121: No Matter What

Many differing opinions circulate about the ongoing Israeli military attacks in Gaza--ranging from those who condemn it as genocide, to those who defend it unconditionally.
 
But when we set aside emotion, avoid getting lost in the noise, and approach this situation with empathy/compassion for those who are most vulnerable, the truth begins to reveal itself.
 
No violence. No matter what.
 
That reality is incredibly painful. Incredibly difficult.
 
Because it means even if your loved one is killed, "Kill them back!" is never the answer.
Even if you fear you might be next, "Kill them before they kill me!" is never the answer either. [See #103]
 
Approximately 1,000 people: The number of Israelis killed in the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. The vast majority were civilians.
 
Approximately 56,000 people (including 17,000 children): The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli military attacks since then. Again, most were civilians.
 
Killing 1,000 people is wrong.
And even if it happened first, it doesn’t justify killing 56,000 people in return. It doesn’t justify killing 17,000 children.
 
Killing is never acceptable.
And getting attacked first doesn’t make killing in return acceptable.
 
When we include the wounded, and all those whose lives/livelihoods have been destroyed, the sorrow multiplies exponentially.
 
With empathy and compassion, the truth becomes clear.
 
It’s unbearably painful. And incredibly difficult.
But no violence. No matter what.

Read Theme: Violence/Peace