All Blog Articles, arranged here by Year and Month.

Self-Reliance and Responsibility in Life's Journey

The idea that “you are born alone, and you die alone” has always resonated with me on a deep level. By "alone" I mean that you arrive, locked into that body which is now detached and "on its own" from now on. Similarly, at the end is when your personal light goes out with the last breath. It’s a reminder of the solitary nature of our existence and the realization that, ultimately, I am responsible for my own journey through life. It doesn’t mean I devalue relationships or community; I cherish those deeply. But it highlights the importance of self-reliance, self-awareness, and taking personal responsibility for my actions. Prem Rawat, whose teachings about peace and inner fulfilment I admire, often emphasizes how we must turn inward and rely on ourselves to navigate life’s challenges.

My Journey of Self-Reliance

Through Rawat’s teachings, I’ve learned to appreciate the power of self-reliance. From the moment we are born, we are equipped with everything we need to face life’s ups and downs—our thoughts, emotions, and the ability to make choices. It’s easy to get lost in the pursuit of external validation, constantly looking for happiness or guidance outside ourselves. I’ve done it more times than I’d like to admit, seeking approval from others or trying to fit into societal expectations. But Rawat’s message reminds me that I have all the tools I need within myself.

Learning to trust my inner voice has been a game-changer. I’ve realized that true contentment doesn’t come from chasing what’s outside, but from connecting with my inner strength. This isn’t about isolating myself from the world but about recognizing that I am my constant companion, and the only person I can truly control is myself.

Practising Self-Control Every Day

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve embraced from Prem Rawat is the importance of self-control. I can’t control what happens around me, but I can control how I respond. That’s a lesson I’ve had to learn over and over. There have been moments when I’ve let my emotions get the best of me, reacting impulsively or letting stress take over. But through mindfulness and introspection, I’ve started to better understand the transient nature of my thoughts and feelings.

By taking a step back and observing my emotions instead of getting swept away by them, I’ve found a new level of calm. It’s not always easy, but this self-mastery empowers me to make conscious decisions rather than be driven by fleeting impulses. It’s a reminder that every action I take is a choice, and those choices shape my reality.

Taking Responsibility for My Actions—and the Planet

Prem Rawat’s message isn’t just about personal growth; it’s also about the responsibility we each hold in facing the world’s challenges, like climate change. This hits home for me. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of global issues, thinking that my actions are just a drop in the ocean. But Rawat’s teachings have helped me see that my daily choices matter. Each of us has a role to play, and I’ve learned that I can’t just wait for others to take action.

Whether it’s reducing waste, conserving energy, or making more conscious decisions about what I consume, I try to remember that my actions have an impact. It’s not about being perfect, but about taking responsibility for my footprint on this planet. Every small effort adds up, and by doing what I can, I’m contributing to a collective effort to avert disaster.

Embracing My Solitude as Empowerment

The idea of being born and dying alone used to feel a bit daunting to me, even sad. But over time, I’ve started to see it as a source of empowerment. Solitude doesn’t have to mean loneliness; it’s a chance to connect deeply with myself. In quiet moments of reflection, I find the space to understand my true desires, fears, and values without the noise of the outside world.

I’ve learned to appreciate the present moment, as Rawat often speaks about. Being fully aware of the here and now helps me find peace that isn’t dependent on anyone or anything else. It’s this presence that allows me to engage with life more authentically, free from the constant pull of past regrets or future worries.

It is teaching me the true meaning of "there but for the grace of God, go I". In fact, it harks back to my teenage times as a card-holding member of an anarchist group, where I understood the term "Anarchy" to mean personal responsibility and with respect for your fellow-humans. At that time it made sense, but no experience. Now it makes sense as that is what I try to practice with my fellow-travellers.

Conclusion: My Path to Inner Peace and Responsibility

Prem Rawat’s teachings have been a guide in reminding me that my most important relationship is with myself. By nurturing self-reliance, practising self-control, and embracing my solitude, I’ve found a deeper sense of purpose and peace. But it’s also about taking responsibility—both for my actions and for the world around me. Climate change is a stark reminder that each of us needs to step up, every day, in whatever small ways we can.

