On Thursday afternoon (30-07-15) during the gay pride parade in Jerusalem, six people were stabbed brutally by an orthodox extremist Jewish man, who believes that the LGBT community is an abomination that needs to be extinguished. Unfortunately one of the victims; a 16 years old teenager, Shira Banki, did not survive the brutal attack and died a few days later. Shira was murdered in cold blood by a Jewish terrorist, a despicable person.
This is not the first time that this kind of incident takes place. There is an ongoing tension between the orthodox community and the LGBT community for years. This is especially noticed when it comes to the pride parade in Jerusalem, some orthodox people consider it a huge damage to the holy city. What was really shocking this time was the unbelievable fact that this terrorist is actually the same guy, who did the same crime 10 years ago in the gay pride parade in Jerusalem too. He has been in prison for the last 10 years, and has been just released from jail 3 weeks ago. The police failed “big time” and here again we witness the result of extreme hate and ignorance which is expressed by radical religious people.
As if this horrible crime was not enough, only a few hours later, other Jewish extremists, decided to carry out their faith. In a brutal and barbaric act, they burned a house in a Palestinian village, while the whole family was sleeping inside. The family’s one and a half year old baby, Ali Saad Dawabsha, was burned to death, and his parents and brother are in critical condition with almost 90% burns. There are no words that can describe this horrifying and shocking violence!! How can people actually do such things? The terrorists sprayed the word “revenge” all over the house. What do they mean by revenge? Is it because of the two houses that were destroyed in an illegal settlement a few days before? How is it exactly a Palestinian family’s fault? I am completely shocked that such terrorists are part of the Jewish people.
In my opinion, both crimes express the harsh atmosphere in Israel. They show us again and again that words can cause actions. We can see how society, media and politicians all contribute to a frightening atmosphere where everything is legitimate. It creates a society that doesn’t tolerate different nationality, race, or sexual orientation. These few extremists destroy us and our whole society.
I really do believe that in order to respect and learn to live in peace with our neighbors, we must learn to live with ourselves before. Even though there might be disagreements, I think the two incidents are connected and we must see the big picture. There is still a long road ahead of us…
I wish a fast recovery for all the people who were injured in these hate crimes. May it never happen again! And for Shira Banki and Ali Saad Dawabsha, may their souls rest in peace.
Dear Ronie,
I guess maybe the majority of jewish Israëli condemn these two facts. The title is wrong: According to which vocabulary you use, at least one of the killings toke place in Palestine. I would like if you comment also on the three killings of the IOF (Israëli Occupying Forces) since then. Just mentioning the two killings looks like “feeling good demonstration”.
Dear Fennie,
First you are right about the title,which I didn’t give. And I would ask from the website editor to correct it.
Second, this blog was written before the other incidents you refer too took place (just on Thursday night) and this is the reason they are not mentioned here.
It doesn’t mean I ignore them or find them less horrible.
There is not always need to jump into conclusions without knowing the facts behind it….
Ronie.