If there has been one thing that all Jews have collectively agreed upon, it is "Never Again." We painfully but proudly proclaimed this little credo after the Holocaust and it seemed simple enough. Who would argue that genocide, the systematic wiping out of a people, race or religion, should never happen again? After the Holocaust, it would seem obvious that any semblance of mass killings would be first on the Jewish agenda.
But this has not been the case, as it was recently pointed out in an article in the New York Times:
January 22, 2009. BERGEN-BELSEN, Germany — Habbo Knoch, who runs the new Bergen-Belsen Memorial at the former concentration camp, invited various scholars and museum directors to a four-day conference here last week called "Witnessing: Sites of Destruction and the Representation of the Holocaust." He asked a question one evening during a break: "Will people in 20 years look back and say we built a museum that focuses on Nazi genocide while Darfur was happening? Will they ask whether anyone raised this issue?"
A very poignant question indeed. We have done a great job of telling the world about the details of the Nazi genocide, creating all kinds of memorials and reminders of it, but have we forgotten to ensure that it really never happens again to anyone? Not just Jews, but anyone from any nation?
We have abandoned our best offense -- pointing out to the world that it uses the Palestinian issue to avoid the real tragedies taking place.
I would suggest that one reason for this is Israel. We have allowed our message to be muddled and hijacked by the legitimate issue of Israel's survival and the threats from her enemies. In our attempts to defend ourselves against the myriad of accusations against the Jewish state, we have abandoned our best offense -- pointing out to the world that it continually uses the Palestinian issue to avoid the real tragedies that are taking place.
While we got a daily tally of how many Arabs were killed in Gaza, in great detail and with graphic photos, when was the last time you heard or saw the press focus so much attention on Zimbabwe, like this little tidbit from The (UK) Guardian in July of 2007:
Women in Zimbabwe live an average of 34 years and men manage just three years more, half of the life expectancy of little more than a decade ago. President Robert Mugabe's destruction of his own economy as he fights to hold on to power - with inflation running above 10,000%, power and water cuts a daily reality, shops rapidly emptying of food and the grain harvest expected to fail yet again after the seizure of white-owned farms and drought -- has played a large part in the surging number of deaths. Millions are underfed, weakening immune systems and bringing on Aids. Few can afford the drugs to treat the illnesses that the disease brings on, even if the medicines are available which, increasingly, they are not. Many of the country's doctors and nurses have left for South Africa or Europe. The World Health Organisation estimates that that lethal combination is claiming 3,500 lives a week in the former British colony. The World Food Programme says 4 million Zimbabweans, one-third of the population, will need food aid this year.
Even the Arab world is not immune and cannot escape the curse of the Palestinian distraction, as the New York Times reported on January 22, 2009:
At Arab Gathering on Development, the Talk Is All About Gaza
By MICHAEL SLACKMANKUWAIT — Two and a half years ago, a group of Arab leaders decided it was time to try to set aside their political differences and deal with what was ailing their countries: widespread illiteracy, ineffective schools, unemployment, inadequate water and food resources. So they called for an extraordinary summit meeting to be held in Kuwait City this week. The plan was for the 22 members of the Arab League to agree on concrete ways to improve the lives of their 330 million citizens. Instead, they bickered over how to handle the Gaza crisis...
When the presidents, kings and emirs arrived in Kuwait, they were scheduled to discuss regional cooperation to improve education, ease trade and travel barriers, improve food security and lift their citizens out of poverty. But they were barely talking to one another because of differences over how to deal with Israel's offensive in Gaza.
"Yes, military occupation is a serious matter that needs to be addressed," said Amr Moussa, the secretary general of the Arab League. "But backwardness in our societies needs to be taken care of." There was a suffocating sense of despair hanging over the Kuwait meeting as the Gaza crisis eclipsed every other issue. "The Arab ship is sinking," Mr. Moussa said on the first day of the conference.
Prime Minister Fouad Siniora of Lebanon said that Arab universities were collapsing and scientific research was almost nonexistent. By many measures, the Arab world is slipping further and further behind in its ability to compete globally...
Just as the Nazis were so consumed with their hatred of Jews that they were willing to divert needed resources and efforts for fighting the war toward the Final Solution, the Arab world and the world at large are making the same mistake.
It is our job to point that out.
Let's stop playing this game that is costing the lives of millions of innocents who are suffering.
