A smart man once said: “We have failed to grasp the fact that mankind is becoming a single unit, and that for a unit to fight against itself is suicide.”
It amazes me how overwhelming the irony is. Not long ago so many nations joined hands to battle the so called “Global Crisis”. In November, I myself, felt sympathy and despair watching CNN broadcasting images of employees, wearing a grim face, walk away from their place of employment at Lehmann Brothers. We all felt united and wary in face of a new economical reality the world is heading for. From the Americas all the way to the European and Asian nations, mind-sets were alike.
Just a month later, it amazed me even more to see a world so divided in opinions and views. So fast, so soon, we no longer seem so strong.
War was, is and always will be an ugly sight. As a citizen of the state of Israel, as a former IDF soldier and as a man fortunate enough to see the big world, I say, with the outmost sincerity, no country nor will nation ever show as much restrain as Israel did. Let it be known, it sickens and despises me to see how certain media channels portray Israel as the oppressor and, on the other hand, provide a stage to TERROR GROUPS like HAMAS.
Are we really that naïve?
Let us not forget, it is Israel who had to endure thousands of rockets aimed at its cities. Eight long years, for eight years people in Israel lived under the constant threat of being hit by a rocket. For eight years Israel warned Hamas to control its attitude. For eight years Hamas made fun of the world and victimized its own people.
Do you know any nation with such patience and restrain? Will you allow your country to be so patient?
Imagine, working 9 to 5, returning home just to see your child cry. Not just a cry but a rather flood of uncontrolled tears. A cry of fear and panic due to a rocket hit nearby. What would you do? Would you hold your child and tell him nothing bad will happen, that you are always there to protect him, would you say that? Try to imagine how hard it is, look at your family, wouldn’t you ask your country to help you keep them safe? Eight years we had to suffer these feelings. Eight long years…
The state of Israel had begun an offensive to end, once and for all, the sporadic attacks from Hamas. It is a JUST CAUSE.
To avoid neither political statements nor slogans, allow me simply place matters in prospective:
1. Israel is a democratic state who seeks peace and prosperity.
2. Hamas is a terror group which claimed control over Gaza by violent means.
3. Israel protects its citizens and human rights.
4. Hamas sends its own kids to become suicide bombers and hide behind civilians.
5. Israel seized the operations of schools and kinder gardens as to avoid toddlers casualties due to rockets fired from Gaza.
6. Hamas sends kids outside to die and look good on of TV.
Bottom line, if you care for the core values which define us as a society, do not allow specific groups to come between JUST and UNJUST.
This battle is not just being fought for the sake of Israel; it is also for the sake of human kind. A reminder of the suffering the Third Reich left behind. The extremists have one goal in mind: “To undermine our core values”. Let us say NO, let us remain united and strong. Your voice counts, your views matter, whether you are in Europe or Asia, your voice is still the voice of a free man. Let us keep it that way…
It amazes me how overwhelming the irony is. Not long ago so many nations joined hands to battle the so called “Global Crisis”. In November, I myself, felt sympathy and despair watching CNN broadcasting images of employees, wearing a grim face, walk away from their place of employment at Lehmann Brothers. We all felt united and wary in face of a new economical reality the world is heading for. From the Americas all the way to the European and Asian nations, mind-sets were alike.
Just a month later, it amazed me even more to see a world so divided in opinions and views. So fast, so soon, we no longer seem so strong.
War was, is and always will be an ugly sight. As a citizen of the state of Israel, as a former IDF soldier and as a man fortunate enough to see the big world, I say, with the outmost sincerity, no country nor will nation ever show as much restrain as Israel did. Let it be known, it sickens and despises me to see how certain media channels portray Israel as the oppressor and, on the other hand, provide a stage to TERROR GROUPS like HAMAS.
Are we really that naïve?
Let us not forget, it is Israel who had to endure thousands of rockets aimed at its cities. Eight long years, for eight years people in Israel lived under the constant threat of being hit by a rocket. For eight years Israel warned Hamas to control its attitude. For eight years Hamas made fun of the world and victimized its own people.
Do you know any nation with such patience and restrain? Will you allow your country to be so patient?
Imagine, working 9 to 5, returning home just to see your child cry. Not just a cry but a rather flood of uncontrolled tears. A cry of fear and panic due to a rocket hit nearby. What would you do? Would you hold your child and tell him nothing bad will happen, that you are always there to protect him, would you say that? Try to imagine how hard it is, look at your family, wouldn’t you ask your country to help you keep them safe? Eight years we had to suffer these feelings. Eight long years…
The state of Israel had begun an offensive to end, once and for all, the sporadic attacks from Hamas. It is a JUST CAUSE.
To avoid neither political statements nor slogans, allow me simply place matters in prospective:
1. Israel is a democratic state who seeks peace and prosperity.
2. Hamas is a terror group which claimed control over Gaza by violent means.
3. Israel protects its citizens and human rights.
4. Hamas sends its own kids to become suicide bombers and hide behind civilians.
5. Israel seized the operations of schools and kinder gardens as to avoid toddlers casualties due to rockets fired from Gaza.
6. Hamas sends kids outside to die and look good on of TV.
Bottom line, if you care for the core values which define us as a society, do not allow specific groups to come between JUST and UNJUST.
This battle is not just being fought for the sake of Israel; it is also for the sake of human kind. A reminder of the suffering the Third Reich left behind. The extremists have one goal in mind: “To undermine our core values”. Let us say NO, let us remain united and strong. Your voice counts, your views matter, whether you are in Europe or Asia, your voice is still the voice of a free man. Let us keep it that way…
Written by Omer Kamp.
