RE: FINDING BEACONS OF HOPE … MEDICAL PERSONNEL IN SYRIA

Dear Mr. Koenders,

Uiteraard spreek en schrijf ik Nederlands but I’m writing this letter in English because I’m copying this letter to others who might feel comforted that perhaps, if not inevitably, you will do what you can to help the people in Syria who are in physical pain and in mental anguish and need, at least for the start, with immediate medical attention. I am sympathetic to your demissionair status as Foreign Minister and look forward to the formation of stability in The Hague. However, I believe you can ‘press on a few buttons’ to effectuate constructive and positive results.

I am moved, in tears, by a video shared on Face Book:

Syrian Doctors Beg for Help

Collapsing hospitals and sliced fetuses:

These doctors are begging you to pay attention to Syria.

https://www.facebook.com/ajplusenglish/videos/922109491263892/

1,051,529 Views

It only takes 1 minute and 10 seconds to view this video on the Building the Bridge Facebook Page. Simply go to buildingthebridge.eu. On the upper left hand side, click on ‘F’ and you’ll be linked to our page. Then scroll to the video.

In closing Mr. Koenders, I trust you will ‘press those buttons’ and make the necessary phone calls and write some pertinent memos. I expect my government to do what is right and what matters most to humanity.

I will leave you with a note that I’ve written on the day of infamy, when East Aleppo fell … and by the way, I’m on the side of peace. I rarely, if ever, discuss politics. In case you know Wim and Rita Kok you can verify with them that I have never discussed a word of politics with them, not even when they shared lunch with us at our home … truly an unforgettable honour … while still Minister President of The Netherlands.

Today I must draw strength from those who are strong. Right now my heart breaks. What is happening in Aleppo reminds me of Gaza and Beirut and, and, and … Is our world falling apart?

The strong work their hammer to forge steel, to shape something that lasts. Those who are less strong pick up their hammer to shatter glass, to harm, injure and destroy. We are all challenged to choose either of these two options, day in and day out.

We must believe that, however difficult and improbable, sunshine will break through the clouds.

Real and sustainable peace begins in the mind and heart, in the will and soul because peace arises out of genuine appreciation and respect for the other. Peace is a conscious decision to improve relations and to do everything possible to overcome tensions and misunderstandings and, if possible, even to become friends. Peace is the fruit of love. It is give and take. And, it is a dance with life for time in ad infinitum.

I know and realize that when the going gets tough these might be empty words. But let’s never give up on hope. There will always be better tomorrows.

Thank you for allowing me to share my heartfelt thoughts.

With every good wish to you, Mr. Koenders, I am,

Respectfully yours,

BUILDING THE BRIDGE FOUNDATION, THE NETHERLANDS

Abraham A. van Kempen, Editor

Cc:         Ms Dina Rutto

               Americans for Justice in Gaza