Syria's immediate neighbours are Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel. Since the bloodbath began, thousands and thousands of ordinary Syrian citizens have done what most of us would have done - they have escaped their country to save their lives. This has meant leaving behind homes, possessions, businesses, jobs, neighbours and children's schools.
I am sure that some rich Syrians have boarded planes and fled to the West or even to Russia but the masses haven't had that option. Their escape routes have simply led to those neighbouring countries.
Here are the current estimated figures for the destinations of Syrian refugees:-
Lebanon - 587,795
Turkey - 402,176
Iraq - 206,365
Jordan - 498,947
Israel - 0
Now I am not an anti-semite, even though I believe that all religions are bonkers, but I find it flabbergasting that the heart of Israel has not been opened to welcome a few thousand desperate Syrians - to do their bit for the folk next door. After all, with its historical American backing, Israel has grown into a thriving middle eastern country with the sort of wealth and infrastructure that could easily accommodate a good number of refugees. What use is religion if it isn't about helping your neighbours, displaying charity and kindness to those in need?
Perhaps it is the other way round -- perhaps no Syrians have wanted to flee to Israel because of all the propaganda they have been fed by radical Islamofascist leaders (and apparently believe) about Jews being vermin, pigs, need to be killed, pushed into the sea, etc., etc. I'm just sayin'....
ReplyDeleteI see your point but this could have been an opportunity for Israel to show another aspect of its character. A big refugee camp with utilities and home comforts near the Syrian border would surely have attracted many desperate Syrians.
DeleteIt is a desperate situation. It's a disgrace. I very much doubt that bombing Assad is the answer. The Jews, the Christians, the Hindus,the Muslims and all the odd ones that worship Prince Philip they should all be brought together and told that enough is enough. Our Queen could make a contribution by renouncing her position as the head of the C of E. We are a secular society to all intents.
ReplyDeleteI admire your stance on this but am fearful that it will make no difference. This is not a reason for you to stop trying. More a plea for you to redouble your efforts.
I just try to bury my head in the sand or mud. I feel too old.
Sometimes a spark can light a fire. If more and more of us raise questions we become like a tsunami.
DeleteI agree with you. I'll try and compose something as it's P...raining fit to bust here.
DeleteI'm glad I read this because I was on the fence about us bombing. Who knows how much "collateral damage," (I hate to use that term), there would be or how long it would take to get rid of Assad.
DeleteBut your point about the Israelis setting up a facility near the border to help is a very good idea. Mr. Obama should speak to them about that.
War in the name of religion is the easy way to mobilise the people. Showing the hand of compassion is for some, so much harder.
ReplyDeleteLLX
That's very true.
DeleteToo true, army padres, they should all rot and here. They promise heaven to killers. The Ayatollahs do much the same but with a few dozen virgins thrown in. No wonder we are in a mess whilst folk believe in hocus pocus or accept it as a panacea.
DeleteOddly, I find myself strangely attracted to Prince Philip worship...perhaps his cross to bear was marrying Elizabeth. And certainly he has been crucified in the press for his supposed philandering. We await his resurrection and ascension with joyful anticipation.
ReplyDeleteIf you were English, this comment would have constituted treason and you would have been sent to The Tower for radical head surgery. I, on the other hand, pay due respect to the American Royal family - King Barack, Queen Michelle and the two princesses. Praise Them!
DeleteI don't imagine that too many Muslims would be prepared to ask their dreaded enemies, the Jews, for any assistance whatsoever. Muslims look after Muslims (except in Syria, Iraq, Egypt, etc), and Jews look after Jews (the world over). Cynical? Maybe!
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't seem like taking one man out of the equation has made any difference in any of the other countries where this has happened recently. They are still a mess. YP, I think you are brilliant for pointing out this would have been a great opportunity for Israel to show itself as a good neighbor. Obviously it isn't really interested in that.
ReplyDelete