In a world where the popularity of politicians, media and even religious institutions, are at an all time low, the need for basic human decency is at an all time high. Just when you’re ready to throw your arms up in frustration, sadness and helplessness, a gentle act of decency comes rushing to give you hope in your fellow human being.

Here is an example of decency in the most unlikely place. In the middle of madness, an Israeli solider shot a Palestinian child. The child was rushed to a Jewish hospital but could not be saved and died on the operating table.The Jewish doctor who tried to save the child approached the Palestinian parents and told them that a Jewish child in the hospital was fighting for his life and needed a heart and their son had the perfect match. The parents agreed to give their son’s heart to the little Jewish child who needed help. Here lives a Palestinian heart in a Jewish child. Decency won over vengeance and suddenly the world is bright again, positive again and hope lives on.

Last week, the reaction to the Quebec City Attack, by the people, the city, the province of Quebec, the Prime Minister, the people of Canada, and by the Islamic and greater Canadian community, is no less than a shining example to the world of humanity, solidarity, and grace 🙏. Thousands came out, no words of anger, vengeance but solidarity, togetherness and decency. This is the Canada I know and love ❤️.

Few miles to the south, we are watching the recent American politics with uneasiness and even helplessness, we are doubting ourselves as we can’t believe what we are hearing from the leaders of the world, the deteriorating language, which is moving to yet an all time low. Just as we are frustrated by the policies which seem to be driven by fear, divisiveness and some argue racism, hope, once again, comes to the rescue by no less than a Washington State Judge who blocked an executive order that is not consistent with the American constitution and values. It emphasized that no one, not even the President of the United States is above the law. That America is a country of laws, not of men. History is filled with destruction, injustice and madness caused by men who saw themselves above it all, above the law, and above basic human decency. Bravo to the millions of Americans who peacefully went out to the streets rejecting intolerance, prejudice and defending their Constitution and values. I’m reminded by my visit to the Statue Of Liberty and its inspiring massage ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” Emma Lazarus. Once again decency elegantly shows up.

Working together, violence and criminals must be dealt with by unleashing the full power of the law within the criminal justice system and not in the misguided politics of fear, racism and prejudice.

Decency brings opposite people together, it allows them to listen and learn and possibly bridges the divide, It makes it clear that there is no “them and us”, there is only us, and the sooner we all understand this, the better our world will be. Such is the heart and elegance of decency.

I have always believed that No one is as bad as their worst words, and no one is as good as their best words, we are all a work in progress and that gives me hope.
Namaste 🙏