Japan Not Inviting Israel.

On 9 August 1945, an American bomber dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki. The explosion killed 74,000 people while others died of radiation exposure. This was the second bomb, the first bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, killing 140,000 people. Japan surrendered and so WW II came to an end.

The ceremony to commemorate the atomic bombing of Nagasaki is tomorrow. The Mayor of Nagasaki chose not to invite Israel. His reason was because he wanted to keep the solemn ceremony peaceful. Mr. Suzuki said he did not like the ceremony being ruined by anti-Israeli protesters. That's what he says and no doubt that might be true. However, it could also be that many in Japan do not support Israel's war on Gaza. Reading between the lines, Mr. Suzuki might be reflecting the stance of many in Japan.

The US, UK and other nations are sending low-level delegations. The US and others have stated in not inviting Israel Japan has reduced Israel to an enemy nation like Russia. Russia is marginalised and sanctioned because of its activities in Ukraine. Many nations, organisations, news outlets, organisations, individuals, etc, think Israel should be treated as a pariah nation. Just as Russia is because of the war with Ukraine. So it is for Israel and its genocidal war (some think) on Gaza.

Both Japan and the US have been good friends since WW II. Like any relationship, the US and Japan have had their ups and downs. Many in Japan are glad the US is in a seemingly permanent military alliance with the US. However, some Japanese want the US gone. Japan has had a pacifist constitution since its defeat in 1945. Despite that Japan maintains a powerful navy, army, and air force. In recent years, many in Japan and governments feel Japan should be assertive on the world stage. Particularly with enemies in the neighbourhood like North Korea and China. Also, with terrorists killing their citizens. Japan has a strong warrior tradition and many Japanese feel this Samurai spirit should break free from their pacifist constitution. So, ironically just like supporters of Israel say it should be allowed to defend itself. To go after those who have harmed it or would do it harm, Japan should be able to do the same.

As stated, the US along with other nations will send lower (whatever they are!) delegations to the Nagasaki ceremony. A bell rings either in Nagasaki or Hiroshima (forgive me I should have done my research) and there is a silence as those present maintain silence at the exact times the bombs/bomb dropped on those Japanese cities. The ceremonies/ceremony reflects the barbarity of nuclear weapons. The Nagasaki ceremony will be poignant for today. Yet again we stand on the brink of a possible third world war. A world conflagration caused by what is happening in Ukraine or Gaza. Both of these conflicts threaten to escalate bringing in nuclear powers, we live in scary times.

Israel in its bombing of Gaza has killed thousands of Palestinians and maimed thousands more. When please God, this conflict is over, there will be many Gazan kids growing up as orphans and with PTSD. Israel has pounded Gaza to rubble yet Hamas like them or not, fight on. Just like Ukraine, has been pounded by Russia. Killing and maiming thousands of Ukrainians. Putin is a pariah and so is Netanyahu to many in the world. The difference is Netanyahu is still courted and backed by many Western nations. Both Netanyahu and Putin are wanted for crimes against humanity. Both Russia and Israel think they can defeat Gaza and Ukraine. And yet, for all their military might, neither Russia nor Israel has achieved victory.

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