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opinion
Letter
Last Thursday, as I was walking to class, I stopped to inquire
about the rally I had seen on the way. The moment I arrived,
I saw signs condemning Israel and its actions in relation
to the present conflict. Despite the content of the signs,
I was interested to hear what the speakers had to say with
hopes that they were trying to educate others about the complex
situation.
As I listened, my heart fell. I heard empty words with no
foundation. They resembled the signs that made no effort to
look at the entire picture. One woman spoke about Israel's
motivation and plans for the future. She referred to Israel
as a Jewish state, which misconstrues Israel as a religiously
homogenous state. I stood in shock for her disregard for the
very problem that has created such a destructive dichotomy
within Israel. Whether or not Israel should be a religious
state through laws and the like is the very reason for the
frightening separation between religious and secular Jews.
The country was not established as a religious state, but
rather as a home for Jews who have been the target of subjugation
and massacre time and again. For that reason, it is also a
people who understand and welcome those in need. Israel is
a Jewish state because the elimination of a Jewish home, would
be the annihilation of the Jewish people.
In addition, I saw signs saying that a double standard exists
through Israel's military actions. Israel has not bombed a
massive target from far away, but rather has risked the lives
of her soldiers by going in house to house in order to arrest
wanted terrorists and confiscate the ammunition used against
her people. Devastatingly, war's chaos has resulted in the
ending of innocent lives. I wake up mornings with an overwhelming
cloud of anguish rooted by the helpless despair I feel for
those who have wrongfully died.
I understand that people tend to side with their own people,
but how can human beings disregard the countless number of
Israeli lives that have been taken by suicide bombers? Furthermore,
Israelis who are alive are unable to live their life without
fear of being the victim of terror. What standard of life
is that? Islam is a beautiful religion, but it is being used
as a safe haven for terror. Jihad is not holy war against
innocent civilians, but rather military against military.
War's chaos does not touch the tip of comparison with bombing
innocent people. There is no excuse for suicide bombing, and
absolutely no comparison between terror and Israel's efforts
in stopping terror in the midst of war.
My concern is that people do not understand the complexity
of this situation. It is easier to simply make empty
statements in order to have an opinion. This conflict deserves
much more respect. It is complex and requires our compassion
and desire for true knowledge. Please, do not even take my
word, but research it yourselves. There is too much at stake
for us to fill ourselves with hate and ignorance. We can be
the start of progress by actively educating ourselves.
I hope you all can understand my concern. Thank you for taking
the time to read this.
-- Ellah Orevi
Senior interdisciplinary studies major in dance and communicative
disorders.
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