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As Israel has gradually resumed control and cleared the border areas flooded with terrorists, the extent of the Hamas massacre has been revealed:  

As of today, we have counted more than 1,400 people murdered, among them babies, children, women and elderly people. This number includes 10 Nepalis enrolled in the "Learn and Earn Program" and more than 50 nationals from other countries. Entire families were butchered in their homes. Infants were mutilated and children gunned to death with their parents. Approximately 260 young men and women were slaughtered, most of them shot to death, at a music festival. More than 3,800 people were injured, many of them still hanging between life and death. The fate of 200 abducted people remains unknown. In addition, Hamas terrorists launched more than 6000 rockets against its civilian population.

The Hamas attack in the south was a premeditated mass murder of innocent civilians. The launching of rockets against Israel's population is a further attempt to terrorize and kill innocent citizens.     

It is time to dispel myths and come to reality:

The first myth is the unholy equation made by many mainstream media outlets, in a futile attempt to preserve a non-existent balance, to deceptively describe the conflict as "violence on both sides."

However, while Israel seeks peace and coexistence, the Palestinian terrorist organizations, including Hamas, choose death and devastation. While throughout the conflict Israel has made great efforts to minimize harm to civilians, the militant Palestinians aim at innocent civilians as their primary objective. Hamas commits a double war crime–targeting Israeli civilians while using the residents of the Gaza Strip as human shields. 

There can be no comparison. There is no equivalence between those attacking innocent civilians and those defending themselves against such attacks.

While Israeli rockets are used to protect civilians, Palestinian civilians are used to protect their rockets.

The second myth is one, repeated by many, that the use of force is ineffective or inherently immoral. This is false. There are times when the use of force is a necessity, an obligation and the only moral course of action. Facing the depth of evil of terrorists like those in Hamas, who set out to murder babies and slaughter innocent people in their beds, it is the obligation of every state or entity to stop them from accomplishing their goals and to prevent such atrocities by any available means. 

It is unacceptable that the right to use force in self-defense is questioned in relation to Israel. Like every other state in the world, Israel has the right and the obligation to protect its citizens and to take all necessary measures to defend its people. 

It is abhorrent that there are those who question that right. When media personalities and others question Israel's right to self-defense, the people of Israel ask: How many Israelis must be killed in order for that right to be recognized, as it is for any other nation on this planet? 

The third myth to be highlighted is one that touches on the essence of the conflict between Israel and the extremist Palestinians. The falsehood that needs to be dispelled is that the conflict is only about tangible elements, like territory, water or other material assets. One of the most clichéd statements is that 'if Israel would only do this or that then there will be peace.' The attack on southern Israel demonstrates the fact that Hamas, like other extremists in the Palestinian camp, have no interest in compromise or coexistence. They wish to eradicate Israel and refuse to recognize it in any shape or form. 

This is an existential battle, in which Israel's survival is at stake. Israel has gone a long way in trying to achieve peaceful coexistence. It recognized the Palestinian Authority and relinquished territory to the Palestinians. Israel vacated the entire Gaza Strip, including the dismantling of all Jewish settlements in that territory. However, Israel was not rewarded with peace. Instead, the territories it vacated were then turned into terrorist training camps and launching pads for attacks. There is a growing realization that peace will only come when the majority of Palestinians choose coexistence over conflict and eject the extremists from their midst.      

There are many who ask how they can help Israel at this time of need. It warms the hearts of the people of Israel to witness such offers of support and they are deeply appreciated. 

Beyond the emotional and material support provided by many, no less important is moral support. Public statements by elected officials, solidarity communal gatherings in synagogues and churches, and the illumination of public buildings in blue and white (the colors of our flag) are all fine examples of reassuring actions. 

In today’s world of social media, everyone has a voice and anyone can be an ambassador of goodwill. If you wish to support Israel, spread the word of truth and help us dispel the myths.