For once I'd love to hear the Israeli ambassador in the UN, when facing the daily ritual of Israel bashing, or Mark Regev when speaking on CNN about Israel, tell them to move on and focus on the real atrocities in the world like Darfur, the Congo, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Chechnya -- the list goes on and on. We need to stop our knee-jerk defensive reactions for every act of anti-Semitism or anti-Zionism (the two are becoming increasingly hard to differentiate) and simply tell the world to get busy fixing the greater ills in their own backyard; to stop playing this game that is costing the lives of millions of innocents who are suffering. Innocents indeed who did not bring the suffering on themselves through their maddening and blinding hatred like the Palestinians.
For once I want to see a Jewish or Israeli leader tell Obama or the UN or the Arab world or Europe or Jimmy Carter that we have all heard enough about Gaza, the West Bank and two state solutions, as if this were the central issue in our world, and to do something about the far greater humanitarian suffering in our world. There are a lot worse off parts of the globe that George Mitchell should visit and fix other than the Middle East.
What are we going to do to rectify this? When will we Jews take a broader perspective and really undertake the task of being a light unto nations -– which in today's day and age means reminding the world that we are not the problem and that they are in their continued refusal to deal with major atrocities that plague our planet a lot worse than anything going on in Gaza?
We need a paradigm shift in our reaction to global criticism of Israel and thereby truly fulfill our mandate of teaching the world the most basic lesson of humanity -– that real genocide -– not counterfeit claims of it by the Arab world -- must be addressed and fixed. Only then will real Tikkun Olam –- repairing the world -- happen to the benefit everyone everywhere.
(22) Justus Okey, February 16, 2009 1:38 AM
It is time for the world to call a spade a spade
I totally support the right of Israel or any other nation to defend their right to exist.It has never been heard of that any body or organisation refuses to recognise the right of his neighbour to exist and acts in manners untowards,and his neighbour just seats back and watches.No way.If America had to unleash her might and fury on Iraq and and Afghanistan because they sensed an imagined or maybe a real threat to their civilisation why would Israel keep quiet when there are actual attemps by Hizbollah,Hamas and nuclear powered Iran to wipe them out.or has anyone blamed Russia for reducing Chechnya to rubbles because they asked to be allowed to be on their own,what is all this wahala about Gaza.Please people,the only true test of your sincerity is to turn your focus on Darfur where the Arabs crying blue muder in Gaza are busy obliterating black Africans and denying them the right to exist.The world has got to wake up now and call a spade a spade or be prepared to build another genocide memorial in Darfur,as they recently did in Rwanda.
(21) Sisi, February 12, 2009 12:41 PM
Its not just Gaza
I have been unable to turn on the news whether it be HLN or Fox without it being about the Kaylee Anthony case. The death of this young girl is tragic, but is it worth hours and hours... Hundreds of hours of coverage on news networks? And I haven't heard the word Africa, Mugabe or Darfur in ages in print or on television. I honestly think that if Darfur were populated by blond haired dimpled children then Americans would care about their deaths.. When it is the deaths of people with dark skin there is no Christian love or charity opened up to them. I know people who go on "missions" to deliver bibles and "the word of G-d" in order to convert people. But food, medicine, doctors, and clean water don't seem to come with G-d's word! Many synagogues here in Pittsburgh had huge "Save Darfur" banners and participated in demonstrations on behalf of Darfur. I have only seen ONE of those banners on a church. I am disgusted with the Christians whom I work with who talk about how wonderful they are when they won't lift a finger to help their fellow human beings unless they look like them and believe like they do. I doubt that no matter what Israeli ambassadors and representatives say they will continue to be called villains and continue to be targeted. No one will care what Israelis have to say and they will continue blaming Israel for all of the Arab worlds ills. I wish it was different, but I see no reason for it to be so.
(20) deborah, February 8, 2009 4:10 PM
The cotinuation of the culling of human populations after the holocaust.
80 million people die of starvation every year-that's the holocaust over 12 fold every year and it's hardly covered by the news,definately not as much as the Gaza war was,on an every 20 minute daily basis,when u can't compare the numbers of the lose of life.
(19) EKPE NDIYO, February 6, 2009 9:48 AM
LET'S SPEAK UP AGAINST EVIL
Evil multiplies when we refuse to spea up gainst it. See what is happening in North Korea, where people have been psychologically dehumanised and truamatised, Zimbabwe, where a senile person in doing all things to cling to power, same for Cameroun, Gambia, the genocide in Darfur, Congo, the atrocities of the so-called Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda. The atrocities are multiplying by the day, but everyone is quiet. The recent shameful act of the Thai army in towing Burmese refugees to the high seas and abandonOnly them to die needs total condemnation. Only Israel is fair game whenever they take steps to defend themselves.
