Arab integrity and humanity

A few days ago, the world stopped spinning before Gilad Shalit — the Israeli prisoner of war — was released. The name Shalit rhymes with an Arabic word (yaleit) which means wishing for an impossible thing to happen.

The first thing that comes to mind with this comparison of words is the victory perceived by Arabs in swapping 447 Palestinian POWs from Israeli jails with a single Israeli prisoner. Needless to say the Palestinian prisoners sacrificed their lives for a cause which internationally is no longer regarded as a central issue.

It was not easy to release these prisoners, and Israeli authorities insisted on their signing a pledge that they will not be party to any operation against them, regardless of the fact that they were asked to sign documents presented by the force which occupied their land and insulted Arabs.

The Israeli refusal to set free Palestinian prisoners who are symbols of patriotism shows Zionism's true colours of arrogance and smugness, and regarding themselves as God's chosen people. In their eyes, no one can approach them, while Arabs are considered a heavy burden on the globe's shoulders.

And here we must ask: what are Arab community values? The question may be regarded as naive or a bit sly, very similar to the shrewdness of foxes.

However, it has become evident that the earthquake which has hit the moral, social, and political values in Arab communities has resulted in a recessive human being. This very same Arab is ready to slaughter his children on the pretext of dishonour, while he is not moved one bit while his land is violated every day in different ways. Arab demands have been confined to a small patch of land in Palestine, namely Gaza. And despite the fact that there is a peaceful resistance movement in the occupied Palestinian territories of 1948 and 1967, Arabs have forgotten to observe an annual day.

Regrettably, the attention received by the Palestinian cause has dropped. Having said that, I have faith that the children of Palestine will hold the flame of hope for the future and they will continue the march of a thousand miles towards freedom and integrity.

The forces working against the Palestinian people's rights utilise all available methods for the world to forget the Palestinian question. Even the schemes and projects used to re-locate Palestinians in different parts of the world are ongoing.

And this is what happened when the 447 POWs were released. Some media outlets have also stressed that Palestinians have to wait another 300 years before a hero emerges to liberate their land.

Resolving the struggle

In my opinion, a serious research calls for an in-depth knowledge into what the Arab situation has come to be in general, as any overall knowledge may lighten up the road ahead.

If Arab countries were to re-check all what has been published by international institutes regarding the Palestinian issue and their suggested methods in resolving the Arab-Zionist struggle, they will be able to use these international channels in finding a solution that will bring back Arab integrity and humanity.

Treading the road of international laws, and making use of the backing and support of countries across the globe will need knights of a new calibre. This will need people who are able to shoulder moral values without expecting fast gains; moreover, people who do not care for positions. These people are needed to ward off another earthquake that will no doubt destroy everyone without mercy.

The world has chosen to forget Mohammad Al Durra, the Palestinian child who was shot by Israelis right in front of media cameras. The world has also forgotten the bones that were broken of a people who demanded the return of their land and rights. Everyone has succumbed, except for a few who understand and believe that history respects standing trees, and holds no regard for falling ones.

From this perspective came the call of Gilad Shalit himself to release Palestinian POWs in Israeli jails, because he lived through an experience that showed him the true Arab morals and beliefs in respecting human beings, regardless of colour, gender or religion.

It is a call for peace in a world that has become a small village.

Dr Mohammad Abdullah Al Mutawa is a professor of sociology.