Haitian Baby Israel

Set up in an industrial park, a staff of 121 Jewish medics provided a field hospital for a relentless stream of victims from the Haitian disaster. Meanwhile, other units were engaged in rescue ministry. Having lived in Jerusalem for four years, it came as no surprise that the Jewish concern for life would be expressed in so manifest a manner.

As if to reward their efforts, Gubilande Jean Michel gave birth to a baby boy, who she appreciatively named Israel. The Jewish staff described this as one of the most fulfilling moments in their endeavor.

This was not the first time they had been called upon to minister in the wake of natural disasters. Ten times previously they were engaged in disaster relief. "We have the capacity to help," Bar-Tal observed. "We know how to bring medicine to the field."

This brings to mind the unrelenting criticism of Israel as an oppressive state. The point at issue is complicated, but it helps to bear in mind that there are conflicting motifs implicated. As for the Jewish people, the Holocaust is paramount. Accordingly, this becomes a struggle for survival. As for the predominantly Muslim Arab community, the Crusades linger in its collective memory. Consequently, persons feel compelled to drive out usurpers, the Jews being cast in this light.

There is little room for negotiation. I was criticized from time to time by both Jews and Arabs. "Whose side are you on?" one person pressed me. When I replied that I was concerned for the general good, he exclaimed: "That won't work here!"

Perhaps more revealing, a Hamas spokesmen pointedly remarked: "While they advocate life, we advocate death. Consequently, we shall win." While not meant as a compliment, it acknowledged the Jewish concern for life.

It is not that the Israelis are without fault. They, nonetheless, should not be held to a standard that differs from other nations. In this regard, they have for the most part made a serious effort to minimize civilian casualties. It could be argued that America has had less success in this area.

All things considered, baby Israel serves as a reality check. "The Israelis, who have a lot of battlefield experience, also have a lot of battlefield hospital experience," former president Bill Clinton observed. "I'm profoundly grateful to the Israelis, they're doing a great job." Likewise pertinent is a book I authored some time ago entitled The Elder Brother: A Christian Alternative to Anti-Semitism.

 

» left by Carol Allen Anfinsen⁽¹⁾ (2 years 93 days ago.)

I enjoyed reading your article about a very complex problem. I'll certainly check out your book!

Respond to this comment