“Boris”: to what extent does his cartoon on the Middle East fiasco make you dream of love?

First, who is the talented Saint-Eugène-d’Argentenay- born Boris (https://shorturl.at/xrKyL)? From La Presse, we learn the following about “Boris”, or Mr. Goldstyn’ talents and two passions (thanks for Mr. Google Translate for his assistance in translation): “Jacques Goldstyn was born in 1958. As a child, he had two passions: drawing and collecting stones. After studying science, he became a geologist. And then one day, by chance and luck, he returned to drawing where he mainly did scientific popularization, notably for Québec Science, Québec Oiseaux and Les Débrouillards. Under the pen name Boris, he is occasionally published in Relations, L’aut’journal, Montreal Gazette and La Gazette de la Mauricie. And he still collects stones. They are everywhere in his home: on his drawing table, in his living room, in his garden and, sometimes, in his shoe” (https://shorturl.at/ZZXnk).

Now that the introduction have been made, Bambi will share below Boris’ latest cartoon, which was published in La Presse, on May 19, 2024. Bambi loves it because it shows all the absurdity of the static chaos of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Most importantly, Boris’ cartoon also shows us the tragic suffering, as well as humanity, of people of both sides of this never-ending conflict.

Specifically, assuming Bambi is not missing any detail, this cartoon shows both flags at the same time, contrary to the regular demonstrations and counter-demonstrations in Canada and/or abroad. It also reminds us that there are still innocent hostages who are kidnapped, including very young children, including a baby. It also shows us the desperate SOS call from out of Gaza, given the totally insane death toll number of innocent families, sadly including too many children. We also see a sign calling for ceasefire and another one dreaming of a “Free palestine”. It is only when we look back to the other side again that we notice a sign of “No to Hamas”. It makes us remember that, for the side calling for freedom, the latter must come from within to take its full meaning. This means freedom from the Israeli military hegemony, yes for sure, but also freedom from the Hamas’ (or any other similar group in power)’s unilateral extremism, which is also punishing its own innocent people with its actions (mirroring the Israeli military response to October 7).

Furthermore, this cartoon can make us think about the meaning of basic values like dignity, safety, and peace for ALL innocent people on all sides, including the families of the hostages as well as the innocent families of Gaza (without forgetting about other innocent, and at times grieving, families of neighbouring countries, including Lebanon)?

Can a ceasefire, and especially post-ceasefire, guarantee safety for all and prevent crazy rounds of violence in the region, like this one, in the future? How do we foster trust again among all players in the region and beyond (if at all possible), facilitate healing, and eventually re-build from the rubble, not just infrastructures but hopefully bridges of humanity? Or, without a real solution, is there a risk that this part of the world would return to the same status quo, which preceded the tragic October 7, that turned into a living hell, namely (but not only) for the people of Gaza?

And how about an SOS call for the end of violence in the middle east once and for all, that is a concrete solution to its never-ending conflict, which Bambi is sick and tired of? What about personal and collective healing after all the trauma, grief, and tears? How would it be possible, now and in the future? Can we still dream of potential healthy exchanges among nations, a true lasting peace in the entire region, more humanity, and ideally love, as per this beautiful cartoon.

For Bambi, the beautiful ray of hope offered by Boris in his cartoon, happens to be what she strongly believes in, namely the power of love (“Amour” in French, as per the title of the cartoon). Even if the hope for peace in the region is currently dead, we can always fantasize about the potential for love, just like this cartoon’s beautiful kiss. Yes, true love, which would be based on MUTUAL respect, acceptance (not cancellation or silencing), and care for the other while caring for oneself. Why does it have to be that complicated when it can be as simple as a spontaneous kiss of love?

Thanks to the highly talented Boris for making Bambi dream of love in the Middle East. In this post, she shared this dream with you, dear readers, regardless of your own thoughts, if any, about the Middle East conflict.