In a harrowing echo of the self-immolations by Buddhist monks during the Vietnam War, a serving member of the United States Air Force on February 26, 2024, set himself ablaze in front of the ‘Israeli’ embassy in Washington D.C., declaring, “I will no longer be complicit in genocide.” While engulfed in flames, he repeatedly yelled, “Free Palestine,” a distressing and desperate cry for justice that resonates with the profound moral anguish over the United States’ involvement in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. This act of self-immolation, reminiscent of the monks who, in 1963, chose to burn themselves to death in opposition to war and suffering, is not merely a protest against war; it is a profound statement against the complicity in atrocities that the serviceman could no longer bear of his involvement in the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The involvement of the United States Air Force in supporting the ‘Israeli’ military is well-documented. Reports from The Intercept reveal that the U.S. has been instrumental in identifying targets for bombing campaigns that have resulted in a staggering death toll surpassing 30,000 people. The airman who set himself on fire was deeply aware of the direct involvement of the United States military in an ongoing genocide. His act of burning himself in front of the Zionist Entity embassy was a statement to show the whole world the atrocities committed by them and, more importantly, the support of his own government who is fueling the genocide with money and weapons.
The United States’ role in the conflict extends beyond mere military support. The U.S. continues to send bombs and munitions to the Zionist Entity, fully aware that these weapons are being used to target civilians as part of a collective punishment strategy by the Zionist entity. This collaboration in the targeting of innocent lives highlights how the West continues to see Muslims as nothing but cheap assets that can be disposed of as “collateral damage.” The mainstream media’s coverage, or lack thereof, of these events is equally concerning. The silence of major news outlets on the airman’s self-immolation and the broader context of U.S. involvement in the genocide shows the full collaboration with the White House’s policies. The lack of coverage serves to obscure the reality of the situation from the American public, many of whom are overwhelmingly against the genocide being perpetrated. Despite public opposition, the Biden administration continues to supply the Zionist Entity military with weapons and protect its actions on the international stage.
The silence from the armies of the Muslim world is deafening. The bold stance displayed by this non-Muslim soldier, who took a stand against complicity in genocide, starkly contrasts with the inaction of Muslim military leaders. This soldier, not bound by the religion of Islam nor carrying the jihad doctrine that is supposed to inspire Muslim soldiers, has shown a level of bravery and moral fortitude that shames the leaders of Muslim armies. His actions highlight a profound failure: the absence of courage among those who should be at the forefront of defending the oppressed. Only with the political leadership of the Khilafah (Caliphate) can the armies be used to protect the honor of Muslims rather than using them to oppress the Muslims.
The question then arises: how can it be that a serviceman from a foreign land, with no direct religious obligation to the people of Palestine, demonstrates the kind of courage and moral integrity that surpasses that of the leaders of the Muslim armies? This discrepancy is not just a failure of military engagement but a failure of the leadership of the Muslim army. The silence and inaction of these leaders in the face of ongoing genocide not only betrayal to Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saw) but also undermined the very essence of the bravery of the men that should characterize the Muslim soldier. The world can recognize the courage of this American airman as a mirror reflecting our own shortcomings. It is time for the leaders of the Muslim armies to embody the true spirit to strive in the path of Allah (swt), defend the oppressed, and stand up against injustice.
﴿وَمَا لَكُمْ لاَ تُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالنِّسَاء وَالْوِلْدَانِ الَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا أَخْرِجْنَا مِنْ هَـذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ الظَّالِمِ أَهْلُهَا وَاجْعَل لَّنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ وَلِيًّا وَاجْعَل لَّنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ نَصِيرًا﴾
“And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, “Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?” [4:75]
Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir in America
