Every Life Matters — Equally!  

By Shlomo Maital

Migrant Vessel (The Guardian)

     Five wealthy people, paying $250,000 each, die when a deep-dive submersible implodes at the site of the Titanic,  off Newfoundland.   For days, the world’s attention is gripped. Huge media coverage.  Coast guard ships, French ships, Navy, aircraft….  Even when the terrible sounds of the implosion were noted by secret Navy equipment when it happened.

     700 people (!)  die in the Mediterranean when an overcrowded migrant vessel sinks.  Greek rescue ships are accused of responding apathetically.   And the world largely ignores it.  700 people, men women and children. 

      Before we criticize Greece, let each country search its soul and examine how badly it treats migrants – including my own country, Israel. 

       All lives matter.  EVERY life matters.  Every life matters equally.  This is a basic human value.  There is a reason people migrate.  They flee violence, poverty, hunger, seeking a better life.  There are wealthy countries that can a) afford to absorb them, and b) can benefit from the energy and drive of migrants.  But choose not to.

        There are somethings that cannot be forgiven.  This is one.