A friend sent me an email with pictures of Palestinian youth depicting scenes of the Israeli State's agenda of persecution and ethnic cleansing. Thanks for sharing, Rami.
I have posted just one of them here.
The picture of a child clearly not more than 5 or 6 years old, standing behind the bars of what seems to be a metal gate raising a defiant gesture, caused me painful reflection.
Two fingers raised to form a 'V' - can mean peace. During the offering of peace at mass in the Philippines worshipers will flash the 'V' sign at each other, offering the gesture of peace. During this part of the ceremony the 'V' sign is symbolic of God's love for his children and the symbolism is intended for worshipers of the catholic faith to radiate this love towards each other.
But, when does the 'V' sign NOT MEAN peace at all? In an environment where generations have known nothing but persecution, violence and a destruction of integrity and identity, the will to offer love/peace to another can be a commodity scarce to find.
In Palestine 'V' means one thing only - 'Victory'. And while that may be an irony of the highest order - considering that militarily Palestine could never achieve battle victory over Israel - readers should understand that Palestinians have never lost the will to survive else they would have already been already exterminated by the effective machinery of the Israeli Army. Palestinians in general believe it's only a matter of time (many more generations, if that is what it will take) until they achieve Victory. And here is a most painful fact: Palestinians view Victory as the times when Israel will no longer persecute, destroy and exterminate their people.
So when you sit in the comfort of your home, after a hearty meal, in your air-conditioned and comfortable environment, whinging and bickering about this or other, imagine the plight of the children of Palestine. Then, ponder your life again. Shame on us all!
Victory to the children of Palestine is but a matter of time.
Great post. But did I get a hint that you were suppressing an anger that would have otherwise given this piece and harsher sting?
ReplyDelete