A modest proposal for Gazans and American progressives
We must help these unhappy souls be with the ones they love.
The world is currently in a state of steadily increasing panic due to the problem of Gaza residents who have been displaced by the current war and the profound anguish of their progressive supporters.
The humanitarian woes of the Gazans are well known, but the suffering of their supporters is equally desperate. Gaza residents must face the depredations of war and those deeply committed to their cause are so afflicted by the policies of their host societies that they have been driven to desperate acts of violence.
We face, then, two interconnected crises: Gazans require succor, and their supporters are being unjustly forced to live under governments whose policies they despise.
There are viable solutions to both these problems, however. They will require moral conviction and strength of will, but they are eminently practical, and I will elucidate them herein:
Regarding the Gaza refugees, we must look to the organization that has always been their greatest benefactor: the United Nations.
The UN’s dedication to the well-being of Gazans could almost be described as ancient. For decades, it has consistently embraced their cause and the Palestinian national movement in general. Through worthy organizations like UNRWA, it has blessed the Palestinians with billions of dollars, education for peace and coexistence, and enthusiastic collaboration in their kinetic efforts.
Now the UN unquestionably has both the financial and logistical means to alleviate the suffering of Gaza refugees.
The UN Headquarters in Midtown Manhattan is 18 acres in size. It is composed of the great structures of the General Assembly, Conference, Secretariat, and Library Buildings, which are of enormous size and capacity. These structures not only include the vast hall of the UN General Assembly but also hundreds of rooms and offices that can easily be converted into living space. Given that the UN’s annual budget exceeds $3 billion, such a conversion would not be a great hardship.
Moreover, the cost of a square foot of real estate in Manhattan is approximately $2,080. Given the enormous size of the Headquarters, the value of the space it occupies is just as enormous. Sadly, by no fault of the UN, this invaluable real estate is often left unused. After all, its workers must go home at night. Its great halls mostly remain unoccupied when the institution is not in session. Given the UN’s famous thrift and reputation for financial responsibility, the institution would no doubt be ecstatic at the prospect of putting all this wasted space to permanent use.
Eighteen acres of land is sufficient to house 784,080 people. If one adds to this the other offices and facilities in its multi-story buildings, the UN Headquarters certainly has more than enough space to fit well over a million residents. The use of this space as a refuge for all currently displaced Gazans would thus be a simple matter.
Nor should one neglect the possibility that this could be a solution to the Palestinian refugee problem in general. While it would certainly be something of a tight fit, the UN would no doubt be more than willing to finally grant the refugees and their constantly rising number of descendants a place of permanent refuge. Indeed, one can only imagine the moving spectacle of these refugees finally experiencing a sense of space and freedom upon entering the great hall of the General Assembly to make their modest homes.
This would also be a boon to New York City as a whole. The metropolis prides itself on being a sanctuary city that takes in migrants and refugees from around the world. The joy of its citizens at the chance to provide succor to such a long-suffering population can scarcely be imagined. Moreover, this population’s arrival would provide a new and welcome addition to the multicultural mosaic of that great metropolis and an economic boon due to the Palestinians’ famously innovative and entrepreneurial culture.
Let no one say that the UN is incapable of such a magnanimous act. It is known the world over for its largesse, generosity, incorruptible conduct, and deep concern for the human rights and well-being of all people, particularly the citizens of Haiti and the Central African Republic. To assert that UN officials would refuse the opportunity to do such great good is a grievous insult to these noble and charitable souls.
This brings us to the distress of American progressives, which is indeed a sad and lamentable spectacle. These unfortunate people are currently forced to live in a nation whose policies offend them both morally and spiritually. A permanent solution to their distress must be found.
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