On War, Responsibility, and the Importance of Perspective
Let’s imagine you’re a physician working on the front lines of war—dealing with death, injury, and human tragedy every day. Families, civilians, and patients all tell their side of the story, but as a professional, you still have a responsibility to tell your truth, even if it’s difficult or unpopular.
Before anyone rushes to judge Canadian doctors who have served or spoken out about the conflict in Gaza, it’s important to understand the context and the reality of war. According to the United Nations, more than 1.9 million people—roughly 90% of Gaza’s population—have been displaced during the current war. That figure alone is staggering.
Yes, Israel issued warnings for civilians to evacuate certain areas. Those who stayed may have done so by force, or by choice—including those actively involved in the conflict. The unfortunate reality is that militant groups like Hamas have a long-documented history of using civilians as human shields, storing weapons in schools, hospitals, and residential areas.
This is not a justification—this is a tragic fact. In war, civilians are often the ones who suffer most. We’ve seen similar atrocities in other parts of the world—religious and tribal conflicts in Nigeria, for example, where entire communities are attacked and displaced under the guise of political or religious motives.
The Harsh Truth About Warfare
When a country is at war, showing weakness can lead to even greater losses. This is why strategic decisions in warfare are often made under immense pressure and tight timeframes, and why some targets are prioritized even at great moral cost. It’s easy for those who’ve never experienced war—especially those living in peaceful nations like Canada—to judge from a distance without fully understanding the stakes.
Hamas, for example, initiated terrorist attacks—a point that cannot be ignored. Whether one agrees with Israel’s response or not, it is a sovereign nation responding to a terrorist threat. And polling shows that, if an election were held in Palestinian territories today, Hamas would likely win. That fact alone complicates the moral narrative.
On Property, Land, and Rights
We must also revisit how we talk about land, ownership, and indigenous rights. Property rights, in most of the world, are not a universal principle. In many regions, land ownership is reserved for royalty, political elites, or the well-connected.
In Western nations, property rights are a product of Judeo-Christian values, embedded in a system that values individual liberty and protection under the law. In Canada, for example, the protection of Indigenous lands exists not because of force, but because of a national commitment to reconciliation and stewardship—values rooted in Christian ethics.
If Canada operated the way Hamas governs, there would be no such thing as First Nations land rights. But we don’t, because we adhere to a higher moral framework, even when it’s politically or economically inconvenient.
On War and Indoctrination
The sad truth is that war rarely has clean lines or simple villains. People suffer. Children suffer. And no one benefits in the long run. But when war is declared—by a group, a state, or even a movement—the opposing side has the right to respond. That’s the grim reality of conflict.
Hamas declared war. And now, Israel is responding with the full force of its military. Many in the Palestinian population want no part of the conflict—but they are caught in the crossfire. Unfortunately, some neighboring countries have distanced themselves from the situation, not out of indifference, but because they see the consequences of radicalization and political extremism.
If you raise your children in a culture of war and hatred, others may be hesitant to engage with them—not out of prejudice, but out of caution. People judge not just your politics, but your behavior. If you promote violence or glorify war, your neighbors will take notice, and it will affect how they relate to you and your community.
Why Values Matter
Ultimately, the West grew strong not because of conquest or wealth alone, but because it was guided by Judeo-Christian values: forgiveness, justice, personal responsibility, and the belief in the sanctity of life. When these values are abandoned, societies fall into chaos, division, and endless cycles of retaliation.
We must remember: Christ is King. And through Him, we find not only moral clarity but the courage to strive for peace—even in the face of conflict.
The United Nations, global institutions, and protest movements can raise awareness, but real-world peace requires more than slogans. It requires wisdom, faith, and personal responsibility. Those protesting the war must also ask themselves: Are you willing to die for this cause—or are you simply angry from a distance? Meanwhile, Israelis—many of whom have careers, families, and futures—are enlisting to defend their homeland, regardless of whether it’s perfect.
That contrast should say something.
Final Thought
War is ugly. It always has been. And without a moral foundation grounded in faith and truth, it will continue to be so.
Avoid war, avoid warmongering, and above all, seek peace through values that uplift human dignity.
If you want lasting answers, consider turning your heart toward Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Only through Him can true reconciliation—and real transformation—begin.