Simplify

As we come to the end of Ramadhan, it is always good to reflect on the past month and what lessons we can take from it going forward.

The school I work for was very fortunate to have been part of something truly amazing and beautiful this year. Our headmaster was approached by a group of philanthropists and asked whether they could run a food kitchen from our school premises for every night of the fast - so that they could invite the less fortunate families in the area for a meal.

A colleague remarked to me today that this month made her more aware of certain realities. Things we are aware of, but maybe not very consciously so. And she said to me that through this endeavour, and through witnessing the atrocities being committed in Gaza, it really hit home how bad some of these families' circumstances were, and what extremely privileged lives we lead.

It echoed what I have been feeling for a very long time...that our lives are a luxury compared to many others. Do we really need half of the things we have? Do we have the right to complain? About anything?

I will keep asking myself these questions.

And my intention going forward, bearing in mind that there are hoards of people with so much less than I have, is to try and simplify my life as much as possible...and to be inordinately grateful for all that I have.

Well Done Chile!

https://twitter.com/Ian56789/status/491541198096437250

Well done Chile!
As always, a South American country is willing to do what no one else will...the right thing.

Gaza - Humanitarian crime at its worst

I am not one to watch the news. However, the situation in Gaza is absolutely shocking and prompted me to do some research into what sparked this particular episode in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

I found that this was caused by allegations that three Israeli teenagers were kidnapped and murdered by Palestinians (or Hamas). To my understanding, no concrete evidence was found to verify this allegation. The result of what ensued stands thus:
More than 220 deaths and almost 2000 seriously injured - 1 death and 4 injuries in Israel and the rest in Palestine, of which an alarming amount are children.

Now, as a Muslim, I am appalled at the atrocities being inflicted on my Palestinian brothers and sisters. Make no mistake, I would be equally appalled if there were any Israeli child-victims (and I am sincerely grateful that there aren't any).
But what disgusts me even more is that the world is placing blame instead of addressing the red elephant in the room: children are dying unnecessarily. This is not simply political or religious conflict - this is humanitarian crime at its worst.
The world was up in arms when Hitler massacred thousands of innocent and defenseless people. Is this not what Israel is doing now?
And whether you are a Muslim or a Jew, pro-Israeli or pro-Palestine, NOTHING justifies killing children.

To the US and UN - by standing by and doing nothing, when you have the power to prevent further conflict, you are enabling and supporting war and humanitarian crimes. The blood of these innocent people and children are on your hands.

I do...

This post is dedicated to my new Twuddies (Twitter Buddies)... @HiddlesTigress @Debsloth1 @S_Absolem @tomschesthairs @HiddlesEducates @KGullic @HiddlestonedZ

It's nice to know I am not alone in my quirks...and despite the fact that our initial contact was through our shared obsession with Tom, it is really nice getting to know 'real' things about all of you :)

I do, indeed, cherish you all :))