As we watch with horror what's occurring in Israel and surrounding nations right now, let's remember some key concepts that are important any time there's a tragic event:
1. Have empathy. This is no time to pick petty fights about geopolitical disputes, even if your underlying concerns have merit. This is a moment in which we should come together to condemn the terrorist activity and do what we can to help any civilians who are suffering. Please don’t use this tragedy to propel your own agenda related to past events.
2. Stay skeptical. Even the best news sources can get some details wrong when news is developing very quickly, and it complicates matters more when those events are taking place abroad. If you see something outrageous in the news, double check to make sure multiple reliable sources are reporting the information. This can help prevent a lot of unnecessary and/or misplaced rage and stress.
3. Destroy biases. This is a time when objectivity matters. It’s important to look at this ongoing tragedy through an unbiased lens. These are real lives of real people, and they deserve and honest assessment of their reality. Anything tainted by propaganda or firmly held beliefs is necessarily an insult to those suffering.
4. Remember there are no teams. This is not a sporting event where we are rooting for one side or the other. These are people who are dying in some of the most horrible ways imaginable. We must all be on the same team here: the team against the senseless murders of civilians by a terrorist organization.
5. Be grateful. Last but certainly not least, remember to appreciate those around you, and everything you have. It could all be taken away in a second and, for many people in the Middle East right now, that’s exactly what’s happening as I type. So, hug your loved ones, and consider telling them what they mean to you.