Every Friday, I fly a Palestinian flag in front of my
cottage. Have done so for years. My reward is that every now and then, someone
will ask what its all about. Just last Friday, a delivery man recognized it and
thanked me for showing it. Neither of us are Palestinian. He explained that he
was just committed to justice and the injustice meted out against the
Palestinians is blatant and well known.
While we praised each other, in Gaza, Israel killed two more
young men.
Two Palestinian youths were killed
by Israeli fire Friday during the weekly protest near the Israeli fence east of
Gaza. Hasan Shalabi was killed by Israeli live fire to the chest. He was 14.
Hamza Shtewi, 18 died after a shot in the neck. Another 17 Palestinians were
shot while protesting along the fence including two journalist and four medics.
The report goes on to say:
Israeli forces shot tear gas
canisters at an ambulance and sprayed demonstrators with chemically enhanced
sewage water known as “skunk juice”. Palestinians have for nearly a year
gathered weekly for unarmed protest since March 30, last year. Protesters are
also asking Israel to end its 12 year blockade of its coastal strip.[i]
Two young men who could have become doctors or engineers and
made a valuable contribution to life. Now, thanks to Israel, they are dead.
I cannot say that I am surprised. This kind of needless
killing has been going on for decades. A big portion of my anger is directed
toward our media. News reporters who stick their heads in the sand, more
interested in pleasing their advertisers than in standing up for truth or justice.
So, in protest, I fly my flag and Palestinians continue to
die at the hands of Israel and with the full support of my government. But, every now and then, someone will stop
and ask,”What kind of flag is that?” And I get to explain a little history.
Then, they will ask. ”Why don’t we hear about this on the
news?” and I get to say, “Good Question.”
Thomas Are
February 14, 2019
[i]
Two Palestinian teens Killed by Israel gunfire in Gaza on 46th Week
of Protest.
Al Jazeera, Feb. 8, 2019.
Bravo. Humanity has failed the Palestinians for so long. Thankfully there are still those that care and speak out for the voiceless and downtrodden
ReplyDeleteI now have a Palestinian flag flying at my front door. THANK YOU for your courageous leadership Thomas Are!
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