A few days ago, my wife and I was enjoying our year end holidays. We woke up to a beautiful morning, totally relaxed. As we lazed about and had breakfast, we watched some TV news. The big news was the Israeli ground incursion into Gaza.
As we watched, we saw videos of the nervous Israeli troops as they wait impatiently at the border before they crossed into Gaza. We listened to the Israeli spokesperson explain so logically why Israel had to go in to stop the Hamas from firing rockets at her citizens. In between mouthfuls of cold cereal, we were next shown some early photos of the human casualties in Gaza.
What a contrast! Even as we were enjoying our Sunday morning in safety and peace, we felt for the people of Gaza. I could imagine how different that Sunday was for them. Instead of lazing around, I imagine so many families were cowering in fear. I could imagine parents virtually crushed under the weight of worry and fear as they wonder what they could do to protect their children. I tried to understand what it would feel like to face the threat of an invading army with no place to run.
I can understand why the Palestinians are so desperate and why they might support an extremist group like Hamas. What is there left to resort to if all you have known is injustice, humiliation and hopelessness for your family?
I don't agree with Hamas' terrorism, extremism and hatred. Yet, I can understand why many do.
I can understand why Israel feels righteous in taking action against Hamas to protect her citizens.
But children are dying. Good, innocent people are dying. Is this what Hamas wants for its people? What are they fighting for if not for their people? Then, how can they maintain their futile arrogant stance when it costs their people so much? Do Israelis really believe their children have more rights to live compared to Palestinian children?
Children are being killed, being allowed to be killed and the world is not taking any steps to stop the slaughter. This I cannot ccomprehend.
Let not the sins of the fathers be suffered upon the children.
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What sooths me
1 month ago
20 comments:
If Hammas would only stop bombing Israel then there would be peace- Israel has taken enough crap, they have given up thier land & homes remember that in the Gaza? Literally forced to do so and they complied, thinking this would bring peace that the world told them would come from such and act- and what do they get? more bombing and they took it for the last 7 years, would the USA give up land to Canada? or Mexico? NOOOO!!!! Who are we to tell Israel what to do anymore. They are the most civilized nation on the planet, a nation who has developed many cures for horrid world diseases, many inventions,This is a small plot of land- look at a map.Hamas need to learn from Israel, Humble themselves and make peace with thier brother. The cost is too High, If yu mess with Israel it is like poking God in the eye, for it will always be the Apple of His eye, Yeshua Jesus will return and establ;ish His kingdom rule from Jerusalem, He will scome through the Eastern Gate. The Muslims purposely cememted it shut, HAHAH They dont know Him, the one who is all powerful? The Almighty One who holds the universe in the palm of His hand, Do they really think cement will keep Him from returning and fulfilling prophecy? Wow this battle is a supernatural one, The enemy of our souls knows his time is short and He is doing everthing he can to delay his destiny. The bottomless pit awaits. So pray for the peace of Israel, So is it any wonder that place is in turmoil, and sadly this is nothing compared to what is to come, It will take 7 years to bury the dead in the up coming battle of Gog & May Gog, and dont even confuse that war with the battle of Armegedon where there will be blood up to the horses bridalfor miles.
Every Knee shall bow and every toungue shall confess that Yeshua /Jesus is Lord, to the Glory of God. God is looking to see who is faithful to Him, so choose this day whom you will serve, I;d rather bow my knee now than later, to His LORDship in my life. He is coming sooner than we think. He will hide those who love Him from the wrath that is to come. Will He find faith in the earth when He comes? I am posturing for it. He has given each a measure of faith. The Bible says, Wo ever calls upon the Lord Jesus/ YeshuaChrist shall be saved. Get ready Jesus is coming.
I wish it would stop but the hatred is so deep. And both sides are sure they are right.
LGS, you have articulated exactly what I have been thinking. How many years - how many hundreds of years - has this been going on in the Middle East? Why can't those nations live together? Why is there so much hatred? It will never stop. And innocent children will continue to die.
