Israeli Apartheid Week 2009

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to attend Norman Finkelstein's lecture at KUL (Catholic University of Leuven). Although the announced subject was related to what can be learned from Gandhi to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he actually spoke about the recent massacre of Gaza. He has obviously his own view, probably gave his own spin to all facts. Nevertheless, he spoke about facts.

Long time ago, I was a blind supporter of the State of Israel and its actions against Palestinians. I believed naively, as I was taught, that Israel's State was the fulfillment of Old Testament promises, that God had a 'special deal' with Israel, and that nobody should even question Israel's actions, because nobody should 'speak against the elected people of God'. Furthermore, I was taught that Palestinians were cursed by God.

I believed lies. And I am so sorry for that...

Anyway, my small contribution today: one voice for the peace between Israel and Palestina. I still believe that JUSTICE precedes PEACE. And I still believe that the actual hope for both Israel and Palestine is the Messiah, Jesus, the Eternal King. He comes bringing restorative justice!

Mourning for the victims

"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." Matthew 5.38-48 (The Message)