Compassion over “Sides”

A Thought Piece.

—————Authors Note————-

“In this, I present a perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that aims to provoke thought and encourage empathy. It is important to note that while this essay touches upon various aspects of the conflict, it does not claim to provide all-encompassing solutions or address all opposing viewpoints. Rather, it serves as a thought exercise, prompting us to consider the futility of war, the value of empathy, and the significance of listening to those directly affected. While some complexities of the conflict may not be fully captured, the intention is to foster a compassionate approach and stimulate meaningful dialogue. Please recognize that further engagement and exploration are necessary for a comprehensive understanding of this multifaceted, very complex issue.”

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I’ve been asked more than a few times, “What side are you on?” in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If you’re not familiar with the situation, I urge you to take the time to educate yourself about the world around you. I say this with all due respect.

 

Until now, my answer has been a simple “I’m not commenting.” However, some good people have interpreted this as me turning my back on humanitarian crises, which is absolutely not the case. So, I’ve decided to open up my thoughts for you to consider. Before you dismiss this and cast it aside, I want to make it clear that this isn’t your typical self-congratulatory piece that seems to proliferate among the celebrities worshipped by Westerners. Instead, I hope to leave you with something to ponder, perhaps even some thought-provoking questions.

 

This is my unwavering stance: war (no matter how it’s dressed up as a “conflict”) is utterly futile. It’s nothing but sanctioned murder carried out by leaders who fail to truly represent their people, or who have so deeply indoctrinated their citizens with propaganda that they’ve turned otherwise peace-loving individuals into instruments of violence, consumed by a thirst for the destruction of the other side.

 

I refuse to take a side in these situations. Firstly, as an American, I cannot fully comprehend the horrors that the Palestinian and Israeli people are enduring. I will never truly understand or imagine their experiences. Nevertheless, I empathize with them. I am human, with a compassionate heart, despite the efforts of our representatives here in the states to corrupt it and align it with one side. I will always stand with the people over their governments.

 

I’ve intentionally used the word “side” frequently in this piece. I believe that when you closely observe the conversations among my fellow Westerners during times like these, you’ll realize the pressure they feel to choose a “team,” as if this were merely a sports event and they were deciding whom to cheer for and which T-shirt to buy. Next time, just listen and observe the comments and discussions around you. You’ll notice this every time. We are compelled to pick a “side,” as if condemning one party means automatically supporting the other. I reject that notion.

 

I condemn the governments that have pushed their people into a situation where they must ask themselves, “Is today the day I die?” My solidarity lies with the Israeli and Palestinian individuals who simply yearn for a day without fear, for a semblance of normality. I stand with those who aspire to enjoy the everyday comforts that we as Americans often take for granted. I urge you to consider how they must feel.

 

We need to take a hard look at ourselves when we engage with the outside world. I go to sleep in peace, free from the sounds of explosions and screams that shatter the night, heralding new horrors each morning. Furthermore, we simply don’t listen. Not at all.

 

We rally behind public figures who, in our eyes, “take a stand,” when in reality, they often aren’t listening either. With a few exceptions, they act to make themselves feel good. Actually, I can’t say for sure because I don’t know them personally, and regardless of how much I enjoy their movies, I’ll never truly understand their motivations. I urge you to ask yourself: When was the last time I genuinely cared about something without a celebrity urging me to do so? I believe your answer might surprise you.

 

For me, I’ve always upheld the belief that murder is never acceptable. While we may joke about it and create fiction around it, there is no room for murder and war in a civilized society, in my view. This principle has always served me well, even though I’ve received plenty of criticism for it. I think we learn from an early age that our leaders and warmongers feed us lies to prepare us for conflict. I believe we all, at some point in our lives, become aware of the propaganda and insanity that our leaders and the leadership of other countries inundate our minds with on a daily basis, even if we pretend otherwise.

 

Consider the impact of war and murder. What have they achieved for anyone but the fools who perpetuate them? Look around and you’ll see the leaders of giant companies and the elected officials living in luxury, while the rest of us either struggle to make ends meet, endure hardships, or are forced to spill blood. But really, think about the positives. Can you name any besides the occasional monetary gain that might come your way? That’s all I see when I look at the world around us. I witness senseless death, unnecessary suffering, and a lot of us who should be ashamed of ourselves, masquerading as righteous individuals while we’re really just all talk and no action. We don’t listen.

 

What I mean by “we don’t listen” is that we often overlook the voices of those who are directly embroiled in the conflict. Instead of truly engaging with their perspectives, we tend to offer our own commentary without taking the time to understand their experiences and aspirations. It’s alarming that, more often than not, their voices go unheard, drowned out by the rhetoric of leaders who propagate the notion that war is an unavoidable reality. These leaders dismiss the plight of the people, falsely claiming that they benefit from the ongoing strife, when in truth, it is the civilians who bear the tremendous burden of the conflict’s consequences. It’s imperative that we make a concerted effort to amplify the voices of those directly affected by the conflict and to genuinely listen to their stories, concerns, and desires for a peaceful resolution. We also need to focus on the words we use, they carry immense power.

 

As Americans, it’s crucial for us to recognize that our societal discourse has sometimes been influenced by various forms of propaganda, leading us to inadvertently perpetuate racism, anti-Semitism, and anti-Palestinian sentiments. Our casual use of loaded terms like “genocide” and “holocaust” without fully understanding their historical weight contributes to this problem. We must strive to educate ourselves about the complexities of these issues and the impact of our words, ensuring that we do not perpetuate harmful stereotypes or contribute to the suffering of any group of people, be it the Jewish community, Palestinians, or any other marginalized population. By fostering a deeper understanding and empathy, we can work towards a more inclusive and respectful society.

 

I’ve noticed a recurring pattern in human behavior during my 36 years on this planet. Following 9/11, we employed language that fueled animosity toward the Muslim community, using words that served as incendiary devices, igniting our hatred toward those who were different and leaving a lasting mark on the fabric of America. Regrettably, in some quarters, this sentiment still lingers. We must, therefore, be vigilant not to unwittingly stoke the flames of antisemitism or anti-Palestinian attitudes within our own borders. As a nation that aspires to lead by example, we have, in all honesty, fallen short, demonstrating little besides a capacity for hate.

 

Amidst this discord, there are individuals of goodwill who seek to stand on the right side of history, and for their courage, I commend them. However, it is high time we advocated for humanity over “sides,” recognizing the imperative of considering our Jewish and Palestinian neighbors while directing our condemnation toward their leaders rather than casting blame upon them and their entire nations. We must refrain from falling into the propaganda traps that malevolent forces use to lure us into a cycle of hatred.

 

So when posed with the question “whose side are you on?” my unwavering response is and will always be: I side with the people.