One blog that I occasionally visit called ‘Body On The Line‘ posted a news item about a group of Jewish teens/children targeting two Arab boys. BOTL’s point of view aside, what I found interesting was the comment by Attorney Yehuda Shushan – “there is no doubt that this incident must be dealt with from an educational point of view…” The original story is from the Haaretz.com.
“Educational.” That’s the key word as far as I’m concerned. I’m assuming of course, that the statement summarizes the need for youth(s) to be properly educated (rather than disciplined) on not only their actions and consequences, but on their rational/logic leading up to their decisions. And why education? Obviously because shaping the minds of children is a far easier feat than that of adults, and even for children who do wrong, there is a greater possibility of them ‘re-learning’ from the steps that led to their mistakes. Adults on the other hand …well, what’s that saying about teaching an old dog new tricks? It’s harder. But as much as adults lead by example, I think children too can exert great influence on the old.
Education’s aim should be on preventing the problem from reappearing in the future – but that’s the tricky part. How do you teach a child that people, who hate him for something he hasn’t done, should be treated with respect? How is the ‘golden rule‘ maintained when not only your life but the lives of your friends and family are at stake …threatened by a ‘group’ rather than an individual who sees you not for who you are personally, but for what you represent in a greater whole – your individuality being distorted by those who came before you as well as those who represent your ‘group’ currently. How can you educate in this manner, and under the real and obvious dangers/stresses in everyday middle-eastern (Israel-Palestine) life?
Education must be steered to these deeper matters if future actions/problems are to be prevented …or at least distilled somewhat. Working on these root issues is ultimately more important than zeroing in on the specifics of the deed itself, especially for those who are not yet involved or threatened …preparing them for the time when they will inevitably have to act or react. Preparing them for the possibility of having to make life-altering choices.
It’s a responsibility shared by all.
