By Sani Bello Hamza
As I embarked on my midnight journey to Israel and Iran, I was filled with preconceived notions about the two nations. Israel, in particular, was touted as a land of opportunities, blessed with the best amenities and governance. However, my experience was far from what I expected.
Upon arrival in Israel, the harsh realities on the ground starkly contrasted with the perceived utopia. I was struck by the forceful imposition of the nation on Palestine, the indiscriminate killing of Palestinians, and the occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. The excitement to explore the land of Prophet Moses was dampened by these observations. When I witnessed an Israeli preemptive attack on Iran, I halted my journey and left.
In contrast, my short stint in Iran was filled with surprises and excellent memories. The discipline of its citizens, their good attitude to work, and resilience in the face of adversity were impressive. I was also moved by their commitment to fighting falsehood and spreading goodwill.
A significant development that unfolded during my journey was Iran's response to Israel's attack. The swift and decisive response shattered the notion of Israel's invincibility. Furthermore, the recent exchange between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon and Palestine has exposed the vulnerabilities of Israel's military might.
As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the words of Adolf Hitler, "War is like a dark room, one doesn't know what is inside; a pregnant woman doesn't know what will be born until it is due." It is my fervent prayer that the will of the Almighty prevails, and the oppressed nations triumph over their oppressors.
Sani Bello Hamza is a Law student at Ahmadu Bello University. He writes from Zaria and can be reached at 09013506168 or sanibellohamza@gmail.com.
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foreign conflict