Israel highly values the support extended to Israel by Nepali Government and so many citizens. Condemning the attack by the Hamas terrorists and standing with Israel in this difficult time is essential and reminds us of the historic decision taken by BP Koirala to establish diplomatic relations between Nepal and Israel in 1960.

The author is the ambassador of Israel to Nepal

Honest citizenry refers to a population or community of individuals within a society/nation who uphold and embody the principles of integrity, truthfulness and ethical behavior in their civic and personal lives. Adherence to moral values, respect for the law and a commitment to transparency and accountability in action are some of its characteristics. It signifies a collective dedication to upholding the principle of honesty and integrity in all aspects of public and private life, contributing to the overall moral and fabric and integrity of the society as a whole. 

Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is a nation with a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, natural resources and a diverse population. However, like many other countries, it faces numerous challenges, including political instability, economic disparities and social issues. One crucial aspect that needs immediate attention in Nepal is the need for an honest citizenry. In a society where honesty is a cornerstone of progress and development, fostering a culture of integrity can pave the way for a brighter future.

Honesty is a fundamental virtue that plays a pivotal role in shaping a nation's destiny. It encompasses not only telling the truth but also involves transparency, accountability and ethical behavior. In the context of Nepal, building an honest citizenry is essential for several reasons.

Nepal has been grappling with corruption for several years, hindering progress and development. Corruption has not only siphoned off public funds but also a trust deficit in government institutions. An honest citizenry can serve as a bulwark against corruption by demanding accountability and transparency from elected representatives and government personnel. 

A culture of honesty can stimulate economic growth by creating a conducive environment for businesses and investments. When individuals and businesses can trust that contracts will be honored, property rights protected and transactions conducted fairly, it fosters economic stability and development.

Honesty fosters trust among individuals and communities. In a diverse and multicultural nation like Nepal, trust and mutual respect are essential for social cohesion and harmony. When citizens are honest in their dealings with each other, it helps bridge societal divides and strengthens the social fabric.

A transparent and accountable government is essential for effective governance. Citizens, who demand honesty and integrity from their leaders and government as well as non-government institutions are more likely to hold them accountable for their actions. This, in turn, leads to a better governance, improved public services and a more efficient administration.

While the importance of honesty is undeniable, there are several challenges that Nepal faces in its pursuit of building an honest citizenry. 

Many individuals in Nepal are struggling with poverty and desperation, which can drive them to engage in dishonest activities as a means of survival. Addressing the root causes of poverty and providing economic opportunities is crucial to reduce dishonest behavior.

Nepal’s legal framework lacks teeth when it comes to addressing corruption and dishonesty effectively. There is a need for comprehensive legal reforms to create a strong deterrent against dishonest behavior.

A well-rounded education system that not only imparts academic knowledge but also instills values such as honesty is essential. Many schools in Nepal lack the resources and capacity to provide a holistic education, leaving a gap in character development.

Nepal’s political landscape is often marred by patronage and nepotism. This creates an environment where dishonesty is sometimes rewarded rather than punished. Political reform is crucial to eliminate this aspect of the culture.

To build a more honest citizenry in Nepal, a multi-pronged approach is necessary.

Investing in education and awareness campaigns that promote ethical behavior and values from a young age is essential. This includes not only formal education but also community-based initiatives and awareness programs. Reforming and strengthening Nepal's legal frameworks to make them more effective in combating corruption and dishonesty is crucial. This includes robust enforcement mechanisms and whistleblower protection. Citizens must actively engage in the political processes and hold their elected representatives accountable. Encouraging transparency and scrutinizing the actions of political leaders can help reduce dishonesty in politics. Creating economic opportunities and reducing poverty is vital in reducing the desperation that can lead to dishonest behavior. This involves job creation, vocational training and support for entrepreneurship.

Civil society organizations, including non-government organizations and community groups, can play a significant role in promoting honesty and integrity. They can serve as watchdogs, advocates and educators.

