Haiti
February 10, 2010
The magnitude of the devastation in Haiti caused by the January earthquake is such that it is difficult for the human mind to grasp. The numbers are staggering. More than 200,000 dead and 300,000 wounded. Approximately 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial building have been destroyed. The Red Cross estimates that at least 3 million people have been affected by the quake.
How can individuals and countries survive such devastation?
The global solidarity response has been amazing. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been sent to Haiti. President Obama has pledged $100 million. Many other countries and private organizations are sending large sums of money as well.
Thousands of medical personnel and volunteers from all over the world are on the ground. The U.S. Health and Human Services is planning on sending 12,000 doctors, nurses, paramedics, medical technicians and 22,000 pounds of medical supplies and equipment from Georgia, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Florida.
The media has played a crucial role, in covering the devastation 24-7 for a number of days. This coverage undoubtedly helped increased donations both in cash, in medical supplies, food and water. A number of journalists have been directly involved in the rescue efforts and some have actually saved lives of victims by rescuing them from the rubble.
Solidarity and compassion are great human values. They are both timeless and universal.
A fundamental question is: why do we or why should we care? Are we responsible? Are we “our brother’s (and sister’s) keeper? Although these questions may seem “philosophical,” having clear and definite answers to them can, in certain situations, such as Haiti, have a “real” impact. They can make the difference between life and death for someone.
The best situation is when we believe that we have no other choice but to help the best way we can. The ideal is to do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do. This attitude is wonderfully exemplified by the story of the inhabitants of the French village of Le Chambon-sur Lignon during the German occupation of France in WWII. All the villagers collectively, resisted the French police, the German army and the Gestapo and refused to turn in a single Jewish refugee hiding in the village. When later, asked why they had risked their own lives in saving more than 5,000 Jews, they responded by saying that they did not have any other alternative, that it was a natural thing to do.
We may sometimes be tempted to think that the little help we may be able to provide is insignificant to the vast needs of the situation. It would be a mistake to think that way because however small our contribution, it will make a difference for at least one person even if it is only for a brief moment. A single glass of water may mean everything to someone really thirsty.
As it is written in the Talmud:
“Whoever saves one life is as though he saved the whole world.”
Comments (1)
February 10th, 2010 at 10:13 am Posted by P
A very inspirational post. The citation of “A fundamental question is: why do we or why should we care? Are we responsible? Are we â��our brotherâ��s (and sisterâ��s) keeper? ” is well answered. In times of tragedy, we ACT.
It would be different if a person with an addiction was the focal point and asked us to be in the uncomfortable position of being an enabler. Then there is only so much to do.
Anything to help victims of natural disasters really HELPS. Thing of it in exponential terms. If everyone gives a glass of water…a dollar….a slice of bread… It all adds up, thus validating the Talmud quote.
Post Your Comment
(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)