Edgar Morin about the Gaza Genocide: "At least, I say: bear witness"

American actor John Cusack, via his social media account, re-published a video clip of French philosopher Edgar Morin, in which he talks about his shock at the international silence regarding the war that Israel has been waging in the Gaza Strip since last October 7.

Kusack also translated the last phrase of the video into English, in which Moran says: “At least, I say: Bear true witness! If we cannot resist properly, the only thing left is to bear witness. Let us resist in our minds, let us not be deceived.” “Let us not forget, let us have the courage to face things head on,” and he ended his comment with the hashtag #FreePalestine.

Morin (102 years old), who participated in World War II with the French forces with the rank of lieutenant, spoke during a public symposium on the Palestinian issue, where he said that he was “surprised and angry at the same time that those who represent the descendants of a people who have been persecuted for centuries for religious or religious reasons.” The descendants of this people, who today are the decision-makers and makers of the State of Israel, are not only colonizing an entire country, partially expelling its people from their land and seeking to expel them forever, but they are also committing a real massacre against the people of Gaza, and they continue without interruption to attack civilians, women and children."

The French philosopher added, "To see the silence of the world, the silence of the United States, the protectors of Israel, the silence of the Arab countries, and the silence of the European countries that claim to be defenders of culture, humanity, and human rights, this makes me believe that we are living a terrible tragedy, because we are also helpless in the face of this absolute evil."

interestingly, the statement by Mr. Edgar Morin echoes an Islamic tradition:

Prophet Muhammad: “Whoever among you sees a wrong, he should change it with his hand, and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue, and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith.”

عن أبي سعيد الخدري قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: «من رأى منكم منكرا فليغيره بيده، فإن لم يستطع فبلسانه، فإن لم يستطع فبقلبه، وذلك أضعف الإيمان».

“ At least, I say: bear witness! The only thing that remains if we cannot resist concretely is to testify. Let's resist in our minds, let's not be fooled, let's not forget, let's have the courage to face things head-on." https://t.co/kAE1X1tPSZ

— John Cusack (@johncusack) February 15, 2024