Nepal stands at a crossroads, with the opportunity to build a stronger and more prosperous nation. To achieve this, fostering an honest citizenry is paramount. Honesty is not just a personal virtue; it is a collective responsibility that can transform societies and nations. By addressing the challenges and actively working toward creating a culture of integrity, Nepal can make way for a brighter future where honesty is the norm rather than the exception. With an honest citizenry, Nepal can overcome its obstacles and unlock its true potential as a nation.

Young people can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of an honest and upright citizenry within a nation. Their behaviors, mindsets and ways of living are essential for fostering and attaining the ideals of an honest and responsible populace. It is undeniable that the youth of Nepal are grappling with challenges in foreign lands, courageously shouldering risks in pursuit of their aspirations. Regrettably, they often find themselves unable to realize their dreams within their own homeland, compelling them to invest their efforts, toil and make sacrifices in distant territories.

Development partners and nations globally have extended opportunities for skill development and exposure, yet many of these individuals choose not to return to their motherland. Consequently, they may not actively engage in contributing to the progress of the country, where their skills and knowledge can be instrumental. Unless the youth develop a collective sense of responsibility toward their country’s advancement, the nation cannot make substantial leaps in its development trajectory. Despite this, Nepali citizens residing in the country maintain a profound faith in the potential of the youths to actively participate in national development, hoping for a brighter and more prosperous future.

Nepal has a short history of democratic practice that started about seven decades ago, only to be punctuated by authoritarianism. What’s more, a report from the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) points at the existence of a “hybrid form of democracy” in Nepal. This hybrid strain, which foreign agencies have made mention of, is perhaps a pointer toward coups that have taken place and the absence of ‘genuine’ democracy even during what can largely be described as the ‘democratic era’. 

A rational democracy contains multiple features, which are lacking in our democracy. 

For example, democracy in a developed country is not bound by the clan and cluster of the citizen. In such a polity, the citizens have a full-fledged authority over the resources with government agencies acting as accelerating forces that keep a close watch on democratic forces and practices. Every eager citizen assumes that democratic practice carries a long-term value. Economic powerhouses are also an independent parallel influence to institutionalize democracy. Demography, democracy and demonstration are also crucial for a proper democratic practice.

Democratic pathways

Multi-polar practice of development entails a tranquil mechanism as it presumes the system as a long-run phenomenon that sprints systematic carryover of the entire nation. Rational development in a real democracy carries the lingered value that leads to overall systematic reformation, which is lacking in least developed countries. Systematic uplifting of democratic practice leads the nation ultimately to smooth pathways for formal and accurate systematic changes that we are likely to ask for.

Continuous political volatility, impunity, messy policies, unregulated economic activities, intra-party polarization and regional strain are the key factors that are likely to have an inverse impact on the sound development of democracy. Sound democracy needs a playful practice of social justice and social equity. Parallel practice of adjustment over the government and development of morality among the general civilians seems to be a petty smart notion for democratic reformation.

Ready for a shift?

In this era of rampant social modification and development, everyone may not have equally profound faith in terms of democratic institutionalization. On the contrary, he/she tries to clutch the aspirations of the masses for overall social progress. But they go pear-shaped to remember their backgrounds and the system under which they are performing. This is a general trauma. So, gradual eradication of illiteracy among the citizenry is also a goal that we are trying to achieve.

By 2026, Nepal is likely to ‘graduate’ to a developing nation from a ‘poor nation’ and the government is making preparations for this progressive shift. Many of the socio-cultural aspects, literal aspects, economic indicators and other normative values are still in rapid progress to achieve this. But the core living standards, health access of distant populace and political transition have not made much headway. Amid this scenario, a question arises: Are we really ready for this shift?

Liberating space

Institutionalization of a democratic system that delivers is the minimum requirement of the Nepali people. This way, we can enhance the general economic system and democratic perspective dynamically. 

