On December 27, 2007 Isreal launched another assault on Gaza. In the past 2 weeks, there have been 1,100 Palestinians killed (roughly half were civillians and children)and 13 Isrealis. In Canada, we were busy shopping for Boxing Week deals and getting plastered at New Year's parties.
Isreali has hurled some rather large ordinances at targets that have included a United Nations sanctioned school, a hospital and, today, UN headquarters in Gasa.
The dispute has been going on for decades between Hamas(the current government of Gaza, although not recognized by the international community, considered to be a terrorist movement by the Canadian Government,and whose goal is the establishment of an Islamic Palestinian state in place of Israel) and Isreal (who claims the right to defend itself against any force who threatens the Jewish state).
Does no one in this region want peace?
I am neither Jewish, Arabic or Muslim, so on paper I am apparently disqualified from voicing an opinion publically. If I knew of a solution, minds wiser than mine would have proposed it years ago.
I do not support terrorism in any form. I don't criticize Isreal from defending themselves. In the end, however, the ultimate price is paid by the families of Gaza and Isreal, victims of this seemingly endless conflict that for years has included suicide bombings by Hamas in Isreali markets.
I am a father, a Canadian, and a person who thanks God on a daily basis for the freedom we enjoy in this country. In my mind, this qualifies me to care.
"Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."
John Donne, 1620
"Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business."
Charles Dickens, A Chirstmas Carol, 1850
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