Don’t just swallow propaganda

I would like to commend Pastor Nel Sewraj and the ACDP for the brave stand they took, in being the lone voice to oppose this pro-Palestinian march.
Brave, because the dominant hegemony of the day is to hate Israel and pity Palestinians. We have been fed a diet of one-sided propaganda, from the mainstream media which focuses only on Palestinian losses and ignores the fact that Hamas has been continuously firing rockets into Israel from schools and hospitals. Using human shields is an exposed part of Hamas’ tactic. The Israeli Defence Force has gone to great lengths to minimise civilian loss, by texting people in the targeted area, phoning them, dropping leaflets, and finally dropping dummy bombs to warn the people in these buildings. It’s heartbreaking to see children and women killed and injured, but, one has to ask why most people do not leave, despite these warnings?
Equating Israel to Apartheid South Africa is another clever propaganda tactic. Israel is the only fully functioning democracy in the Middle East, with Palestinians admitted and integrated into all levels of Israeli life (including Knesset), if they are prepared to live peacefully in Israel. The “Wall” which separates Israel from the West Bank, bears testimony to the fact that Israel is a country not much larger that the Kruger Park, surrounded by people who wish to see it “wiped off the face of the earth”.
Christians have to see that according to the Bible, God has made it clear regarding treatment of the Jewish people and Israel, “I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you, I will curse.” (Genesis 12:3). We will be judged as individuals and as a nation, on how we treat God’s people.
I would simply like South Africans to apply their minds and do some research, instead of simply swallowing what the powers that be, would have us swallow. I for one, will be thinking very carefully before I cast my vote in future elections.
HEIDI KANTOR
Ballito