Bouazizi-2

It was a déjà vu for many as an unknown American airman self-immolated in Washington DC before the premises of the Israeli embassy. He had the consciousness, courage and upright wisdom to condemn the Zionist state for its brutalities over Gaza in his humble capacity, and has stirred the conscience of the world community for their inaction and slumber. He had, indeed, emulated Mohamed Bouazizi, a Tunisian fruit vendor, as he too had set himself on fire in December 2010. The aftermath of the Sidi Bouzid incident was the Arab Spring that changed the history of the Middle East for all times to come. Will this sole act of sacrifice by the airman, whose identity is being concealed by authorities, awaken humanity and the world leadership to call a spade a spade is anybody’s guess. But the gentleman has sent down a strong and convincing message in all adversity, and that too by putting his life on line. He will always be remembered as one who stood for solidarity with the hapless Palestinians, and yelled till death that ‘enough is enough’.

The airman’s bravado must be deciphered and documented in the right spirit. He was reportedly neither a Muslim, nor an Arab by race. Yet he felt so closely for the brethren in humanity across the shores of the Atlantic and somewhere in the brutalised terrain of occupied lands. He simply protested and wanted himself to be heard by pleading that there is a grave situation in Gaza, and genocide is being committed against innocent civilians, and that too at the pleasure of a Machiavellian diplomacy, amidst criminalised silence. This is why his last words were, “[I will] not be complicit in genocide…” and “free Palestine…” Perhaps, he will not be the last one to be counted among the contingent of the brave, as millions across the globe are rallying for emancipation and joining the chorus that time for Israel is over, and an independent state of Palestine is indispensable. Time to salute the heroic deed of the American soldier, and hope the zinced Zions at White House will indulge in some introspection.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2024.

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