Although hatred often runs like an undercurrent in most human personalities, waiting to explode either defensively or offensively, it reached epic proportions in October after the horrific attack by Hamas against Israel. Most, if not all of us, have witnessed the horror involved this time and many times previously. This attack represented seven decades of war and conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, something I define as “ancient wars”. Whether based on territorial and religious issues, or both, this ongoing battle has drawn in outside powers and destabilised the wider Middle East.
These past days and weeks have brought forth an epidemic of protestors against Israel and the anger involved continues to spread, almost like an uncontrollable plague of denial and animosity. I’ve learned that due recognition must always be acknowledged as it pertains to the opposing sides of most situations, everyone has that right to be heard. But not in the manner we’ve been witnessing. In this case, thousands of college students have been displaying combative demonstrations under the so-called banner of protest while being completely indifferent as to current and historical facts surrounding the citizens of Israel. Sadly, I have also learned that the emotional state of individuals who engage in these protests share in a collective, fractured and one-sided behavioral response.
So, what else did I learn in October? On one hand, to maintain my respect for opposing opinions but with a focus on the facts, not hysteria; on the other hand, to feel empathy for all who are trapped and suffering as one more world crisis continues to unfold and worsen. It seems that some clashes will never be settled and honest agreement anywhere in the Middle East will never come to fruition, at least not in my lifetime.
The walls of ignorance and absolute abhorrence, currently surrounding those who demand Israel’s complete destruction, represent a return to a human nightmare, Hitler’s rampage against the Jews. Sadly, this vehemency is right here, a disease that is festering, in our towns and cities, marching on our streets and impacting Jewish communities with vandalism.
In the end, my one heartfelt response to what I have learned recently is to always remember, “Never again”.