Anonymous,
Thank you for your view.
Is Hamas guilty of attacking Israel? Most certainly. I agree with you that Israel has a right to self defence. But is Israel guiltless? Definitely not. By oppressing and humiliating the Palestinians and depriving them justice and hope, the Israelis have helped create Hamas.
There can be no lasting peace without justice.
But I don't really care who is wrong. We all, including the rest of us in the world, all share in the guilt of every innocent life lost and family destroyed.
I too, wonder how parents can watch as their children die. It all seems so senseless to me. Both sides are at fault.
Dr. John,
I guess what I am trying to say is that it doesn't matter who is right. A humanitarian disaster is everyone's responsibility and everyone's guilt.
Jo,
I remember that in the Northern Ireland sectarian conflict, one of the best tools for peace was to organise kids from both sides to play soccer together. Later when the kids were interviewed,they expressed their surprise at finding out that their counterparts were ordinary kids like them and not monsters as they were raised to believe. The secret then is to recognise our similarities and not our differences.
meggie,
I am not a parent but I can imagine that losing a child like that would be a shattering experience. I agree both are at fault.
it is heartbreaking
both sides have to look beyond the past, and
recognize their own faults and responsibilities
and grasp the will to work forward for the best in a mutual future for both
sometimes i think they ALL need to vacate the region for a generation or two until cooler minds and hearts are available to sort through the quarrel
It is time for an independent and free Palestinian state. One recognized by all the nations of the world and supported by that world in the same manner we have supported Israel since it's own terrorist beginning.
What a tragic event any war is. The innocent will always suffer the most. I wish Jesus would return soon so that the middle east, along with the rest of the world, can finally experience some peace!
In the meantime, I think it is every Christian's responsibility to pray for those suffering in warring nations and to ask God if there is anything we, as individuals or even as churches, can do to help.
Kat,
Your suggestion that both should be made to leave the land until cooler heads prevail is actually a great idea. If both sides sense the loss, perhaps they would be more willing to co-exist. If only somebody like the UN could actually pull it off...
Mark,
You are absolutely right in reminding us that Israel's origin was also from the murky actions of terrorism. You would think that Israel from their own experiences could better relate with the current plight and aspirations of the Palestinians and would be more sympathetic. There is a clear need for the formation of a Palestinian state, however, Hamas unwillingness to recognise the right of Israel to exist may be the biggest stumbling block towards that goal.
sincerity,
I fully agree. I know that some Christian groups identify with the plight of Israel because they are identified as God's chosen but even so, we must pray against injustice (even by the Israelis) and also for peace.
It's a travesty, and the pictures coming out are just awful. Everyone has an opinion, and think theirs is the right one. No war is ever right.
Somehow, if either side could look objectively upon the other, they would see no difference. Your photo is heartbreaking - yet it is more truth relayed in one instant than all the CNN/FOX News coverage could ever communicate.
Sickening loss of innocent life. God help us all.
"Let not the sins of the fathers be suffered upon the children."
I fear that that is exactly what happens. Hate, guilt, you name it gets handed down from generation to generation. It is seemingly all too human to follow the logic of revenge. In the end it is futile to judge around who started what. A fundamental resolution is needed that includes the Palestinian State.
The militants have taken over and brains and empathy go down the drains.
Cheryl,
War is always wrong. Exactly.
tsduff,
If only they could see how similar they are instead of how different.
Mago,
A solution will indeed need to include a Palestinian state but you are right that empathy is lost when those with blind hate are in charge.
The irony of this whole thing is that - as the U.S. promoted freedom and democracy around the world, that same democracy produced Hamas.
Be careful for what you wish, huh...?
Andre,
Democracy is still the way to go but it must deal with justice correctly or else eventually extremism takes over. I think the Palestinians found that the more moderate parties were too tied up with restrictions and commitments and couldn't address their growing fear and frustration. Let's hope for a just democracy will eventually prevail.
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