A humble observation on Gaza
I’m no expert on Israel, Gaza or Hamas, but indulge me a meta cliche anyway. After reading countless editorials, blog posts and comment threads about Gaza over the past week, what most strikes me is the all-around dearth of empathy. I don’t mean to sound like a dreamer or a Gandhi wannabe or an advocate of moral equivalence, but breaking the cycle-of-violence logic that stunts our ability to conceive of peace without triumph starts with empathy and the willingness to acknowledge the humanity and plight of The Other. This Palestinian’s family and neighbors did not deserve to be traumatized or killed in their homes. This Israeli did not deserve to be killed by a rocket while she waited for a bus. These are mundane statements, but not easily spoken by enemies in the literal heat of battle. Admitting each, and meditating on them for a moment before adding the inevitable “…but” is a necessary step toward peace.
Beautiful post Dan.