Hi my friends. While my views on the troubles in the middle east are on the record, I really want to make it clear that Im not anti Muslim. I am anti Terrorism. Life is precious and while I am vocal on a pro Israel footing I am, like you, hopeful that peace returns to the middle east. I am lucky enough to have some fabulous Muslim friends who I both like and respect. During the last few days, Ive seen some anti Muslim comments appear, which concerns me. Behind the scenes, Ive written messages and asked for their removal. In other cases Ive not liked comments. Im not anti Muslim. I am anti Terrorism. From what I understand, Islam is a peaceful faith, but sadly some use the faith as a vehicle for radicalism. That doesnt fly with my set of values. The news services comment pages are full of hate posts against Israel. From 14 year old girls in Mindanao Philippines across the entire Muslim diaspora. Then there are the westerners doing the same. What does one say after reading people calling for the death of all Jews and the demise of Israel? Yet there are no calls for the death of all Muslims by Jews. There are some horrible comments made by third parties which I dont support. Though these are just words, I am saddened that the problems in Gaza are polarizing the world and I while am guilty of adopting a position of publicly supporting Israel, I dont apologise for that. But I have friends and family in Israel. There are 22 Islamic countries and one Jewish state. Just one. One is fine. This is a big planet and there are few borders today that match borders of a 500 year old map. What I am guilty of is being passionate and in that passion, perhaps I have been dispassionate towards the people of Gaza. In discussions Ive had, I have (over and over) been asked by my friends to explain the Gaza thing. It is an honour to be asked and I try to explain it as fairly as possible. I dont sugar coat it and I try to do so fairly. I even start by saying Im Jewish because bias is inherently part being of being human. That said I explain honestly. If I could change the world I would ask for peace both in Gaza and around the world. Sadly I dont have that power, but I genuinely hope that peace returns to the world and that the radicals and terrorists are dethroned. Be you Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Atheist or any of the faiths of the world, I ask that everyone takes a breath and joins me in hoping for peace. Baruch hashem Inshaallah Holy trinity Or whatever one says in your faith. Lets not hate different faiths. Muslims are people too. Dont let the radicals colour your views on of the peaceful majority. After all, humanitys differences are our greatest strength. If we let them.... Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts. Please LIKE and SHARE if you want world peace. David Silverman Perth Australia
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 13:40:19 +0000