Survival and Hope.......

 

It may be difficult in the midst of an ongoing genocide, where every day brings news of further massacres, deliberate starvation, denial of medical services, and yet more and more bombardments for people to even think of the day after, or for victims to think of anything other than vengeance. A ceasefire, after all, is only the equivalent of saying “get your knee off my neck.” Calling for unimpeded access to food and water and medical supply is only an immediate response to “I cannot breathe,” as Israel is choking the neighboring populations. 

Beyond putting an end to these outrages, we need to seriously think of the day after. Justice requires a thoughtful response to Palestinian, Lebanese and Israeli demands and needs, and that continues to be a vital task if we are ever to see a lasting and effective end to the ongoing injustices.
 

It is also necessary to address the traumas being currently inflicted, as well as the past traumas plaguing all three communities. It is my firm hope that any resolution allows for a process of healing, just arrangements, including reparations, but also a different outlook that is not based on power, violence, revenge and bitterness, but on justice, reconciliation and ultimately coexistence with one’s present enemies.

For those who live outside the area, it is imperative that we throw our weight into actions that lead to life, and not death; that lead to healing, and not further suffering; that not only end the ongoing nightmare, but that also boldly declare that violence is not the answer. What is needed is a process that truly turns swords into plowshares and outlines a better future for all concerned. This may sound idealistic and utopian, but it is a vision that is both necessary and possible. In fact, one can argue that it is the only possibility that has any chance of working out. 

Violence has shown that while it can inflict huge damage on an enemy, it has singularly failed to achieve its objectives. It neither yields security to Israelis or liberation for their neighbors. It can only yield the infliction of pain on the other side and the assurance of continued hatred and enmity. It may still be difficult for those immediately involved in the ongoing fighting to contemplate this, but for those who are looking in, and who have any concern for the parties involved, this should be our foremost priority: not total victory over our enemies, not achieving our goals through massive military might that creates a “deterrence,” but through empathy, caring, win-win solutions and a commitment to justice and an end to violence on all sides.

A good composition depicting the possibility of peace among these eternal enemies, living next to each other without any hope of some peaceful future to their respective people, it was originally sent from FOSNA, friends of Sabeel North America.  A  Christian voice for Palestine. With few minor adjustments by me to fit the escalating crimes in the Lebanese situation and our blog, for the benefit of all my readers. 

As always, my many thanks to all my good readers.