Alberto Barciela
Journalist and vice-president of EditoRed
This year I have planted my symbolic Christmas tree in Gaza. It is meant to be a humble and emotional message to the Palestinians and Israelis of good will, especially to those who remain kidnapped and to the children, the elderly, women and men, and also to my fellow journalists, who suffer as a result of an unbridled war and atrocious terrorism, both of which are unjustified.
My thoughts and emotions are with those who suffer. I do not forget those who suffer similar situations in Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan, Yemen or Syria… or anywhere else on the planet.
My tree tries to be the allegory of an elevated prayer to all the gods, to those of all beliefs, although I install it next to the Nativity Scene, the representation of my culture, of the Catholic religion, of my family and personal tradition.
With a few embellishments I try to warn about climate change and denounce those who use scarce natural resources as a speculative weapon, ignoring those who cannot afford heating in the cold season, the most humble and those who live in areas of conflict or extreme poverty.
I remain persuaded, like Socrates, that “of all the good and noble things that exist, the gods bestow nothing on men without effort and solicitude”. We have to predispose ourselves, to involve ourselves, to act.
On a card on the tree, next to the star of Bethlehem, I propose a subtle and simple resolution: raise our eyes, look carefully at what is happening around us and realise that others exist, that they need us, especially those who suffer from war, violence, unjust persecution, mistreatment: refugees, migrants, the starving or slaves, those threatened by mafias, the unemployed, those who have no access to health or education or who live in undemocratic regimes.
As an essential exercise, during this festive season I believe that we should look at and talk to the people closest to us without the intermediation of any machine. We should embrace each other and opt for what is rational, normal, common sense and solidarity. For this, nothing better than forgetting hypocrisy, grudges and vain intentions. Every gesture must be based on fresh predispositions of understanding and affection.
A Hindu saying holds that what is not given is lost. The Chinese say that there are many who are concerned with fame, wealth and honours, and very few who seek to be wise and generous. These age-old recommendations are written on slips of paper, flyleaves, reflecting the delicacy of humble and blunt thoughts, they denote fragility and evidence of the frequent forgetfulness of the essentials. For my part, I supplement them with suggestions such as shopping locally, meeting friends and family at the bar or restaurant around the corner, visiting museums, turning off mobile phones at shared tables. They try to be an easy example of how to encourage a new spirit of enjoyment without major expenses.
My tree is symbolically in Gaza, it will only germinate exponentially if its seed reaches the hearts and attitudes of those of us who enjoy life without impediments.
There is much to enjoy and more to share. Health, peace and good. Happy Holidays.
© This article was originally published in Aquí Europa