This journey inward has taught me that true freedom and responsibility lie within. I am the one steering my life, and every decision I make counts. So, I’ll keep working on being the best version of myself—not just for me, but for the world we all share.

No Bread, Just Games: The Urgent Need for Genuine Action on Climate Change

As the world grapples with the mounting and undeniable impacts of climate change, it becomes increasingly clear that the need for massive, transformative change is urgent. However, initiating meaningful change is inherently difficult, especially when it involves altering established systems, lifestyles, and behaviours. One of the fundamental reasons behind this inertia is that, generally, people only change when they are personally affected. This applies not only to the general public, but also to leaders in politics and business—those who have the power and resources to drive the necessary changes but are often the least directly impacted by the consequences of climate change.

Leaders and decision-makers often enjoy lifestyles that insulate them from the immediate effects of climate crises. While communities around the globe face devastating weather events, crop failures, and resource shortages, those at the top remain largely buffered from these challenges. This distance from the realities of climate impact results in a disconnect between the urgent need for action and the response—or lack thereof—by those in power. The political and business elite are more focused on maintaining their status quo and appeasing their constituencies or shareholders than addressing a problem that does not seem to directly threaten their immediate interests.

For these leaders, it is not a matter of ignorance. Most are well-informed about the risks and the science of climate change. However, without personal stakes in the crisis, the drive to make difficult and often unpopular decisions is lacking. Until these leaders feel the threat bearing down on them, either through personal experience or overwhelming public pressure, the changes needed remain largely aspirational rather than actionable. They continue to make the "right noises"—speaking about climate commitments, sustainability, and green policies—but these often amount to token gestures. Symbolic actions like signing agreements or setting distant targets can easily placate public demand without requiring substantial shifts in behaviour, policy, or economic strategy.

This issue is compounded by the need for climate action to involve all people at all levels. The less informed tend to take no notice of climate warnings and carry on with business as usual, not realizing or choosing to ignore the potential risks to their lives and futures. Meanwhile, a large portion of those who are informed enough to understand the gravity of the situation are often caught in a state of lethargy. Acknowledging the problem is one thing, but moving beyond acknowledgment to the point of action requires an additional push—often a personal experience or a clear and present danger. For many, the danger remains abstract or distant, failing to provoke the necessary urgency for change.

Ironically, those who are directly affected by climate change, such as communities facing severe droughts, floods, or storms, are the ones whose cries for action are most often reduced to mere noise. They call for urgent and meaningful interventions, but these calls often fall on deaf ears or, at best, result in minimal actions from leaders who prefer to avoid the political and economic risks of radical change. This tokenism satisfies neither the affected populations nor the long-term need for sustainability.

The effect of this widespread inaction and superficial response is beginning to show up everywhere, especially in the form of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns disrupting global food supplies. As climate change continues to escalate, we are inching closer to a "no bread, just games" scenario. In this context, "bread" symbolizes not just the food supply, but all essential resources needed for survival. At the same time, "games" represent distractions and superficial solutions that divert attention from the real and urgent need for systemic change. If this trend continues, humanity faces a grim future where even basic necessities become scarce, while leadership continues to offer little more than empty promises and distractions.

The core realization here is that humans, including our leaders, do not tend to act unless they are personally affected or at least perceive an imminent threat to themselves or their interests. If the political and business elite could see beyond their insulated realities and recognize that they, too, are at risk—perhaps not today, but inevitably in the near future—the inertia blocking significant climate action might begin to break. However, waiting for that moment when the impact is undeniable and unavoidable may be too late for meaningful intervention.

Humans cannot live by "bread"—or "money" in this analogy—alone. A sustainable future requires comprehensive and forward-looking approaches that balance immediate needs with long-term security. It calls for informed and engaged citizens to demand more than tokenism, and for leaders willing to prioritize the future over the comforts of today. It is only when everyone, from the common citizen to the highest leader, truly grasps that their own future is at stake that we will see the decisive, transformative actions required to mitigate the climate crisis.

Why is There So Little Real Justice in the World Today?

Justice is a fundamental pillar of any society that aims to be fair, equitable, and civilized. Yet, in today’s world, the perception persists that genuine justice is elusive, if not altogether absent. From systemic inequalities to the failure of legal institutions, multiple factors contribute to why real justice seems so scarce in the modern world.

