Thoughts on the Pro-Palestinian / Anti-Israel College Protests

 

 

MY COMMENTS ON THE CAMPUS PROTESTS:

 

I noticed the ongoing Columbia University protests are spreading to other major schools, including my old alma mater, UT which has become a latest zone of pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Here are my thoughts:

– One can be in favor of a sovereign Palestinian homeland, and also staunchly defend the right of the Jewish state of Israel to exist. Neither is mutually exclusive.

– One can be for freeing the Israeli hostages and protecting Jewish people, while also being deeply concerned about Palestinian people and defending their rights.

– One can justify a harsh Israeli response in Gaza, allegedly aimed at Hamas, but they also better understand that all those orphans whose families are “mistakenly” hit will eventually grow up and become the next generation’s “terrorists” and easy recruits against Israel.

– One can oppose the horrors of anti-Semitism especially when it’s targeted against Jewish people in this country who tend to have very diverse opinions on global issues, and also speak out on behalf of millions of Palestinians, most of whom are innocent apolitical victims of the worst horrors of religion and politics and have no voice.

– One can be for Israel’s national security and border safety while also demanding that ceaseless American financial support should come with pre-conditions, and when those pre-conditions are ignored and violated by Israel’s hardliners, (such as expanding settlements into Palestinian land) those funds and weapons should be cut off–immediately.

– One can agree that there’s an appalling resurgence of hate happening right now, all over the world, and it’s time for people in the middle to get off their asses, educate themselves, speak out, and demand that some compromise gets hammered out. Throughout history, the most warring nations on earth who were at odds have negotiated terms and made deals many times, and then a generation or two later, they became partners and friends. Anything is possible, if we make the effort. But sadly, nothing happens while so many chose to ignore world events and do nothing. Abdicating concerns and responsibilities and turning things over to the extremists begets….more extremism.

 

Finally, I don’t blame extremism entirely. Rather, I blame indifference, especially in this country which has the wealth and power to influence history and make a difference in global affairs, which has happened before in the Middle East (think of agreements in 1978 and 1993). Indifference is the most dangerous enemy of peace and justice. When people only care about themselves that’s an anathema to greater humanity. It’s selfish indifference to suffering on both sides of borders that to me is — incomprehensible.