Not In My Backyard Poem by NAYYAR SHABBIR AHMAD

You complain that all down the Centuries you‘ve suffered severe persecution by not only those in the West but those the World over.

After the Holocaust suffered during World War 11 at the hands of Hitler's Germany, you tried fleeing to what you thought were friendly Countries in the West.

However those so-called friendly Countries put the barriers up and applied a strict quota system. Countries like, France, Britain, Cuba - Canada - America. Yes, even the US. began to feel that it had reached saturation point and refused further Jewish refugees - It even fired a warning shot from Florida to prevent the ship St. Louis entering it's port.

A permanent solution to the wave upon wave of refugees simply had to be found.

Decades back, in a meeting of Zionists, in Switzerland,1897, the Jewish Society had decided to build a permanent home for themselves in The Promised Land - according to Biblical times - (present day, Israel.) That Land wasn't an ordinary open space. People lived there.

Still, Britain who held the Mandate of Palestine was persuaded by Europe and the US to let a ‘stream' of Jews in. She gave in very reluctantly. That opened the ‘flood gates.'

Jews: Once you were a full Continent away, your Western friends were very vociferous in their assurances of their constant and undying love for you. Huh...! With friends like these.....!

Yes, it is the Promised Land. You have every right to settle there. But, it is Arab Land too. Remember that! . You must be prepared to share it with them. The Two States solution won't do.

Has your persecution over the Centuries taught you no humility or compassion at all?