Yonatan Samerano, just 21 years old, had a future stolen from him during the horrific events of October 7th. His murder by Hamas was a tragedy in itself, but the brutality didn’t end there. A chilling video surfaced, showing his lifeless body being dragged into a vehicle, kidnapped and taken into Gaza.
Though Yonatan’s body was later recovered in a courageous operation by the IDF and returned to Israel for burial, the circumstances surrounding his death revealed a disturbing truth. The men responsible for his abduction were identified as employees of UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza, shattering the image of a neutral humanitarian organization.
Over the past two years, a growing body of evidence has implicated UNRWA in the October 7th massacre. This includes photographs taken by UNRWA staff, recordings of teachers openly celebrating the kidnapping of Israeli women, and the discovery of terrorist infrastructure – tunnels and weapons caches – hidden within UNRWA facilities.
However, the issues with UNRWA extend far beyond the events of October 7th. A recent documentary, “UNraveling UNRWA,” exposed a long and troubling history of the agency operating as a front for Hamas. It revealed how UNRWA schools have become breeding grounds for antisemitism, systematically indoctrinating generations with hatred.
This insidious education, the documentary argued, directly contributed to the genocidal ideology that fueled the barbaric attacks. The film painted a stark picture of an organization that had abandoned its humanitarian mission, becoming complicit in the very terrorism it claimed to alleviate.
Against this backdrop of mounting evidence and global outrage, a deeply concerning decision was made by New York City’s newly elected Mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Weeks before taking office, he participated in a “5K for Gaza” run, with proceeds directly benefiting UNRWA.
This wasn’t a simple political oversight; it was a profound moral failing. Actively supporting an agency facing credible accusations of terrorist ties, radicalizing education, and involvement in unspeakable atrocities demonstrates a dangerous lack of judgment and moral clarity.
The Mayor-elect’s decision sends a troubling message, particularly to the Jewish community already reeling from a surge in antisemitism. It risks importing a divisive and toxic conflict into the heart of New York City, prioritizing ideology over the safety and unity of its citizens.
Silence in the face of such actions is not an option. Ignoring the vocal minority and avoiding difficult conversations comes at a steep price – a price paid by us, our children, and the very fabric of our society. When evil is met with indifference, it only grows stronger.
Failing to confront wrongdoing allows it to flourish, and the consequences will be borne by future generations. We must demand accountability and refuse to normalize support for organizations that actively contribute to hatred and violence.
