We live in a region beset by justifiable paranoia. I can only speak from my side of the argument, as I cannot possibly see inside of the other guy's head.
There is no way for a Jewish Israeli to know which of his Arab neighbors: A) likes him as a human being; B) hates him because he is a Jew; or C) is indifferent to him, and just wants to make a living and raise his kids. So it is easy to paint with a single brush the entire people as The Enemy, and very hard (and historically sometimes dangerous) to give the benefit of the doubt.
Once in a while, a story comes along that reminds me that it's okay to believe that there are individuals within the greater Arab world who don't go along with the more outspoken masses.
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| Bedouin Sheikh Salam Hozeil, weeping at the vandalism of his protest tent |
"A protest tent for abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit was defaced [yesterday] in the early morning hours by spray-painted swastikas and the Palestinian flag.
"The tent was built and maintained by Bedouin sheikh Salam Hozeil at Beit Kama [Junction] in the Northern Negev two years ago. According to Arutz Sheva, Hozeil witnessed what he believes to be young members of his tribe fleeing after committing the vandalism.
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| Hozeil being comforted |
"Local police are investigating the incident, and say that the vandals also defaced photographs of Shalit at the tent. Hozeil said that despite continued death threats from locals, which he believes are associated with Islamic Jihad, he will continue his advocacy until Gilad Shalit has been released from his Hamas captors."
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| Let's not forget the beauty of the Israeli newsman comforting the Arab! |
The latest edition of the Kehila Carnival is live at Esser Agaroth! As is The Best of the Jewish Blogosphere, Edition #303 of Haveil Havalim, over at Jack B.'s place.
6 comments:
Gorgeous. Zelem Elokim in action...
אהבתי
I would like to note that the Bedouins of the Northern Negev are stridently claiming that the Negev belongs to them and that the Jews should get off their land. Do you think this guy opposes that as well? Not likely.
Wow. I'd like to know more about how and why this exceptional man came to feel the way he does about Gilad Shalit, in opposition to so many of his fellow Arabs. Such a person should be recognized, lauded and thanked.
Good guys, in THIS world, often come in last. In the world to come, they'll shine. May it already happen! How much longer need we Jews, or good people, be belittled?
they really are just people, as human as us, with all different types mixed in. if you haven't yet read it, i highly reccomend the book son of hamas
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