World war 11 is remembered as the deadliest and most destructive in the history of mankind.  A rough estimate is that 72 million people died under various circumstances.  A reported figure of 20 million died due to famine and disease.  The then USSR, now Russia suffered the greatest loss, estimated at over 26 million people.

Ironically amongst the principles of the charter was:-

The desire to see all states living together in peace, free of fear or want. Freedom of movement.

Banning of violence, and a policy of disarmament.

The Second World War evidently made the world population aware of atrocities intolerable attributed to the human race.  Animals kill for reasons of survival and hunger.  Rarely does the same animal species kill the same species.  Humans kill their own in addition to other species as an inherent characteristic.  The Nazis killed an estimated 130 000 to 500 000 gypsies of various origins.  They also slaughtered an unknown number of different Christian denomination members.  Black people suffered gross brutality under Nazi occupation.  Abuses ranged from persecution to medical experimentation and murder.  History reveals the atrocities against black civilians continued for a period of 12 years, from 1933-1945.  The number of deaths unknown.

The war claimed lives in a host of countries.  Included in these countries are the Dutch East Indies, reportedly four million deaths.  Iran, Iraq, Spain and the Indian Empire which consisted of Bangladesh, Pakistan and India also suffered losses of various proportions.  Reportedly an estimated six million Jews were killed, known as the Holocaust.  Irrespective whether, Jews or Christians or Muslims were killed, the deaths were an injustice to the whole of mankind.  No death of anyone is a celebration. 

The beginning of this century has undoubtedly witnessed the deaths of million of Muslims.  Afghanistan, Iraq and the continuation of killings in occupied Palestine is what occupy the International Media.  The United Nations Security Council is ineffective in reaching any binding resolution on the conflict.  The USA, as a permanent member on the Security Council has veto wielding powers and therefore any discussion or proposal remain thus under discussion.  The existence of the veto and the power attach to it ensures the great powers continuation of dominating the International Community.  The other permanent members of the Security Council, Britain, China, France and Russia are veto locked with the absence of the USA.  All five permanent members have to vote unanimously for effect on any resolution.  The USA has the ability to move others with threats and influence.

The strength of the Israeli regime is a direct result of the United States

Each and every incoming president, in the tradition of Harry Truman, ensures the stability of the Israeli government and effectively the Israeli Defence Force.  With the establishment of the Jewish State in 1948, Truman said in response to being questioned on the instant support for the State of Israel that there are no Arabs in his constituency.  It was the American Jews who voted him into power, he lamented.  And still today the American Jews hold the power to sway the vote.  Hilary Clinton made it clear to Obama the importance of the State of Israel in her concession speech.  The implied message well received by Barack Obama.

Muslims all over the world are in solidarity with the Palestinians because of religion.  But the conflict is purely territorial.  A great many Jews living in Israel have very little or no interest in Judaism.  The availability of pork products all over Jerusalem bears evidence to that.  If both the Jews and Muslims reflect on the origin and the commonality between Islam and Judaism and the respect the Qur'an afford the prophets of the Jews, perhaps a better understanding will replace the mutual hatred by mutual respect and dignity towards each other.  The Holy sites in and around the city of Jerusalem is of significance to Jews, Christians and Muslims.  The same nation of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) that Allah, Almighty saved from the tyranny of Fir'oun is now an open opponent.  In the Qur'an Allah addresses the Jews:-

"O children of Israel!

Call to mind the special favor which I bestowed upon you,

And fulfill your covenant with me as I fulfill my covenant with you,

And fear none but me.

(Qur'an 2:40)

A very respectful manner unlike the manner such as:-

"You Jews; You vagabonds; You rebellious people!" (Deut. 9:7)

"You stiff-necked people!" (Exodus 33:5)

"You wicked and adulterous generation!" (Mathew 16:4)

"You brood of snakes!" (Luke 3:7).

Israel has defied all Intergovernmental Organizations agreements and resolutions. 

American dollars ensure Israel's military armaments are for maximum destruction.  The possession is enough threat for the surrounding Gulf States.  Financial Aid from oil rich Gulf States to the Palestinians is seriously curtailed.  The Israeli population is greatly outnumbered by the Palestinian population but the Israelis are better educated.  Lack of education is a reality that poor nations all identify with.  The same characteristic causes the Palestinians to be the lower socio economic sector.  It retards growth and development coupled with oppression. 

Financial aid is concentrated in areas of subsistence levels. But financial contributions do not relinquish our total duty towards the oppressed.  The oppressor always subjugates the oppressed to remain uneducated.  During the Apartheid era in South Africa, Hendrick Verwoerd, the primary architect of Apartheid, strategy was:-

"Educate the black just enough so he could deliver a letter"

Israel and South Africa share the same ideology of segregation and oppression.

Museums bear witness to the barbarity of the Nazi army.  The history will live forever.  South Africa's Apartheid past is being kept alive in history books taught to South Africans from primary school level.  The Canadian prime minister, Stephen Harper apologized to the indigenous people for removing their children and sending them to boarding schools.  The purpose: - "Kill the Indian in the child"

The only nation that suffered Hitler's gas chambers is continuing relentlessly the cycle of senseless killing.  For the sake of World Peace and an integrated World Society we all anxiously watch the world leaders exploring avenues for reconciliation.  We trust in what Allah says

"......despair not of the mercy of Allah....."

(Our'an 39:53).

  By Sister: Rabiah Talib Badroen
MuslimBridges Correspondent - South Africa

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