You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone
There is a quote often attributed to Edmund Burke that says: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.” I believe Dr Ronit Lentin, who commands respect and has many admirers among both academic and migrant communities, spared no effort in making sure that racism, segregation and social injustice did not triumph. She has been a strong voice and an ambassador of hope for migrants, immigrants, asylum seekers and various unprivileged minorities.
While some of these groups had hoped to see her playing her normal sacrificial role of unpaid lobbyist to even higher levels such as the European Parliament, I was shell-shocked to learn through her recent column for this newspaper that she had decided to leave the field of migration studies. Quel dommage!
While one can only speculate as to the possible reasons behind her decision beyond what she explained in her column, it is obvious that her work as an activist and a strong voice for those widely considered social misfits couldn’t possibly be appreciated by everyone.
In this current world defined by political correctness and conventional wisdom, it isn’t popular to speak and stand against the policies of our leaders, whether they are right or wrong. Moreover, people who sacrifice a lot for the weak, poor or oppressed aren’t always appreciated by the very same people they are sacrificing for.
It’s just like when Jesus Christ healed the 10 lepers but only one went back to thank Him, and Jesus asked why the other nine did not return to show appreciation (Luke 17:19). The same happened to Moses the lawgiver when he tried to mediate between his fellow Israelites who were fighting against each other (Exodus 2:11-25). It is a sad truth that we sometimes fail to appreciate the blessings we have until after we lose them.
We can hope that whatever challenge Dr Lentin went through in supporting migrants made her cause even stronger. As Edmund Burke once wisely put it: “He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.” I wish her God’s richest blessing as she pursues advocacy for Palestinians in Israel. Shalom and salaam, Doc!
Pastor Thomas Baganineza is an ordained minister who has been pastoring for more than 10 years. He graduated from Global University and is currently a freelance columnist and writer.
thomasbaganineza@gmail.com
