On February 25, 2023, Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old member of the U.S. Air Force walked to the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., poured the contents of a canister over his army fatigues, and lit himself on fire. He died later in the day from his self-inflicted injuries. Bushnell’s final words were “Free Palestine,” a statement he cried out at least six times as the flames consumed him.
I have said much on the subject of the Gaza War. Like all sane people, I have been horrified by it immediately after I saw Israel ready and prepared to conduct a war of destruction and vengeance in response to the October 7th attack by Hamas. I was horrified when they used the biblical reference of Amalek. This did not bode well for a proportionate response.
Well, almost five months later, It is far worse than my darkest imaginings; it is made worse by U.S. complicity; it is made worse by the silence of so many Jews around the world, including in Israel, though there are some voices. I am one, a Jew of conscience, but I personally know no one here who agrees with me. It is lonely, but my conscience is not seared.
So how could this be? Books, esp. great literary and moral philosophical works have kept me grounded and not fall prey to the voices of tribalism and nationalism. I have been truly fortunate to have read the works of a survivor of Auschwitz, a chemist and a brilliant writer: Primo Levi. He said, when asked about Auschwitz:
"Monsters exist, but they are too few in number to be truly dangerous. More dangerous are the common men, the functionaries ready to believe and to act without asking questions."
So, yes, ordinary people particiapting in the destruction of Gaza. What does "Never Again" really mean?
There must be a permanent ceasefire in Gaza in order to comply with the ICJ ruling. Not with Palestinians suffering under oppressive conditions, but as a place where all live with peace and equality. It is time for Pope Francis to do more than talk. He must go to Gaza and make a stand for peace and freedom.
Let us also support UNRWA. If our governments won’t act in accordance with humanity, then we will. https://www.unrwausa.org/donate Let us do it to honor Aaron Bushnell, or in memory of Hind Rajab.
Let us call for a No Fly-Zone over Gaza!
These are a few small things we can do. If we can do more, let us do more.
There is an important fact missing in this reasoning. Palestinians are not committing genocide against the Israelis. Israel has warships, tanks, fighter jets, nuclear weapons, etc. to defend themselves. Israel is not occupied by the Palestinians. Israel has the United States supporting them. Some might even say Israel has the support of the most powerful military on earth. There is zero chance that Israel is defending themselves against genocide in the year of 2024.
Israeli leadership has been guilty of war crimes since the nation was created.
But I cannot honor Bushnell’s act while condemning it.
If it were an Israeli that committed this act with the stated intention to save Israeli lives, the same people who are canonizing Bushnell would be singing a different tune.
I have said much on the subject of the Gaza War. Like all sane people, I have been horrified by it immediately after I saw Israel ready and prepared to conduct a war of destruction and vengeance in response to the October 7th attack by Hamas. I was horrified when they used the biblical reference of Amalek. This did not bode well for a proportionate response.
Well, almost five months later, It is far worse than my darkest imaginings; it is made worse by U.S. complicity; it is made worse by the silence of so many Jews around the world, including in Israel, though there are some voices. I am one, a Jew of conscience, but I personally know no one here who agrees with me. It is lonely, but my conscience is not seared.
So how could this be? Books, esp. great literary and moral philosophical works have kept me grounded and not fall prey to the voices of tribalism and nationalism. I have been truly fortunate to have read the works of a survivor of Auschwitz, a chemist and a brilliant writer: Primo Levi. He said, when asked about Auschwitz:
"Monsters exist, but they are too few in number to be truly dangerous. More dangerous are the common men, the functionaries ready to believe and to act without asking questions."
So, yes, ordinary people particiapting in the destruction of Gaza. What does "Never Again" really mean?
I truly wish the act did bring more attention and cause change.
There must be a permanent ceasefire in Gaza in order to comply with the ICJ ruling. Not with Palestinians suffering under oppressive conditions, but as a place where all live with peace and equality. It is time for Pope Francis to do more than talk. He must go to Gaza and make a stand for peace and freedom.
Please sign the petition and share widely.
https://chng.it/CRQ7qw4Gzn
Code pink
https://www.codepink.org/cnngaza?utm_campaign=12_15_pali_update_alert_3&utm_medium=email&utm_source=codepink
Let us also support UNRWA. If our governments won’t act in accordance with humanity, then we will. https://www.unrwausa.org/donate Let us do it to honor Aaron Bushnell, or in memory of Hind Rajab.
Let us call for a No Fly-Zone over Gaza!
These are a few small things we can do. If we can do more, let us do more.
Great article - very thought-provoking, and I appreciate your measured, reasonable analysis of the reasons behind self-immolation. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing this Dr. Nall
Thank you for the thorough explanation.
Honour Aaron Bushnell:
https://open.substack.com/pub/craignelsen/p/yard-sign-campaign-taking-off?r=25hye9&utm_medium=ios
There is an important fact missing in this reasoning. Palestinians are not committing genocide against the Israelis. Israel has warships, tanks, fighter jets, nuclear weapons, etc. to defend themselves. Israel is not occupied by the Palestinians. Israel has the United States supporting them. Some might even say Israel has the support of the most powerful military on earth. There is zero chance that Israel is defending themselves against genocide in the year of 2024.
Israeli leadership has been guilty of war crimes since the nation was created.
But I cannot honor Bushnell’s act while condemning it.
If it were an Israeli that committed this act with the stated intention to save Israeli lives, the same people who are canonizing Bushnell would be singing a different tune.