A Grim Reminder
by Deanna Othman
Looking outside at the houses decorated with glimmering lights, watching the white flakes dance outside our window panes, and relishing in the heat of our cozy homes reminds us that the American holiday season has commenced, ushering in the end of another year. However, the warm and fuzzy sensations we normally feel this time of year as many of us enjoy our days off from work and studies have, or should, recall in our minds a far more dismal emotion. Unfortunately, the end of 2009 has been marred by a grim anniversary—the anniversary of the massacre in Gaza.
Sadly, many of us may not even remember this bleak period that passed almost one year ago. We are accustomed to commemorating joyous occasions—births, weddings, other accomplishments. Scarcely do we sit and reflect on 
the less than happy occasions that pass us by in life; these events we often try to eradicate from our memories, focusing our energy on positive occurrences. Our recollections are often self-centered.
A year later, how far have we come? Has the debris been cleared? The destruction remedied? The wounds healed? The orphans comforted? The widows supported?
A year later, Gaza continues to languish under the siege. Supplies remain scarce, food is barely affordable, healthcare sub par, resources such as water and electricity are intermittent, and the so-called economy remains stagnant. Though the resilience of the Palestinians has not allowed them to wallow in their misfortune, progress of any sort remains virtually impossible.
Attempts to bring the perpetrators of this heinous atrocity to justice have failed. Though many have been shocked into recognizing the crimes committed against the people of Gaza, close to nothing has been done by any entity, Muslim or Christian, Arab or American, at the state or individual level, to rectify the situation. Even the humanitarian efforts by many nongovernmental organizations have paled in comparison to the need that exists.
Even 61 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Israel continues with its inequitable policies and the violation of all Palestinians’ human rights, both those residing in the West Bank and Gaza. The 23-day offensive Israel unleashed on the Gaza Strip, termed Operation Cast Lead, resulted in the murder of more than 1,400 Palestinians, the vast majority of whom were civilian, and the devastation of the Gaza Strip's infrastructure.
And a year later, the “peace process” trudges sluggishly along.
As we evaluate the year that has passed, we must also evaluate our role in a debacle so horrendous it seems unreal. Have we allowed ourselves to forget? Have we spoken out? Have we awoken someone to the truth? Though physical and financial aid is necessary, as Americans, educating others is perhaps our most effective contribution. Our cause must become so pervasive and compelling, that it is impossible for the world to ignore. Or forget.