expressed disappointment with the coverage of the conflict. He criticized what he perceived as biased reporting, particularly from British media outlets, accusing them of being unfairly critical of Israel while downplaying Hamas's actions. He called for Israel to invest more in its public relations efforts, suggesting the use of national intelligence resources to counter negative narratives and improve communication strategies.

Despite the challenges, Conricus remained optimistic about Israel's future. He drew hope from the unity displayed by Israelis in the face of adversity and the global Jewish community's unwavering support. He acknowledged the deep divisions within Israeli society, citing debates surrounding judicial reform and the handling of hostage negotiations. However, he expressed faith in the Israeli people's ability to overcome these challenges and find common ground.

"October 7th: A Year of War on the Battlefield and in the Media" offered a sobering yet hopeful reflection on the ongoing conflict. Conricus's insights, delivered against the backdrop of air raid sirens, served as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring challenges facing Israel and the world.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv2zpOY8wQQ