Systemic Inequalities and Power Imbalances

One of the primary reasons for the lack of real justice today is systemic inequality. Societies around the world are often structured in ways that privilege certain groups over others based on race, gender, class, or other characteristics. This inequality manifests in economic disparities, educational opportunities, and access to resources, including legal representation. For example, in the United States, studies have shown that African Americans are more likely to be arrested, charged, and receive harsher sentences compared to their white counterparts for the same crimes. The powerful and wealthy often have the means to manipulate legal systems to their advantage, while marginalized groups face significant barriers in seeking justice. As a result, justice becomes a luxury afforded to a few rather than a right guaranteed to all.

Corruption and Political Interference

Corruption within legal and political systems is another significant barrier to justice. In many countries, the justice system is not independent, but is instead heavily influenced by political interests. For example, in countries like Russia and Venezuela, courts have been criticized for delivering verdicts that favour government interests, suppressing political dissent and imprisoning opposition leaders without fair trials. This influence can lead to decisions that serve the needs of those in power rather than uphold fairness or the rule of law. When those tasked with upholding justice are themselves compromised, it erodes public trust and reinforces the notion that real justice is unattainable.

Flaws in the Legal System

No legal system is perfect, but many are fundamentally flawed in ways that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. For instance, the criminal justice system in many countries tends to penalize poverty and disadvantage rather than address root causes such as lack of access to education, healthcare, or employment. In India, for example, the backlog of cases is so vast that some people wait years, even decades, for their day in court. This often results in prolonged pre-trial detention, where the accused are effectively punished before being found guilty. Laws are sometimes outdated or not in alignment with current social values, leading to miscarriages of justice. Furthermore, overreliance on punitive measures rather than rehabilitative ones perpetuates cycles of crime and incarceration, particularly in marginalized communities.

The Role of Media and Public Perception

The media also plays a role in shaping public perception of justice. Sensationalized reporting and a focus on high-profile cases often obscure systemic issues, creating a distorted view of how justice is served. For example, in high-profile cases like the O.J. Simpson trial in the U.S., media coverage turned the legal process into a spectacle, influencing public opinion and overshadowing broader issues of racial inequality in the justice system. Media narratives can also influence public opinion and, subsequently, judicial decisions, especially in cases where public outcry is significant. This can lead to instances of mob justice or verdicts that are more about appeasing public sentiment than delivering fair and unbiased decisions.

Globalization and Transnational Issues

In a globalized world, justice is often complicated by transnational issues such as human trafficking, terrorism, and environmental degradation. These problems require cooperation across borders, which can be challenging when different nations have varying legal standards, levels of corruption, and political agendas. For example, crimes committed by multinational corporations, such as environmental degradation by oil companies in the Niger Delta, often go unpunished due to weak enforcement mechanisms, conflicting jurisdictional laws, and political influence. The lack of a unified global justice system means that crimes that transcend borders are often left unpunished, further diminishing the sense of real justice.

Lack of Access to Justice for All

Access to justice remains a significant barrier worldwide. Legal systems can be intimidating, expensive, and inaccessible, particularly for those without financial means or education. In countries like South Africa, access to justice for women and the poor is often hindered by costly legal fees and lengthy processes, making it difficult for them to seek redress for injustices such as gender-based violence. In Switzerland, for example, there have been criticisms about the difficulties faced by lower-income groups in accessing justice due to high legal costs. The Swiss legal system, while generally regarded as robust, has faced scrutiny for the high costs of legal proceedings that can deter individuals from pursuing justice, especially in civil cases. Legal aid is often underfunded, and public defenders are overworked, leading to inadequate representation for those who need it most. In some regions, cultural and social norms discourage certain groups, especially women and minorities, from seeking justice due to fear of retaliation or stigma.

Failure to Address Root Causes

Real justice is not only about punishment but also about addressing the underlying causes of injustice. This means tackling issues such as poverty, lack of education, systemic discrimination, and social inequities. However, many justice systems focus primarily on punitive measures rather than preventive or rehabilitative approaches. For example, the high incarceration rates in the United States, particularly among African American and Latino communities, highlight a failure to address systemic issues such as socioeconomic inequality, lack of access to quality education, and discrimination. Until societies prioritize addressing these root causes, the cycle of injustice will likely continue.

