A tale of two borders

FOR THE Palestinians, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. There’s a leader with a large beard on the throne of Gaza; there’s a leader with a small face on the throne of Syria. Neither gives a jot for the welfare of their people. Both crave to conquer and destroy the very land that could save them.

Syria disintegrates in a brutal civil war that leaves more than 500 000 dead and millions displaced; Gaza tries to emulate.

Israel initially responds by providing medical treatment to Syrians wounded in the war, treating more than 3 000 people.

Israel works to keep starvation away from thousands of Syrians and provide basic medical treatment to those who cannot access it in Syria.

More than 600 Syrian children have come to Israel for treatment. Two Israeli-constructed clinics in Syria, and another in Israel, support 80 000 fleeing Syrians.

The quantity of food sent to Syria has increased tenfold in the past year. Israel sends hundreds of tons of flour, oil, sugar, salt, canned beans and dry goods. It has also sent 12 000 cases of baby formula and 1 800 packages of nappies.

Syrian civilians tell of their enormous gratitude for the aid that came from a country they believed was their enemy.

“Israel is the only country that has done something like this with the Syrians,” said a wounded Syrian man who was brought to Israel for treatment.

To bolster its accusations of inhumanity the UN accuses Israel of barbarism. What a travesty.

The world needs more Israeli barbarism. RODNEY MAZINTER Camps Bay