(18) louisliupengfei, February 5, 2009 5:56 AM
I have limited knowledge of Israel. Yet I do have a very good friend there. He once lived in my house back in China for one month. and he speaks perfect Chinese as well. I also get aish.cm from his mail. I just wondering why in this world a lot of people hate others instead of love one and another. We are living in a different country ye we are all under the same sky. I believe there is always a reason people fighting with each other. Yet I do support the one who fight for peace.Sometimes certain fighting is a must. Please make sure we are doing the right thing. This is what I want to say. I support the peace keepers.louisliupengfei from jakarta ndonesia.
(17) Y. Easton, February 4, 2009 2:35 AM
What about caring for our own first?
There are many hungry families within Eretz Yisroel who don't have enough food to eat. There are families that have not been to the dentist in years. There are families who have not paid utility bills in months. There are families whose children (and parents) go on the street with holes in their shoes. Lets care for ourselves first.
(16) Bill Rogers, February 3, 2009 11:20 PM
I think God weeps
I believe God weeps when he sees what's going on in the world- in the Middle East certainly, but if God ( by whatever name one calls Him) is our Father imagine how it must grieve Him to see His children hate, murder, and mistreat one another! I believe we are called to speak up for any oppression anywhere. I have to say, though, if anyone thinks racism and genocide is not part of the problem in the Middle East- one need only look at the extremist Islamic agenda- which is to wipe Israel off the map- THAT can not and WILL not happen again.
(15) SANDRA, February 3, 2009 6:26 AM
GOLDA MEIR'S QUOTE
"WE WILL ONLY HAVE PEACE WITH THE ARABS WHEN THEY LOVE THEIR CHILDREN MORE THAN THEY HATE US." GOLDA MEIR
(14) norm, February 3, 2009 4:30 AM
Well said!
Well Said
(13) Anonymous, February 2, 2009 5:57 PM
Mohadeen Ibramsha -- Self-defense is not "murder"
Terrorists target civilians, and make no distinction, themselves often not in uniform, you make no distinction between "murder" (like homicide bombers) and killing in self-defense. Apparently, that is a morality too subtle for you to understand. Which is why you are not qualified to discuss morals. And yes, millions being murdered for no reason (or for not being Muslim? or Arab?)should come before people instigating a reaction.
(12) Gary Katrz, February 2, 2009 2:03 PM
And that ain't all...
Rabbi Nightingale is very perceptive. One wonders why the world seems so obsessed with Israel. I personally wonder why the world is so obsessed with the plight of the "Pawnestininians (sic)", who (polls consistently show) support suicide bombings, danced in the streets on 9-11, elected a bunch of terrorists in Gaza and continue to shoot themselves in their collective foot. I'd love it if, the next time somebody attacks the idea of a Jewish state as racist, the Jewish/Israeli responder answered, "Why don't we meet in Mecca to discuss this issue further?"
(11) simon wajcer, February 1, 2009 10:08 PM
The primary purpose of Jew hating.
Mohideen Ibramsha misses the point: Palestinian suffering is not caused by Israel but by their own blind hatred. A hatred which has always served their despotic masters, whether kings,dictators or religious fundamentalists to retain power. The scapegoating of Jews to deflect responsibility for any and all failings of rulers has always been the primary purpose of Jew hatred. If the Palestinian people were to open their eyes they would realize that Israel is their best ally in their pursuit of freedom and prosperity.
(10) Anonymous, February 1, 2009 9:46 PM
Comment 2 misunderstands the Article.
Not only does the comment not state the name of the faith correctly- it is Judaism, not Jewism, but he misses the point. There are true genocides happening, not false ones. ...and when will the Arab world alleviate Arab suffering, and Muslims alleviate the suffering of fellow Muslims? Self-love would commence true healing.
(9) ruth housman, February 1, 2009 7:05 PM
to heal the world
Such beautiful sensitive commentary from a "Nightingale". I had a feeling I would be in agreement with this piece. Yes, the world needs hope and help and there is just so much work to be done, everywhere. It seems to me that we must be reaching that crossroads, having been around for a long time and having experienced such unnecessary suffering around the world, due to the inhumanity of one group towards another. We have the resources to get this straight, and it's such an old message, being about love. Surely there are problems enough in life without adding to the suffering. I think it's time to for a sea change and I applaud an article that is going around the world, saying, we can all do better than this!
(8) Jessica, February 1, 2009 6:52 PM
#1 There is not just suffering of the Palestinans
There is suffering of the Jewish people. That's what led them to react after 3 years of rocket attacks on the people. When you are fired upon that long, you have to react, and it can be with a loving hug or you will be killed or kidnapped. The media is one-sided and a lot of what you hear is not even true. You never hear reports of how the Israelis are living under rocket fire constantly. I urge you to read the war accounts from the IDF soldiers adn you will see what they are dealing with. The palestinians wanted a terrorist governemnt and they got it. Now they are not taken care of.
