Israel always felt like it was a part of me, even before I had ever set foot there. My grandparents met in Israel in 1971, and my entire life I have been told that the country is deeply rooted in my family’s history.

This summer, I had the opportunity to travel to Israel for the first time on a five-week trip, where I was able to experience firsthand the most beautiful culture and extraordinary sights I had ever seen. I was even able to stay with family for Shabbat, the weekly day of rest in Judaism. Being in a place where everyone is proud and open about their Judaism is something that has never been, and probably never will be, something I will experience in America. It was, by far, the most defining period of my life.

As for many of my Jewish friends and family, these past two years have been a nightmare for me. It has been difficult to watch a country that means so much to me and other Jewish people go through unimaginable things.

The morning of Oct. 13 was joyous for me. I grabbed my phone and immediately saw videos of Israeli hostages reuniting with their loved ones after over more than two years. However, after processing the news, my heart began to hurt. I feel deeply for the many Palestinians who weren’t able to watch their family members come home.

Two things can be true at once. I can celebrate the return of Israeli hostages and I can cry over the trauma and deaths that the Palestinians have endured. I can be a proud supporter of the Israeli people and acknowledge that the Palestinian suffering cannot be ignored or justified. I can be a true Zionist, outwardly supporting Israel’s right to exist, and not agree with many of the Israeli government’s actions.

As Jews, we could not claim to be a peaceful and loving community if we did not acknowledge the fact that the other side has been hurt. The easier route is to make things black and white, as if one side is inherently right and the other is simply wrong. That isn’t realistic, though, especially in a situation like this where both sides have experienced a great deal of suffering and pain. As excited and thrilled as I was on Oct. 13, I simply cannot celebrate without mourning all the innocent lives lost along the way. I urge Jewish people to understand that despite all their own pain and loss.

The conflict between Israel and Palestine cannot be solved in a day. Its history dates back hundreds of years, and I cannot claim to know the solution. But I can say that I will continue to lead with empathy and compassion for all of those involved.

Loving and supporting Israel means wanting better for all — Jewish and Palestinian. My pride in my people and my compassion for others can coexist, just like my feelings of joy and grief.

I hope that Oct. 13 can be the dawn of a new day — one where both sides can wake up to lasting peace and the knowledge that every person, no matter their religion or ethnicity, is safe.