Disordered democratic systems lacking crystal-clear roadmaps can invite a high-degreed curse rather than boon for the state. In least developed countries (LDCs) like Nepal, where democracy is not yet institutionalized, a culture of impunity is likely to take root. Switching up for the sound, adamant and progressive democracy is a vital prerequisite for us. The holistic theme of democracy is crucial not only to accelerate societal progress but also to boost up economic reformation, which is a prior need and demand of every state.

Digital democracy

Now-a-days, we are positioning our nose for classical adherence to liberalization, but can't keep our fingers ahead for the digital taxonomy of democracy moving and seeking a rampant platform for further limelight. It quests ahead for digital technology, maximization of digital tools, social media platform, online advocacy forums and more. In this digital era, many individuals can develop advocacy forums and can mushroom in no time. This is also a prerequisite for developing a digital democracy, which may later take the form of e-democracy where anyone can poll and manifest their opinion via individual democratic platforms.

Concurrently, new arrivals in the political system of Nepal are in the line to develop a quiet, liberal and democratic play station to ponder into the system of the country, and are also successful catching the aspiration of civilians. 

Albeit, age has caught up with me—past my mid-sixties today—every Dashain, when kites dot the sky in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors–red, blue, yellow, green, you name it, the sight mesmerizes me to take a flight down memory lane to my childhood fantasy—flying and fighting kites.  

Bygone memories surge back, and the image of a skinny little boy swims before my eyes. Oblivious to the rest of the world, he totes a lattai (wooden reel), his eyes glued on his red kite pivoting, spinning, and diving in the sky in the sweltering midday sun, his face turned ruddy swathed in sweat and grime—for all he cares. 

Just then, out of the blue, a yellow-n-black bi-colored kite looms, spoiling for a fight. The boy watches the adversary and, with bated breath, braces himself. The challenger soars up, whirls, and tears down upon his kite. 

Attaboy! The boy smartly outwits the blitzing onrush, propels his kite above the opponent’s, and, gaining the upper hand, zeroes in on it before it can get its bearings. The duel kicks off, both fixated on a kill as lines get fed, and the warring kites spin away. 

Hardly past a few moments, the bi-colored contender, unawares, totters and plunges earthward in a pathetic glide. ‘Chait’, bursts out the boy, bellowing at the top of his voice—his cheeks flushed florid.  

How can I forget those stirring moments drenched in excitement and drama, let alone the wide-eyed, heady little lad flying his kite? Because, dear readers, I was ‘he’.

In the 1960s, in Kathmandu, with no telly and dreary delays (some for months) for movies to switch at the handful of theaters, for the youngsters, the only way out to unwind during the Dashain holidays was to fly kites, run kites and fight kites.

I was 10/12 years old, and my passion and obsession was flying kites. And to satisfy my craze, I would go to any lengths head over heels. I whined, scrounged, stole, threw one too many tantrums at home, and did not mind trading mom’s thrashing for a day’s kiting. 

Following the Dashain escapades, what stood out as endearing reminders were the tell-tale cuts, gashes, and rashes, all so gallantly endured during the time, and the sudden nostalgic feeling a cherished season had again gone by a little too early.

The historical Asan Tole, in those days, with a sprinkling of kite shops, was the hub for all the kiting paraphernalia. Unlike the ready-to-use glass-coated strings (available in later years), we had to do with plain strings. The kites came from Kolkata and Patna (India), the strings from Bareilly (India), while the local carpenters made the wooden reels.

There was more; we could not just yet have a go at flying, as we stood no chance of sparring it out with other flyers without applying the maza on the string—a concoction of alas (flax seed), arrowroot powder, sago grains, a slippery extract squeezed out of a cactus plant called ghyukumari (aloe vera), and powdered glass (pounded electric bulbs). 

We brewed the whole gamut of ingredients into a thick consistency and then applied it to the string and let it dry in the sun; every kiter prided himself in his maza recipe, which he kept hush-hush for success at kite fighting, rested upon it.

