Only a few days ago I was in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with friends. I took the photograph above of the Jerusalem skyline from the Mount of Olives. While there I was struck by the tremendous air of excitement over news of the impending release of one of their soldiers – Gilad Shalit after five years captivity in Gaza. Yesterday he was finally released. To us here in the West it is probably difficult to understand the national sense of jubilation over the release of just one ‘grunt’. The cost to Israel is disproportionately high over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. It’s very hard to comprehend any so-called Western Democracy undertaking such an uneven exchange, given the way we politically weigh everything up so cynically, refusing to give into hostage-takers, not wishing to be seen to be weak etc. Instead we have often sat by comfortably ensconced on our principles while our citizens have languished in hell holes or been summarily executed. This is clearly a tremendous gesture of goodwill and should be seen as such. It also speaks well of the role of Egypt in brokering the deal. Today my heart goes out to Gilad and all the Palestinians released, as well as all my Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian friends. I hope the time will soon come when you can all live together equitably in peace and justice.
3 comments:
A release of one is no less important than the release of millions. Great post Sunshine; welcome home! *hugsss.
Welcome home Saffy. That had to be a most interesting event to experience given that they are so proximate to one another.
Thank you Moonbeam and Jaye. It's good to be back.It will be even better when I've caught up with all the washing and work.
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