Opportunistically Sympathetic

Many of us are concerned and sympathetic towards any human misery. While we may not have any blood relation with them, our human spirit simply does not allow us to look the other way. When tragedy occurs, our thoughts will be with those who ensure difficulties and challenges arising from natural disasters or disasters arising from our own conducts or behaviours.

We all know the Palestinians have been suffering from calamities for many many years. We may have different views of their situation, the fact remains that they are deprived of their rights in their own land and they world stood by watching as if there is nothing more that they could do.

In Muslim countries such as Malaysia, issues relating to Palestine would certainly evoke emotional reactions, especially from the Malays. While they themselves may not necessarily behave like good Muslims, they will go very far when it comes to dealing with Palestinian matters. 

Baitulmaqdis is the first Qiblah for the Muslims and any attempts to change the status of this holy land would not be accepted sympathetically. It is interesting to note the three Abrahamic religions have many things in common about this place but somehow the followers are not able to reconcile their differences even until today.

Unfortunately, this is also a weak spot that is exploited by people who need to be popular. By being champions of Palestinian issues, crooks will be seen as heroes. The emotional attachment of the society towards Palestinians will make them forget the behaviours and conducts of these champions who could be behaving similarly with those who causes the Palestinians to suffer.

In seasons when popularity is important, we will see people wearing Keffiyeh around their necks. Many people will be organising fund raising events to help the Palestinians although they could be lending tacit support to the other side through their misbehaviours. Are these people opportunists? Only Allah knows!