Conclusion

The scarcity of real justice in the world today is not a result of a single factor but rather a complex interplay of systemic inequalities, corruption, flawed legal frameworks, and societal attitudes. True justice requires more than just reforms; it requires a fundamental restructuring of societal values to prioritize fairness, equality, and human dignity. Only then can we hope to see a world where justice is not just a concept but a reality for all.

The way Israel was "Created" meant the creation of resistance groups like Hamas.

The creation of the state of Israel in 1948 was a pivotal moment in modern Middle Eastern history, one that continues to reverberate through the region and beyond. This event, often referred to as the Nakba or "catastrophe" by Palestinians, led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs and has since been a central point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The way Israel was created, involving the displacement and disenfranchisement of a large segment of the local population, set the stage for the emergence of resistance groups like Hamas. These groups have become inseparable from the history and ongoing struggle surrounding Israel's existence, a reality that is often overlooked or misunderstood by those who view Israel as solely a defensive actor in a hostile region.

The Creation of Israel and the Nakba

The creation of Israel was the culmination of decades of Zionist efforts to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, a land that was then under British mandate and home to a significant Arab population. The Zionist movement, which began in the late 19th century, was driven by the desire to establish a safe haven for Jews, particularly in response to centuries of anti-Semitism and persecution in Europe. However, this movement was also characterized by its goal of establishing a state in a land already inhabited by another people, leading to inevitable conflict.

The United Nations' 1947 Partition Plan proposed to divide Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under international administration. While the Jewish leadership accepted the plan, Arab leaders rejected it, seeing it as unfair and unjust, given that the Jewish population, though significant, was still a minority in the region. When Israel declared its independence on May 14, 1948, it triggered a war with neighbouring Arab states and local Arab militias. This conflict, known as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, resulted in a decisive Israeli victory and the expansion of Israel's borders beyond those proposed by the UN Partition Plan.

For Palestinians, the establishment of Israel came at a tremendous cost. An estimated 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes during the conflict, an event they refer to as the Nakba. The majority of these refugees were never allowed to return to their homes, and their descendants now number in the millions, many of whom live in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The Nakba is a foundational trauma in Palestinian collective memory and has been a major driver of Palestinian resistance.

The Emergence of Palestinian Resistance

The displacement of Palestinians and the subsequent denial of their right to return laid the groundwork for the emergence of various Palestinian resistance movements. Initially, resistance took the form of sporadic armed struggles, civil disobedience, and protests. However, over time, this resistance became more organized and took on a distinctly nationalist character. The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), founded in 1964, became the primary representative of the Palestinian people and engaged in both diplomatic and armed struggles to achieve its goals.

Hamas, an Islamist organization founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, represents a significant evolution in Palestinian resistance. Unlike the secular PLO, Hamas combines Palestinian nationalism with Islamic ideology, advocating for the liberation of Palestine through jihad and the establishment of an Islamic state in the entirety of historic Palestine. Hamas's rise to prominence was partly a response to the perceived failures of the PLO to achieve meaningful progress toward Palestinian statehood, as well as a reaction to ongoing Israeli occupation and settlement expansion in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The Inseparability of Israel's Creation and Palestinian Resistance

The creation of Israel and the rise of resistance groups like Hamas are deeply interconnected. The establishment of Israel, predicated on the displacement of Palestinians and the denial of their rights, created a situation where resistance was almost inevitable. From the Palestinian perspective, Israel's creation was an act of aggression that resulted in the loss of their homeland and their displacement as refugees. This historical context is crucial for understanding the motivations behind Palestinian resistance groups.

Hamas, in particular, views itself as a defender of Palestinian rights and a resistance force against Israeli occupation. Its charter, though amended over time, originally called for the destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic state in its place. This uncompromising stance has made Hamas a major player in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in Gaza, where it has been the de facto governing authority since 2007. Israel, in turn, views Hamas as a terrorist organization and a significant threat to its security, leading to repeated military confrontations and blockades that have had devastating effects on Gaza's civilian population.

