Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Ukraine and the Middle East are experiencing historic events, a culmination of cultural, political, social and religious differences that have created problems with no reasonable solutions. As observers we tend to pick sides, those who are right and wrong, those who appear to be acting in a defensive manner, and those aggressors needing to face righteous justice-vengeance. Whose right and whose wrong? Ethically both sides to these horrible events have the right and responsibility to take action against the other. Injustices have been felt by all involved. We need to make sense of their gut instincts and reactions and try to understand why they do what they do.
Understanding what aggression and defensive postures do will help. Knowing that these events are not simply acts of individuals but something coming from the very essence of their cultural, political and religious roots. Sure killing innocents is wrong, but the other side did so often, so justification is placed. A doctrine of justification has been set ever since Israel was born. Remember Palestine, as part of the British Empire was shared by all involved, often in a peaceful environment. Then European and North American Shame and guilt allowed this territory to be taken by the future Israelis. Jewish terrorism against Britain forced the issue without any consideration of the non-Jews who resided in this land. Ideas of theft and expropriation of lands and property became the basis for future mistrust, jealousy and hate toward the Israelis. Well-founded if you think about it. Someone takes your home away and drives you off. You’ll be pissed right? From that moment onward Israel’s people became surrounded by various nations both jealous and angered because the wealthiest nations in the world supported Israel but not them. Israel has been in defensive mode ever since with a well-trained and armed national force ready at a drop of the dime to go into action.
Palestinians have been middlemen lying between their foe and their allies and other superpowers ready to inflict chaos in Israel and their ally’s lands whenever possible. Both sides see their cause to be just, moral and supported by their Deity. Each side knows what is right and wrong. Both sides see peace, and unity of their people and community as a prize worth fighting for, and the old adage remains “The ends justify the means”. So mini invasions happen, rockets fly and strike civilian targets, snipers shoot children, nations allow thousands to die unnecessarily and pagers explode killing many innocents.
Amoral behaviour is widespread among all combatants and every tool to strike at the other is used. Reporters are killed, hospitals, schools, and places of worship are bombed, and people standing in line for food are machinegunned. Immorality is a powerful byproduct of conflict. Being virtuous is left to victims and bystanders outside of the conflict. Citizens on both sides attempt to bring about peace only to be ignored, arrested and often killed by their own side. The dichotomy of being right or wrong is not considered as the singular goal of winning the conflict lingers. The ultimate choice between doing right or wrong lies within all their hands, and it is their responsibility to make ethical decisions that align with their values and principles.
All those involved be they Israeli, Palestinian, Arab, Egyptian, Saudi, Lebanese, Iranian or the Super Powers must make a choice that will truly challenge them to the core. They need to set aside their mistrust, greed, hatred and jealousy and be what they always claim themselves to be, peace loving, democratic, religious, moral and civilized nations and special interest groups. Never has there been a time when a group of people can achieve the unachievable. To be selfless, forgiving, tolerant and charitable to others, even those they oppose. Socrates said, “The greatest way to live with honour in this world is to be what we pretend and claim to be”. We all know that hypocrisy is prejudice with a halo. Each group player’s cause is seen to be the right one.
“Everyone thinks about changing the world, but no one seems to think about changing themselves” Yes this was said by a great writer and thinker, Leo Tolstoy. A simple equation right? Cannot change the other guy, their goals and expectations, so change yours. Be true to yourself. If you are a democratic-minded person, who supports the rights of individuals to their life, home, land and ultimately happiness, be that person. Set aside all anger, historical and practical hate. After all, only those who build and create are close to God and Divine Mercy.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
skaszab@yahoo.ca
