May the mezuzah indeed remind ...

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Rabbi Yaakov Raskin’s article “ The Mezuzah: A Sacred Guard on Jewish Doorposts”, eloquently explains the significance of the mezuzah. Placed strategically at entrances, it serves as a constant reminder of the commandment to love God with all one’s heart, mind and strength.

While Rabbi Raskin rightly celebrates this beautiful tradition, for many Palestinian there is literally no door on which they can hang articles of their faith. For nearly two years, Israel has relentlessly bombed Palestine destroying schools, hospitals and homes, and even the flimsy tents to which these displaced families have been reduced. Yet, do not all people deserve a home - a sanctuary in which to honour their faiths and celebrate traditions?

The failure of global leaders to halt this devastation is both shameful and deeply distressing. In fact, the most recent reports of a plan to forcefully remove all Palestinians from the territory to transform it into a tourist resort and technology hub signal the complete abandonment of international law and humanitarian norms.

Judaism and the state of Israel are distinct, however; the influence of the faith on the secular state is undeniable. For this reason, Jewish faith leaders worldwide have a responsibility to urge the state of Israel to end its cruel bombardment and expansionist project into Palestine.

At this crucial time, people of all faiths must provide the moral clarity required to confront this injustice. The continued slaughter of Palestinians and the destruction of their homes is morally reprehensible. May the mezuzah indeed remind the Jewish community, and all of us, to return to ‘the upward path’ and work to end the suffering of the displaced and oppressed everywhere. For true love of God must bear fruit in love for others.

MARIA MUTIDJO