The Aggressor's Blindness

One of the central issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the failure of many in the international community, particularly in Israel and its allies, to fully acknowledge the roots of Palestinian resistance. Israel often presents itself as a small, embattled nation surrounded by hostile forces, with Hamas and other resistance groups portrayed as irrationally violent or motivated solely by anti-Semitism. This narrative, while containing elements of truth, overlooks the deeper historical and political context that has shaped Palestinian resistance.

By focusing on the immediate security threats posed by groups like Hamas, Israel and its supporters often ignore or downplay the underlying issues of occupation, settlement expansion, and the lack of Palestinian sovereignty. This "blindness" to the historical grievances of the Palestinian people perpetuates the conflict, as it leads to policies that address symptoms rather than causes. Military responses to Palestinian resistance, including airstrikes, blockades, and targeted assassinations, may provide short-term security for Israel but do little to resolve the underlying issues driving the conflict.

Moreover, this approach tends to delegitimize Palestinian resistance as mere terrorism, rather than acknowledging it as a reaction to decades of occupation and dispossession. This delegitimization not only undermines the possibility of a just and lasting peace but also fuels further resentment and radicalization among Palestinians. When resistance is seen as the only available option, particularly in the absence of meaningful diplomatic progress, groups like Hamas gain support, even among those who may not fully agree with their methods or ideology.

The Path Forward

The inseparability of Israel's creation and Palestinian resistance suggests that any sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must address the root causes of that resistance. This includes recognizing the historical injustices suffered by the Palestinian people and addressing their legitimate demands for statehood, self-determination, and the right of return. Without acknowledging these issues, efforts to achieve peace are likely to be superficial and temporary, merely postponing the next outbreak of violence.

For Israel, this means confronting difficult questions about its identity, security, and long-term future. Can Israel maintain its character as a Jewish and democratic state while continuing to occupy and control millions of Palestinians who lack basic rights? For Palestinians, it involves finding ways to channel their resistance into forms that can achieve their goals without perpetuating a cycle of violence that harms civilians on both sides.

Ultimately, the way Israel was created has made resistance an integral part of the Palestinian experience. Until the underlying causes of that resistance are addressed, groups like Hamas will continue to exist and play a significant role in the conflict. Recognizing this reality is essential for any genuine effort to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Of course, almost everyone is insane! Are you nuts too?

I'm sure that many people can see there is something really wrong going on in this world. It seems tome to be getting crazier every day!

 There are many articles and headlines these days, which indicate that more and more people are seeking help with mental issues, especially depression. The reason, cited most frequently, appears to relate it to the everyday stress of living and trying to get by. And I get that, absolutely.

The pressures put on everybody is enormous. In no particular order:

• have to be successful financially
• have to look good
• have to be better than others
• have to have control
• have to be a great father / mother / son/ daughter / husband / wife / partner / employee / employer / etc.
• have to have more friends
• have to have more likes
• have to be cleverer
• etc., etc., etc.

And not just with specific people, but all the time. You have to be the cool one, whatever the circumstances.

The big problem is: the definitions of all the above vary depending on the situation you are in and who else is there. Now deferential, now assertive,

A simple example: back in the 60s, the people who stayed in posh hotels wore suits and dresses. Suddenly people started to stay, who came dressed in jeans and skirts and expected to experience the flunkey treatment. For the flunkeys (hotel staff) big change: those who had previously been tossed out and never allowed in, might now be rich and famous! Big stress, trying to apply the rules in new circumstances; who to toss out and who to welcome!

And such changes are coming into everybody's lives every day, now. Many of them big changes. For example, there were some powerful storms here recently, and in one place, people were starting the day with their house no longer there. Big change! But "smaller" changes can have a devastating effect on individuals, such as mobbing or any kind of change and unkindness. Look at an asylum seeker, who has escaped a truly difficult situation, gone through unspeakable experiences and arrived, say, here. What welcomes them is not relief, but loss of everything, locked up in a centre, not allowed to do anything or earn anything, while waiting - sometimes years - for a decision if they can stay or not. Often they are just shoved around further from country to country with similar rules.

No wonder we get depressed and find we can't get the balance right. Wasn't there the promise of a bright future when we were children? What happened?