(7) fatima, February 1, 2009 3:32 PM
to number 1 the palestinians are not suffering at all, we have homes, schools, cultural events. the israelis even give us free water and electricity. its much better for us under israeli control than under corrupt palestinian control. please make sure you read and understand that well.
(6) Rachel Garber, February 1, 2009 3:12 PM
The rest of the world does know, they just don't care
In his book "The Case Against Israel's Enemies" Alan Dershowitz points out time and again that the critics of Israel have no interest in addressing the ills of the world if they don't involve the Palestinians. Dershowitz points out that Carter was not in the least concerned about Darfur, Rawanda, China and other countries because Israel isn't involved. He actually seems to side with the represssive regimes rather than the victims. Kofi Annan repeatedly refused to call the situation in Darfur genocide. And this has been brought to their attention by Jews who were at the forefront of the efforts protests for the victims of Darfur. The outcome was another opportunity to bash Israel. I feel very sorry for what is going on in many areas of the globe, but people refuse to see what is in front of them if the Palestinians. . A few yrs ago there was a predominantly Muslin country was the victim of a natural disaster, Israel immediately offered help but was refused, lest Israel should "look good". After another disaster, Israel's help would be accepted on condition that no one know about it. don't you get it, no one wants to hear any criticism of any country except Israel. You might be interested to know that some of the victims of the African nations have sought asylum in Israel. Never heard that did you? Of course not.
(5) carola, February 1, 2009 1:47 PM
WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU.......
FEBRUARY 2, 2009 WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU.....ARE YOU JEWISH??? IT SOUNDS AS IF YOU ARE PART OF THE KKK. "IDIOT" DOES ANYONE HELP ISRAEL? ARE YOU SUR YOU AR A JEW. WELL, I AM (NEVER AGAIN JEW)....YES, MY FAMILY WAS IN THE HOLOCAUST. IN FACT EVERY JEW THAT WAS KILLED WAS MY FAMILY. WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO... GET ON TH SIDE OF THE KUSHEM......DO NOT DO THIS, AS THEY HATE YOU, DON'T TRY TO BE A BROWN NOSE. ALSO YOU SHOULD CONVERT TO ISLAM. HASHEM HEARS YOU AN ONE DAY.........
(4) Andy Danzig, February 1, 2009 10:23 AM
2 major reasons for the disparity
This article is spot on. There are 2 major reasons for the disparity in world attention on conflicts around the world. 1) the world has never been happy when Jews defend themselves, especially when they do successfully. 3,000 years of dealing with "the Jewish problem" has created a genetic imprint, that at times becomes recessive, but is unfortunately still present. 2) As long as the world is addicted to oil, world opinion will dance to the tune of the Arab oil cartel (and their ilk like Venezuela). The U.S. is most culpable, consuming 25% of world petroleum. If Americans replace their gas guzzling SUVs and luxury cars with fuel efficient models, turn down thermostats in winter, and adopt other simple life style changes, the U.S. can become totally independent of Arab oil. Until then, the Arabs will set the agenda for a world all too willing to oblige and millions of people around the world will suffer from continued inattention.
(3) Flo, February 1, 2009 10:10 AM
What Gaza is hiding
Perhaps the muslim world is keeping everyone focused on the false issue of Gaza so that no one will notice the other atrocities committed by muslims around the world. They deliberately provoke Israel, with unrelenting bombing, until she has no choice but to defend herself. Then they cry to the media. Muslims are working world-wide to convert each nation into their religion. They use the sword in village after village in Africa. They use the courts and the protest rallies in Western countries. Gaza is a mere distraction. Open your eyes people.
(2) Moshe Rosen, February 1, 2009 8:30 AM
diversions and changing of subjects
Perhaps what in particular is wrong with the world is that there are diversions made and changing of subjects. The US-led invasion in Iraq was a diversion on the war on terror, just as much as the myth of "genocide in Palestine" has diverted our attention from more serious and actual genocides across the world that happen regularly in Africa and many parts of Asia.
(1) Mohideen Ibramsha, February 1, 2009 3:46 AM
A teacher of morals cannot be immoral.
Agreed: world has problems other than the Israel - Palestine conflict. But we cannot accept advice from the killers that 'killing is bad.' We have to eliminate all suffering. There is no point in assigning priorities among the problems facing humanity. Such attempts are simply tricks to avoid solving the root cause of conflict between the three major religions: Islam, Jewism, and Christianity. Let us remove the suffering of the Palestinians too and usher in peace between the major religions of the world.