of fear and hate

We always fear and hate at things that we couldn't see. Things that we couldn't hear or basically, we are afraid and hate to things that we don't know.

As a mere example, years ago I was afraid of dog. I despise them. Everytime I walk near them, I always makesure that I hold something that I can toss to them. I bet many of do share this kind of fear and hate. But soon, I realise that I react in such way because I don't know them, don't understand them and I don't overcome my fear. And now, after I know them (well enough, I guess), I am not afraid of dog anymore but I will run if I've been chased by a pitbull or German sherperd.

I write this because of what happened last night; the match between Malaysia Olympic team and Chelsea Football Club. In that match, midfielder Yossi Benayoun was booed by the spectators just because he is a Jew (or because he is an Israelite) and it was humiliating. Not just for him but for the local sports fans and supporters.

Why do he deserve to receive that kind of treatment? Because he was created by God and born as an Israel Jew? Is that why we punish him? Is that why the Israel's cricket team couldn't enter this country many years ago? It doesn't make sense and unfair. Why don't this kind of people blame God for what has happened? Curse the Almighty because after all He is the One who create the Jews.

My first encounter with a Jew was roughly around 7 to 8 years ago in Bukit Bintang. He was from Thailand and a penpal of my friend, and my friend didn't know that he is a Jew (because he doesn't look like one. Probably, because he lived in Thailand long enough). We were a bit shocked and spechless after he confessed that he is a Jew. After a few hours chat, I realise that he is a nice guy, same like us and other human out there. And the reason why we react like that was because we don't know him. His culture and religion.

Some people out there (my friends, especially) said that they should be hated for what they've done in Middle East. I say, then we should hate our own religion too. After what Saddam Hussein did to his neighbour countries and his own people. Look what Taliban did to Afghanistan. Or, we don't have to look far. Look at our country, our people hurt and kill our own people.

Back to Benayoun's story. Yes, he is an Israel Jew but that doesn't mean he is a bad guy. And don't call me Zionist sympatiser. For me, it it simple. There are always a good people and bad people. No matter what age, gender, race, religion and where they from. And no I'm not a Chelsea supporter.