Calls for peace, both abroad and closer to home as well how we should judge society

IOL News

20-05-2025

Let there not be silence
The name of Israel's latest offensive in Gaza is codenamed Gideon's Chariots.
For some historical context, Gideon was a biblical figure who led the Jews in their battle against the Midianites, who were connected to the Amalekites. To make things clearer, Palestinians are identified as contemporary Amalekites, which means that according to the twisted logic of Israel, the killing of Palestinian women, men and children is somehow justified.
Just as Jehovah sanctioned the killing of all Amalekites by the ancient Jews, it appears that Israel feels obliged to do the same. Whether or not the name of the military assault is simply an attempt at dark humour, it doesn't really matter.
At the time of writing, Gideon's Chariots has begun, albeit with tanks instead of chariots. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed over the past 48 hours and all functioning hospitals in Northern Gaza are out of service. The details of the latest offensive lack the power to evoke anymore shock or surprise. The military wishes to carve up Gaza into military zones.
Over 300 000 Palestinians have been forced to evacuate their homes. For over 75 days, not a single ounce of aid has entered Gaza. Mainstream media is not showing people the bloody and heartbreaking images streaming out of Gaza and thus many people are left in the dark. For many Palestinians, hope has never been fainter.
Bisan Owda, the award-winning journalist from Gaza appealed to the people of the world to lobby their governments and the public to put pressure on Israel and its allies to end the war. We need to keep up with the protests, the boycotts and the pressure on our government. The Israeli embassy must be shut down and we must not allow any person entrance into our country if they hold an Israeli passport.
For over 18 months the calls have been getting louder and louder. Soon, there will be silence; it will be too late. | Z Khan Durban
They should be removed from society
The mass shooting of 8 people in Umlazi has jolted the entire country.
The latest incidents have left the nation in horror-struck convulsion. These ghastly deeds have shocked the collective conscience of society. This senseless massacre was committed in an extremely brutal, grotesque, diabolical, revolting and dastardly manner.
The gravity of these heinous crimes depicts hair-raising, beastly and unparalleled behaviour. These animals must be removed from society. They depict extreme mental perversion not worthy of human condonation.
Our courts and the criminal justice system needs to instill faith in society by adopting a zero-tolerance policy. Inaction will have a grave impact on our social order. We have only to feel the volume of empathy and communal suffering that these heinous crimes have kindled. Civilians are inconsequentially in the way of these atrocities. Fear and paranoia have engulfed our inner being. The community must declare criminals who murder, Hostis humani generis (Latin for 'enemy of mankind'). | FAROUK ARAIE Benoni
We need to bridge this great divide
As a concerned citizen of South Africa, I'm writing to urge, in fact I pray for, peace and reconciliation between India and Pakistan.
The ongoing tensions between the two nations have led to immense human suffering, economic losses, and geopolitical instability.
So unnecessary. It's essential to acknowledge the shared cultural heritage, historical ties, and geographic proximity that bind our nations. Dialogue, empathy, and cooperation can pave the way for a peaceful resolution of disputes.
I appeal to leaders on both sides to prioritise diplomacy, people-to-people contact, and mutual understanding. By working together, we can address common challenges like poverty, climate change, and terrorism.
Let's strive for a brighter future where Indians and Pakistanis can live in peace, prosperity, and harmony. | SABER AHMED JAZBHAY Durban
Teach children to care for animals
IT IS SO sad to read about animals being cruelly treated. As Gandhi said 'you judge a country and its people on how it treats its animals'.
We can't hold our head up in South Africa. We read on a monthly basis about dreadful cruelties to man's best friend and of course other animals such as cart horses etc.
A recent newspaper article about Jack, a black cross breed who has known nothing but suffering his whole life, is a case in point. He has lived his life on a chain tethered to misery at a Grassy Park, Cape Town, home. I never understand the point of having a dog chained all day. It can't act as a watch dog as it can't get loose.
But the sad thing is over the years this poor dog has been on a tight chain biting into his neck with a festering wound (how painful), had anaemia, was underweight and infested with parasites.
Why did no one ever blow the whistle to the authorities? Visitors must have come to the home, neighbours must have seen what was going on? Communities need to be more involved when they see cruelty.
They can ring authorities without giving their name if they are worried about retribution. We need to have more classes at schools that teach children how to look after their animals. I've always said in this world we live in today we just need to have one commandment we all abide by: 'Do unto others as you would have done unto you'. Life would be so much better. | Barbie Sandler Constantia
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