I was not an ace fighter, but I held some clout over my neighborhood peers. In my elements, I downed seven or eight kites in a day against a loss of two or three, a feat my local pals admired. But there were days when only frustrating defeats stared me in the face. 

I had friends who were great at kite running, but I needed a stomach for it as it called for speed and brawn that I lacked, and as often as not, such runs ended up in brawls.

One Dashain, our neighborhood was in for a big jolt—an intruder had trespassed our territory, blazing a cutting spree across our sky, spelling doom for every single kite that dared cross its path. None stood a chance, and none—spared. A confrontation for me was inevitable, but I was not the kind to be intimidated that easily. But, it looked like I was fated, too, like the other kiters. It hurt bad when I lost kite after kite to this formidable adversary.

What confounded us most was his style of launching an attack, which was weird to all flyers of our genre. The rule of thumb for us was to secure an upper hold over the opponent’s line and feed the line in a steady, unhurried motion after complete contact. To our disbelief, this fellow did the contrary by engaging his line from below. Incredible!

The kite approached from below, lifted straight up in an unexpected rush, and before we could grasp what was happening, our lines snapped as if a razor had touched them off. Just like that, no kidding! The cutting binge continued for days; all we could do was gawk at our hapless kites. None of our ruses worked against this seemingly invincible invader.

Overnight, this stranger had turned into a superstar, talked about in hushed tones whenever the boys met in the alleys of our neighborhood. Words flew around that this fellow was from India visiting an uncle in our neighborhood.

Near desperation, I decided to visit this mystery fellow, a dark horse—just a spitting distance away from my house. When I dropped by the house, to my great surprise, I found him flying his kite with his bare hands, the reel held by another chap. 

Whoa! No boy in Kathmandu then flew with bare hands! Even as I watched, dumbfounded at the ease, the flourish, and the control he displayed at tugging and jerking on his line, he downed two kites to their doom.

I cautiously approached him, anxious to get to the bottom of this mystery, “Wow! That was superb—two kites downed in less than ten minutes. You know this is the first time anyone has struck off kites in this style in our neighborhood.”

“Well, there is nothing special to it. In India, we fight kites this way,” he smiled. Fascinated, I decided to pry into the matter, pushing on, “It beats me how you do it ‘cause we only spar by paying off our line.”

“Simple,” he volunteered. “If you are mounting your attack by hauling your line, you have to pilot from below when you go for the coup de grace. You need to maintain the upward surge at a very fast and unbroken pace. If you stick to a rapid drag, keeping your line taut, it devastates your opponent.”

“So what’s the other guy supposed to do to foil this attack?” I egged him impatiently. “No sweat! All he has to do is make a dive for it to meet the surge as fast as he can until his line gets into full contact and let go of his line. This way, the other guy won't stand a ghost of a chance.” For me, it was a sensational revelation.

As expected, I had a showdown with him the next day; I launched an attack following the newcomer’s instruction to the letter. I could not believe my eyes when down went his kite; the day followed with three more victories for me against him with just one loss. 

So, after all, this guy was not as invincible as all the local boys and I had come to believe. One should have watched me then, swaggering down the street, my chin held high, my neighborhood boys eyeing me green with envy!

 Most admittedly, the chap from India had caused quite a stir in our neighborhood like never before. The dog-fights between us continued for two more days, each vying to outwit the other, scores almost nip and tuck. Our kites dominated the sky as if the rest did not exist. However, we all this time shared a strange camaraderie despite our kites being in perpetual warfare.

Following a week of our tug of war, I was all set as usual, with a renewed enthusiasm for a face-off. But the sky was conspicuous by the stranger’s kite’s absence. I frantically scoured the sky for his kite to appear almost the entire day, followed by a disappointing two more days–to little avail.

I learned he had left for India. For many Dashains that followed, as the pirouetting kites flashed in vibrant hues and shades against the indigo sky, I really and truly missed the invader from the blue.

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