Genocide in Darfur--Everyone's Problem
In Darfur, Sudan, at this very moment, tens of thousands of people are being torchered and murdered by Arab terror seekers known as the janjaweed. Millions have been brutalized by this oppressive regime; countless women have been raped, more than 200,000 people have been killed, and two million civilians have been forced to run from their own homes. (New York Times Magazine, April 2, 2006) Through the news media, we are privy to the details of these atrocoities almost as soon as they happen, yet the world community does not appear to be doing enough. It almost seems as though the world powers are simply observing this problem from afar, expressing their displeasure, but reluctant to intervene. This is not enough. I feel strongly that it is our duty as human beings to assist this persecuted population, however we can. It is not our concern that they live a different lifestyle thousands of miles away, that they dress differently, or do not share our American democratic beliefs and values. They are humans and deserve to be treated as such.
The concept of social consciousness and responsibility is equally important to me as a person and as a member of the Jewish faith. Judaism takes this concept so seriously that it is actually not optional, it is a commandment. First, we believe that every person on the face of the Earth is created in Tzelem Elokim, or in the Image of G-d, "and G-d created the man in His own image, in the image of G-d" (Genesis 1:27). No matter what religion, race, color, or ethnicity an individual may be, every single one of us is created in G-d's image. Therefore, it doesn't matter who is being oppressed and hurt, we are all responsible to reach out and help.
Second, is the notion that we are all responsible for each other, "Don't stand by your neighbors blood" (Leviticus 19:16) and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). We believe that the world was created for all of and therefore we have the awesome responsibility of maintaining it. If there is a problem, if somebody is in trouble, it is my problem too, and I am obligated to do my share.
These two separate ideas taken together are the foundation for what is known in Hebrew as Tikun Olam. Basically, the Jewish people are not only encouraged, but are commmanded, to have the social responsibility to make the world a better place, and to correct what needs to be corrected. This directive is not only to take care of other Jews, but to take care of and help anyone in the entire world when the need arises.
The concept of social consciousness and responsibility is equally important to me as a person and as a member of the Jewish faith. Judaism takes this concept so seriously that it is actually not optional, it is a commandment. First, we believe that every person on the face of the Earth is created in Tzelem Elokim, or in the Image of G-d, "and G-d created the man in His own image, in the image of G-d" (Genesis 1:27). No matter what religion, race, color, or ethnicity an individual may be, every single one of us is created in G-d's image. Therefore, it doesn't matter who is being oppressed and hurt, we are all responsible to reach out and help.
Second, is the notion that we are all responsible for each other, "Don't stand by your neighbors blood" (Leviticus 19:16) and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). We believe that the world was created for all of and therefore we have the awesome responsibility of maintaining it. If there is a problem, if somebody is in trouble, it is my problem too, and I am obligated to do my share.
These two separate ideas taken together are the foundation for what is known in Hebrew as Tikun Olam. Basically, the Jewish people are not only encouraged, but are commmanded, to have the social responsibility to make the world a better place, and to correct what needs to be corrected. This directive is not only to take care of other Jews, but to take care of and help anyone in the entire world when the need arises.
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