On top of this, the insanity is exploited and provides even more distance from reality. As the Romans said: give them bread and games to keep them from revolting. And that’s what we have, in the form of fast-food, leading to an obesity crisis in the west and creeping into other countries. But we can distract ourselves with games, especially violent ones. Or, what is nowadays laughingly referred to as "Sports". The insane amounts spent on kicking a ball around and the insanity of the fans, which lead so often to violence. The drugs to amuse us and keep us going, the greed which fuels the whole thing worldwide.

Bigger, better, faster, shinier, lovelier, and lots of it, much, much more than I need. Go for it!

On the other side, we are also under pressure to change because of climate change. Guilty conscience every time the car or a plane is used, food being chucked away uneaten, water in bottles, check the date for "best by", etc.

And then there's the beauty industry. Good grief! Apparently, every young woman sees the Kardashian look as something to emulate. Men have still to catch up, but are closing the gap with beards and haircuts. Clothes thrown away because they are not fashionable, etc.

OF course, the world is insane! With what result?

Wars all over the place, people killing each other in the streets, nationalism rising even though not a single person on the planet had any choice on where they were born, endless discussions on what to do, but nobody listening. Borders kill 
I had a little conversation with ChatGPT about this. You can read it here.

There are options to change and reduce the insanity, at least on a personal level. The secret has been in the open for millennia: "Know yourself". It's always been the solution. If I am not at peace, why should I expect others to be. If I am at peace, then I don't feel the pressure. I still have to carry out whatever I do, but I don't have to be stressed doing it.

For myself, I am beginning to realise that the more I know of myself, the more I see myself in others. If I can see myself in others, then I am certainly not going to be fighting with them, am I? But it all comes down to that: "Know Thyself".

Let's be clear: Israel is NOT Jewish! It's Zionist!

It's time Jews everywhere reminded those in Israel that the key to being Jewish is to abide by the Laws of Moses, as found in the Torah. 

Israel has never followed those Laws since it's official creation on May 14, 1948.

 Why do I say this? Quite simply, because it was an artificial creation due to the guilt feelings in the UK and the USA over the holocaust atrocities.
The British in their arrogance as the arbitrary "owners" of Palestine (a British Protectorate) deemed it within their power, together with the United States, to decree that a specific proportion of that area would now be handed over to the primarily Eastern European Jews, as their "Homeland". Prior to that, The so-called "Stern Gang" - a terrorist Zionist Group which claimed the area as their own and attacked the British wherever they could, including murder and explosions of infrastructure, even asking the Axis Powers for help!!! Eventually, The British caved in, especially when details of the holocaust were becoming public. However, there was no planning of a hand-over or any kind of preparation, especially for the indigenous Palestinians, who had lived there relatively peacefully for the past few thousand years. There were still Jews living there and nobody had a problem, especially about religion. Those Jews had been living equally long there.

But these Zionist terrorists didn't care. They were also ruthless racists, hating the Palestinians. And through their persistence and support from rich, public Jewish figures in Politics and Business, they were suddenly the Cool Guys and given tanks, guns and all the necessary equipment to run a modern war, they proceeded to drive the Palestinians from their homes and their Land, with the utmost brutality. Tens of thousands of Palestinians died, representing about 90% of all the dead! 700'000 refugees made it out, or about 80% of the Arab population in that area! Quite staggering!

Even more staggering is that there are still enormous refugee camps, particularly in Jordan.
Since then the Israelis (I can't say Jews, not now), have continued to do everything possible to exterminate all Palestinians. They continue to steal land and kill them. Now this war and everybody seems surprised.

I'm not. Having dealt so brutally at the time of its creation, the subsequent formation of the different militant groups was inevitable. Expecting those poor people to just lie down and take it is the stupidest idea ever. And the continuous lack of acknowledgement of the hideous wrong done in 1947, will mean that there will never be any kind of peace possible. In effect, the Israelis created, initially, the PLO and when finally it looked like an agreement could be made, another extreme right-wing Israeli shot their prime minister.  Hamas and Hezbollah are the direct result of Israeli policy. Do Israelis have the courage to admit their wrongs? I hardly think so - they are getting far more extreme. On top of that, the Brits and Americans would have to concede their complete failure to prevent this situation in the first place. That is even less likely to happen! Now, it really appears that the murderous swine want to kill every Palestinian and eradicate them. Insane, insane! They will be pariahs for a long time.

