Where is the outrage?

The devastation in the current Gaza-Israel confrontation is certainly worthy of the focus. Would that the world community (a.k.a. the United Nations) actually own up to its full responsibilities and obligations. 

However, there is the question of what has happened to the attention that should still be given to:

1. Syria. Has Mr. Assad suddenly stopped the internal genocide he has unleashed?

2. The “Moderate” Arab Nations: They have been largely responsible — for decades — starting with the denunciation of the U.N. Partition Plan (1947) that would have obviated all the tragedy that has resulted. Israel embraced that two-state solution without reservation. 

What of the Jews who were driven from their ancient homeland in those countries — without any compensation for their land or possessions? Have the Madrassas of Saudi Arabia stopped teaching their brand of distorted history and hate, so that “Israel” does not even appear in print or exist on the maps in their textbooks? The Saudis decry ISIS; don’t they realize that it is they who helped create their own Frankenstein?

3. Iran, Hezbollah, etc. Has the flow of weaponry and hateful fundamentalism — well financed by oil revenues while their own citizenry is deprived of basic necessities — ceased?

4. What of the Uighurs? And other minorities living under the Chinese imperium?

5. Africa: Where is the spotlight on the severe and deadly persecutions in a number of African Republics? (Need we detail Nigeria, Sudan, Rwanda, et. al.?)

6. What shall be done with Vladimir Putin who envisions himself as the reincarnated Peter/Catherine the Great?

7. The resurgence of neo-Nazi parties and their strong showing at the polls. 

In the essence, the focus always seems to return to that age old convenient target: Israel (aka Jews, Zionists, the “Israel Entity”)

I

t is quite obvious that I am a Jew, pro-Israel. But it is also true that I do not hold Israel blameless. Serious mistakes are made by all nations and governments — including the U.S. (Iraq; Afghanistan). I am a proud U.S., first generation citizen whose parents escaped the pogroms of the old Soviet Union. 

They were among the millions who arrived at Ellis Island imbued with the spirit and promise beautifully stated by Emma Lazarus. (My name is proudly engraved at Ellis Island, having been a donator of original documents when the facility first re-opened.)  My late brother was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge at the ripe age of 20. (I am lucky: I was called — via the draft – to serve between the Korean and Vietnam Wars.) 

I am also an avid student of history; one who continually strives to discern History from “His-Story.”

It is always natural to try to cast blame upon a perpetrator(s). I would offer a judgment attributed to one Jesus of Nazareth: “Let he who is blameless cast the first stone.” 

Seymour Siegel is a Riverdale resident.