After the recent murders of three Israeli teens, allegedly by Hamas terrorists, followed by the revenge murder of an Arab teen, allegedly by right-wing radical Israelis, I read articles that quoted two family members from each side of the conflict. I was struck by their commonalities, which cried out for juxtaposition, to make a point.
The Israeli uncle of Naftali Fraenkel, and the Arab father of Muhammad Abu Khdeir BOTH shared similarly admirable, passionately pacifist words, despite the unimaginable tragedies they are both enduring since the murders of their boys:
Naftali Fraenkel’s uncle stated in response to Muhammad's killing, “Murder is murder. Whatever the nationality or age are, there is no justification, no forgiveness or penance for any murder.”
Muhammad Abu Khdeir's father stated, “I am against kidnapping and killing. Whether Jew or Arab, who can accept the kidnapping and killing of his son or daughter? I call on both sides to stop the bloodshed.”
If these two men, in the midst of such suffering, can maintain their ethics and not seek revenge, but peace, then what right do the ignorant haters on both sides of this ongoing conflict have to ignite further violence?! PEACE REQUIRES PLACING THE VALUE OF LIFE ABOVE ALL.
Shalom-Salaam-Peace!
