“Hey, I saw you were treading on the Israeli flag at the rally against Israel.”
(a sight that left me incredulous. My batch mate, whom I thought had a more enlightened perspective on such matters, had just done it. I had to ask him, hoping for a plausible explanation.)
“Yes, it makes a difference.”
( he replied simply, leaving me in disbelief. I wanted to hear him say he was there to support his friends or any excuse that could make sense, but he offered none. It was clear that even he must have realized the shallowness of his response.)
Well, it’s been 13 years since this conversation when we were much younger, and social media wasn’t the potent force it is today. Back then, members of Jamaat-e-Islami at Karachi University often drew the Israeli flag on the road, and those who walked on it considered themselves champions of the Muslim world. However, my young mind couldn’t comprehend what difference it made when students, who were rarely part of any meaningful global discourse, stepped on a flag lying on the ground. The sad thing is that even after so many years, our situation has not improved; even our attitude to change our situation is still the same.
Fast forward to the present, and we witness the devastating bombardment of Israel over Palestine, which rampaged like a mad elephant in recent days. Once again, hearts are filled with sorrow and anger. As I see people boycotting Israeli products, religious parties staging protests on the city’s main highways while riding horses, and soft drinks being emptied into toilets, I can’t help but wonder, does all of this really matter?
Consider this: Israel is a technologically advanced market economy with a significant presence in high-tech equipment and pharmaceuticals. It boasts a robust economy, technological prowess, and global connections. Moreover, Israel excels in the standard of living, education, per capita income, and other human development indicators. It’s no wonder that many major countries continue to support Israel despite the criticisms it faces.
On the flip side, some of us merely litter our streets with soft drinks and wait for divine intervention. The truth is, this world can be a cruel place where justice is served only when it aligns with the interests of the powerful. Those who hold intellectual and financial influence call the shots, and until we rise to that level, hashtags, lengthy social media statuses, and emotionally charged videos amount to very little.
So, let this serve as a stark reminder to us all. To make a real impact, we must take meaningful action to ameliorate this dire situation. If we truly wish to be heard on the global stage, akin to Israel, we need to roll up our sleeves and work tirelessly to improve our economy, education, and technological industries.
Building a robust economy that transcends mere rhetoric requires concerted efforts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. We must invest in our educational systems, ensuring that our youth are equipped with the knowledge and skills to compete on a global scale. The development of a thriving technological industry takes time and strategic planning, but it is the key to our lasting influence in an interconnected world.
In the end, it might just be a more effective strategy than shedding the same tears after a few more years. It’s time to set our sights on long-term, sustainable change rather than short-lived symbolism. Only then can we truly make a difference and have a voice that resonates around the world.
