Thoughts Along the Path . . .

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In August, after spending 30 minutes on a treadmill while watching tv news, I shared the idea that nothing seems to be truly “new.” And then I explored what I want to see in the news: a peaceful world, a recovering environment, cures for diseases, universal education, justice for all, clean water and air, and so on. So here I am again, just a few months later, still wondering about the news. What do you think?

Let’s start with what is perhaps the most compelling, most dramatic “news” today: the war between Israel and Hamas. But is that new? Sadly, it is yet another example of “us vs. them” thinking; of ambiguity between right and wrong; of innocents being caught in the crossfire; of old grudges being militarized; of politics overriding compassion; of possible distortion of facts – just to mention a few characteristics of current events.

I lived in Haifa, Israel from 1986-1994, which included the Persian Gulf War. Granted that details, especially the intensity, of the wars are different, yet some points are similar. I lived under the threat of attack, resided temporarily in a bomb shelter, carried a gas mask at all times, was trained in emergency procedures, was ever watchful for nation-wide sirens, had movement curtailed, saw rocket intercepts overhead, and more. Among the differences is the fact that we were aware of the possibility of attack for a few months, which allowed a high level of preparation and personal adjustments.

Why was I living in Haifa then? I was a volunteer at the world headquarters of the Baha’i Faith. Our headquarters being there has nothing to do with politics or nationalism or anything remotely resembling that. In fact, the Faith’s spiritual and administrative center was established in 1868 in the twin cities of Acre and Haifa as a consequence of Baha’u’llah (the prophet-founder of the Baha’i Faith) being banished to Palestine by the Ottoman authorities. For many years a political prisoner in Iran, exiled to Iraq, and eventually imprisoned in Palestine, Baha’u’llah’s story is well documented and as dramatic as any Hollywood movie studio could ever imagine.

The presence of Baha’is in today’s Israel must be seen as a politically neutral act. We do not take sides, and we do not engage in controversy or speculation. Rather, our awareness of the disunity that characterizes our times, and that sometimes manifests in war and other savage actions, motivates us in our efforts to build a just and peaceful world, free of all prejudices.

During my years there, we were encouraged to appreciate Israel’s beauty and culture even as we became acquainted with the residents who were our neighbours and colleagues. But we never got involved in politics, policy, or issues. That practice is not subject to change, as confirmed even now by Rayyan Vejdani, who grew up here in Ayr and is presently in Haifa as a volunteer. As one of several youth and adults from Ayr who have volunteered at the Baha’i World Centre for various lengths of time, Rayyan is now in his third year with plans to remain for another two.

Rayyan and his co-workers are not indifferent to the anguish of people on both sides, and his life is not as it used to be. He has to conform to certain safety protocols, his travel is restricted, he is aware of risk at any moment. Though he has the option of returning home to Ayr, he has a strong desire to remain there, regarding his work as an act of service, meaningful in our difficult times. Like all Baha’is throughout the world, he believes in the future.

What about you? You don’t have to be a Baha’i to imagine the fulfillment of these words from Baha’u’llah: “These fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come.” Between now and then, Rayyan and others in Haifa will do their work with love and compassion for all. And the rest of us, wherever we are, can dedicate our efforts for the betterment of society, trusting that our deeds and our words will have a positive impact on the world, too.

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