If you thought Hamas and the Israelis couldn’t be any more divergent in their views, guess again. The way each society deals with one particular issue is relatively indicative of the mentality of both. That issue is mind altering substances, and yes, the results of the disagreement could be deadly.
As the prevalence of alcohol in Israel continues to grow, bakeries are trying to cash in on the phenomenon this Hanukkah by making vodka-filled sufganiot, or jelly donuts. The sale of these donuts manages to illustrate a few key aspects of Israeli society. The Israeli government has only put the traditional alcohol age restriction on the sale of these donuts, leaving trade and commerce open. Israeli society has the capability and resources to improve living conditions through the development, sale and purchase of non-essential items, such as the donuts.
Conversely, Hamas is intending to sentence to death drug smugglers found guilty by the authorities. In Hamas’ society, a potentially minor transgression could literally end an individual’s life. While drugs are illegal in Israel, the penalty would most certainly not include the death penalty. Moreover, many residents of the Gaza Strip do not have resources to develop or purchase non-essential items, that would undoubtedly include the alcohol-laden donuts and many mind altering substances as well (that no one should be buying anyways).
The one thing in common- both the Hanukkah donuts and the penalty for smuggling drugs both stem from religion. However, societal reaction to the products is night and day.