I’ve been feeling frustrated about this whole disaster in the middle east and all the people whose lives have been thrown into absolute turmoil through no fault of their own. It has been bothering me that there have been no rallies, no demonstrations, no outcries of rage or injustice or sorrow from the world; just weary resignation and a wait-and-see attitude.
I felt less helpless and discouraged when I got an email from Ida on Tuesday letting me know there would be an Amnesty International vigil at the War Memorial at 8:00. I arrived at 7:50 and there was nobody there except the usual tourists.
Here’s a little tourist with a camera:
I was about ready to head home, figuring somehow there had been a miscommunication. But then I saw Ida and 3 of her friends arrive and start painting a sign. Only a dozen people showed up, but I felt happy every time a Lebanese cab driver honked at us or flashed us a peace sign.
I took this picture:
And I’m IN this picture – I’m the short one, third from the right.
Tonight I was in my corner store and I asked Mike, the owner, if his family back home was okay. He said “So far, but there have been bombs near their village. We never know from one day to the next if they will be safe. But so far they have been safe.” And then he looked at me and said in a truly heartfelt way, “Thank you very much for asking.”
It seems such a small thing to do, to stand with a lit candle by a sign that says “Ceasefire now,” or to ask someone if their family is safe – but it means a great deal to people whose families are in danger on the other side of the world. Especially when it seems the world does not care.
I believe the world still cares
and there have been demonstrations and such all over the globe. For a short summary go here
But still your little vigil was just another way of showing the world that people still care. Thank you
Thanks for the link Dakota. I know there have been *some* actions around the world, but I guess I’m comparing it to 2003 when the US invaded and occupied Iraq. There were constant demonstrations back then, and many of them were huge – hundreds of thousands of people. Compared to that, the world seems so feeble and indifferent about what’s happening in Lebanon right now.
I didn’t even know that Mike has family and friends in Lebanon – I certainly will tell him that I’m sending good wishes their way. Thank you for letting us know!
Your entry just caused a chain reaction. I read it and thought about Albert – the owner of our local pizza spot. Then it reminded me of a woman named Hedy that gave me a brochure at a garden party a few Sunday’s ago. I ran out to the car (part filing cabinet) and located the brochure.
I just emailed her and I’ll let you know what happens next.
Michelle, the name ‘Mike’ should have been a dead giveaway that he’s Lebanese. 😉
Tw, I love the idea of starting a chain reaction – definitely let me know how your Lebanese connections respond to your inquiries.