Let’s be very clear, we’re talking about two different things here: kids who want to speak up for what they, or their parents, consider to be right -versus- kids who are put in danger and used as political pawns. It’s happening, people, it’s happening.

Today is the “March for Life” in Washington, DC. On the National Mall around noon, about a million people will gather to stand for the right to life on behalf of the unborn. These are anti-abortion groups who believe that human life starts before birth. Many religious youth groups take part as they march from the Mall (big green space near the Washington Monument – not a shopping mall) and up to the Supreme Court. They carry signs, placards and walk quietly, sing or chant slogans. There are opening speeches, greetings from elected officials and a mini-concert and prayer.

It’s a respectful, wholesome atmosphere. Very little trash left behind, no fighting the police, no screaming at counter-protesters who can’t seem to get their own day.

Then we move to the Middle East and families using their kids to slap police and hurl rocks at them. Whole different ballgame.

Take the case of Palestinian teen Ahed Tamimi whose parents have been using their children for the past decade in propaganda videos against Israel. Now estimated to be 16-18 years old (no one knows for sure?), the young blond girl hurls insults at Israeli police and soldiers. She’s photogenic and does not appear to be dark, veiled or Middle Eastern – she’s in leggings and a tank top!  Where are the imams now? She slaps, hits, kicks and they haul her away.

Now she’s under arrest and in jail. But it’s all a big game and staged for foreign journalists who  eat up the images that would otherwise be called child abuse in another setting. A good site to explain this: https://legalinsurrection.com/2017/12/ahed-tamimi-case-is-about-child-exploitation-by-anti-israel-activists/. Even her young brother has been injured in these clashes. And then they trot out the toddlers….

Enough.

Freedom of speech and peaceful demonstration extends to young people. Putting your children in harm’s way and inciting them to riot is a whole different matter.

—————