I saw an interview at the beginning of this war with a man who had been in the German camps during the war. He was saying how awful it had been in the camps and how he and the others had been driven from their home and forced in the camps to be murdered. He then said, how proud he was to be wearing a uniform in Israel and that he now had a country of his own. This survivor didn't appear to be aware of the utter irony of what he was saying. I was appalled, that he had apparently learnt nothing from his experience during the past years. The hatred of Palestinians is a sickness in Israelis. I appreciate that not all are the same.

I would therefore urge all real Jews everywhere to make it clear that what is going on there is wrong and against the Laws of Moses. The settlers, in particular, should stop worshipping the Golden Calf and come to their senses. All Israelis are living on stolen land after carrying out genocide. This should be made clear to them. And non-Israeli Jews have a leading role to play here. I hope you find the courage to do so. I know some have, and I hope many more will join them in making it clear.

Who is pulling your strings? Who's tune are you dancing to?

A question which pops up a lot is the old nature versus nurture arguments. What do we bring to the picture innately, and what is learnt?

Well, what do we bring with us at birth? Not even our name. When we arrive, we know nothing except feelings, satisfaction or dissatisfaction. That's about it. Of course, we also have a body, about which we learn through our feelings. We don't choose where or when we are born. We know nothing, and all is to be learnt and experienced.

And that's where so much can go right or wrong. If you look at the poster I designed, it tries to show the many influences on us at any given moment in time. Clearly, our parents or their substitutes are the most influential when we start life. And their influence is shaped by their environment, their community and all other external factors, including their education, income level and clarity.

We are told from very young that there are dos and don'ts which we have to respect. Most of them come from the religious influences and the kind of political environment we are born into. We also learn that much of what we are told to do is preceded by "Do as I say, not as I do". In other words, we are brought up within contradictions.

Along with this, we are also taught that some things are inevitable, God or the Law ordained. The key to success, we are told, is to be better than others, at least at something. In other words, we have to compete with all others for the right to be on the planet and have life. 

As we can't be great at everything, we choose what seems to work best for us individually.

All of this means that we are also taught to find excuses and reasons for our failures. In comes Blame! If we have blame, then it must be an external factor beyond my control, so God or Religion or the Law or somebody or something else is at fault for our inabilities. And as we like to share blame, we look for others who see it the same way, and we now have a new group of people who are not content with what the situation they are in and want to - when there are enough joining in - to try and change the situation more to their liking.

What we are not taught is that which is most fundamentally important and that which caries more weight than anything else: the fact that each one of us is unique in this world, as is every other Being on the planet, or even the universe. We have seldom if ever been taught the value of having this life, an opportunity to exist, to enjoy, to care and share with the other unique Beings who live alongside of us and have the same opportunity for that wonderful time we call our life.

Being unique, means we cannot compete on a meaningful level. We can co-exist for a time, and then we are gone. As has been pointed out, life consists of three facts for each one of us: 1. we are born and come into this life; 2. we live that time and at the end, 3. we have to go. That's it. Very simple.

We have also been given some very amazing characteristics: Love, courage, compassion, kindness, joy. We are not taught that these constitute the real wealth of a human life and these can be experienced not at the cost of other beings, but for oneself at any time.

So why do we chase after possessions, none of which we can take with us? Why do we kill each other when we should be celebrating and sharing the limited time we have? Because we have not understood that most basic fact: life is the daily miracle we can experience and be conscious of.

So, back to the title of this piece: who is pulling your strings? Are you being manipulated to support conflict at home, in the workplace, within the community? Do you really believe you are better and more deserving than others? In the thousands of years, human beings have existed, we have not learnt these most basic facts. If you need a miracle, then look in the mirror. That you can see your reflection means you are still alive and that is the biggest miracle you will ever experience. You cannot give life in this sense. That starts with your first independent breath and ends with the last one - and that will come unexpectedly but guaranteed. The time in between is the opportunity to experience joy, but the string pullers don't offer that. And the real stupidity is that in our utter ignorance, we make do with this appalling way we treat each other. And keep on doing it.

Time to become conscious!