Farah Thakur

 

As I was walking down Shivaji Park on Independence Day I came across a group of cyclists and the first thing that caught my eye was the Muslim guy in beard wearing a cap and how harmoniously they all were cycling together. The first thought that crossed my mind was how lucky we are to live in an independent country like India where we can practice any religion that we wish to unlike the thought which I had in class two days back where I felt that maybe we are not completely free and even came up with reasons. But, the truth is we often confuse certain restrictions imposed by society on us with taking away our freedom from us. Then as I walked further I was greeted by empty roads, which is unlikely in a highly overpopulated city like Mumbai. An eerie feeling crept over me, as it reminded me of curfews that I have witnessed in the past which lead me to think about the recent war in Gaza and what the people there are going through since the last 60 years. It was hard for me to even imagine it. Since I have never been through anything like that.

 

Here is a small message for the people of Gaza:

It’s hard to believe that the Jews who came in as refugees now not only own the major portion of the land but have also made you refugees in your own country. You cultivated lands with your bare hands, no technology and being the daughter of a farmer I know the reverence that a farmer has for his soil. Israel thinks that they offered you a separate state and that if you refused it was not their fault.  I simply cannot understand how you can offer someone a piece of land in their own country? Since the last 60 years the map has changed considerably. I know it’s been a very painful journey and that you all want this to end. I know it is very easy for me to sit here in the comfort of my home and tell you to do things in a certain way. But, millions of lives have been lost and it’s high time to drop the guns. We all want peace. How is war going to get us peace? Is the need of acquiring more territory the selfish motive of the few who govern or is it something that you really wish to have? Start asking yourself all of these questions. I would love for you to write back to me and let me know not only what you feel but also what you want and what you think we can do to ease your pain and free you from this suffering.

I would also like you all to know that people all over the world of different religions are praying for this war to end, are praying for the safety and well-being of your family and friends and are praying that you can soon have a place which you can call a home. With prayer comes hope and with hope there is always a new beginning. As I prostrate myself in front of God today, I solely ask for peace and calm in your lives hoping that one day I will see you cycling away in harmony with the rest of the world.

 

A general message for everyone

I would love for anyone who is reading this to form a chain and remind the Israeli’s of their persecution, remind them of their holocaust experience, remind them where they took refuge, remind them of who sheltered them and least of all, remind them that we are humans first. DROP THE GUNS AND MAKE PEACE.