One big cheer and a thousand funerals

I may not know much about Gaza or Palestine. Aside from the occasional news I have watched and heard since years, or the Anthony Bourdain specials I’m always keeping my eyes peeled for. The truth is that I know nothing about the real deal on the conflicts that have been keeping that part of the world in turmoil for longer than I can remember.

But I care, and that matters. I may not know the inside story on what’s happening, but like the rest of the world that is watching, I am looking at it from the perspective of those who are on the outside looking in.

It saddens me that despite of the very real fact our brothers and sisters are dying over a territorial conflict, I still see people mixing in disputes about religion in an already grave and bleak situation. I know I am treading on a very sensitive issue here, but instead of mixing this in on the dispute, why can we not just let our faith, if we can’t do with our religions, be our common ground and pray for our brothers and sisters in Gaza if that’s the least (or the most) we can do?

If religion is what you sleep, eat and breathe, let me go out on a limb and say no religion has ever preached violence. I deeply believe in that. And if we truly delve down into our ideals, beliefs and principles, it is faith that makes us hold on to our religion. Certainly, my God, or your God, or his or her God never taught anyone to be violent, to fight, much less end each others lives.

You can criticise me, but I will stand by that. Why can’t we just co-exist? Instead of mixing in arguments about religion with the situation in Gaza, why can’t we just pray as one? As a people with strong faith and a common interest for good? I hope this one small voice will be heard and taken to heart, because as much as I do, I know you also care.