Aaron Bushnell's Suicide: A Call to Conscience and Collective Responsibility

Aaron Bushnell, a member of the US Air Force, tragically ended his life by self-immolation in front of the Israeli embassy in Washington. His act was a stark protest against the unyielding support provided by the US to the ongoing violence inflicted by the Israeli military in Gaza. At just twenty-five years old, Bushnell's premature death serves as a poignant statement against this support. As flames engulfed his body, his cries rang out: 'Free Palestine, Free Palestine.' I watched the video of his suicide only once.

Later, I consciously avoided watching the video whenever it appeared on social media. The first viewing left me in shock and disbelief. A man clad in an air force uniform moved deliberately, stopping a short distance away before dousing himself in petrol and igniting the flames. In those agonising moments, as life slipped away, the haunting cries for Palestine pierced the air. It was a sight too harrowing to witness again. Meanwhile, the escalating violence in Gaza forced nearly half of the population to flee their homes, seeking refuge in the Egyptian border town of Rafah. As Israel continued its bombardment, even this once relatively safe haven became a target of destruction.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, delivering sufficient relief aid to Gaza proves increasingly challenging. Israel's relentless attacks have decimated nearly all hospitals in the region, leaving a dire scarcity of beds, medicine, operational facilities, and essential surgical equipment desperately needed to treat the injured. Moreover, the deliberate cutoff of electricity and water supplies by Israel exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. The people of Gaza endure not only the trauma of war but also the afflictions of malnutrition due to severe food shortages.

As diplomatic efforts to cease the hostilities persist, facilitated by Qatar and Egypt under the auspices of the US, the political dynamics of the Middle East reveal a complex interplay. Many Muslim-majority nations in the region find themselves maneuvered like pawns on a geopolitical chessboard by the United States. In this intricate game, America's influence dictates the course of events akin to it’s strategies, with strategic moves orchestrated to align with its interests.

The characterisation of Turkey's President Erdogan as the "neo-sultan of the Muslim Caliphate" suggests a divisive rhetoric that may not accurately reflect the complex political dynamics in the Muslim world. Furthermore, labeling individuals or nations as "poor" based on their economic status or religious fervor oversimplifies their perspectives and actions.

It's essential to recognise that the sentiments and responses of Muslims in Bangladesh, as in any other country, are diverse and multifaceted. The absence of jihadist slogans does not necessarily indicate a lack of concern or solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Political dynamics, socio-economic factors, and diplomatic considerations all play roles in shaping the reactions of nations and individuals.

While diplomatic efforts involving countries like Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey can influence the trajectory of conflicts in the Middle East, ultimately, the decision to cease hostilities rests with the parties directly involved. The assertion that the war will stop only when the Israeli Prime Minister declares it is simplistic. Ceasefires and peace negotiations often involve multiple stakeholders and complex negotiations.

It is inaccurate and unfair to claim that the deaths of thousands of Gazans do not elicit concern from Muslim countries. Many nations and individuals worldwide have expressed condemnation and called for an end to the violence and suffering in Gaza. Each loss of life, regardless of nationality or affiliation, is a tragedy that should prompt reflection and action towards achieving peace and justice.

Suicide remains a tragic and complex phenomenon, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. Various factors such as extreme depression, neglect, failed relationships, substance abuse, unemployment, poverty, and homelessness can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Additionally, some individuals may feel driven to end their lives to escape the shame and trauma of experiences such as rape or the unbearable physical pain of incurable illnesses.

Moreover, suicide can also be influenced by broader societal or historical contexts. For example, Adolf Hitler's decision to take his own life following Germany's defeat in World War II. Similarly, the case of the deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank highlights how personal setbacks or professional challenges can lead to extreme actions.

The tragic phenomenon of suicide manifests in various forms and contexts, each carrying its own weight and significance. The pressures of academic expectations and familial criticism can drive students to take their own lives, while historical circumstances, such as the fight against colonial oppression, have led revolutionaries to make ultimate sacrifices.

In instances such as those in Nazi concentration camps, suicide can represent a desperate attempt to escape unbearable suffering and cruelty. Domestic violence and depression may tragically intersect, leading individuals to end their lives as a result of profound emotional pain. Financial ruin, whether from gambling or investment losses, can also push individuals to the brink of despair.

Aaron Bushnell's suicide, amidst the backdrop of political conflict and personal conviction, resonates profoundly. His act of self-immolation, driven by a fervent protest against injustice, carries a weighty symbolism that reverberates across boundaries.

Nowadays many people kill themselves by blowing up suicide bombs for political reasons in order to cause loss of life to others. Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi died in a suicide bomb blast. Suicide bombings kill scores of people in Pakistan almost every day. Adolescents of the Nigerian jihadist militant group Boko Haram also commit suicide. Those who attacked the American Twin Towers in 2001 were also suicide bombers. BC Roman philosopher and dramatist Seneca and ancient Greek philosopher Socrates were forced to commit suicide. Nobel-winning writer Ernest Hemingway in his novel 'The Old Man and the Sea' expressed his determination not to give up in the battle of life, but he had to commit suicide. Aaron Bushnell's suicide has nothing to do with the aforementioned suicides.

It's important to acknowledge that attitudes towards suicide vary significantly across different cultures, religions, and legal systems. While suicide or attempted suicide is no longer considered a crime in many developed countries, this shift in perspective is indeed influenced by factors such as secularisation and the diminishing influence of religion on personal beliefs and legal frameworks.

In religious contexts where suicide is considered a sin or prohibited, individuals may be dissuaded from attempting suicide due to the fear of divine punishment or the belief that life is a gift from a higher power. However, it's crucial to recognise that mental health struggles, societal pressures, and personal circumstances can sometimes outweigh religious teachings for individuals experiencing extreme distress.

Despite religious prohibitions against suicide, there is a growing recognition of the complex and multifaceted nature of suicidal behavior. Many societies now emphasise compassion, understanding, and support for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues. Rather than solely condemning suicide, efforts are made to address underlying factors such as mental illness, trauma, social isolation, and economic hardship.

Aaron's sacrifice and the subsequent memorial held in his honor may seem perplexing at first glance, considering his background as an American Christian with no direct ties to Palestine or Islam. However, it's essential to understand the broader context surrounding his act of self-immolation.

Aaron's decision to take his own life in protest against the ongoing conflict in Palestine represents a deeply personal response to what he perceived as an injustice. While he may not have had direct familial or cultural connections to Palestine, his empathy and solidarity with the Palestinian cause moved him to take drastic action.

The outpouring of support and tribute from American-Palestinians and others at his memorial reflects a recognition of Aaron's sacrifice as an expression of solidarity and a statement against injustice. His act resonated with those who shared his concerns about the violence and suffering endured by Palestinians.

He could not sacrifice himself for others. He was mentally disturbed. He lost interest in salvation after seeing his country blindly supporting and aiding Israel's genocide. He could not accept the ruthless brutality of people. So Aaron wanted to awaken the conscience of the world with his life. He would not have done this if he had been pious. Even though he was a politician, he did not feel the need to do this. But he may not have been aware that America is not the only fuel behind this massacre. The Muslim countries of the Middle East are also providing fuel. The kings and military rulers are not afraid of Israel, they are afraid of Iran and Hamas.

Therefore, the Muslim-dominated countries of the Middle East are working together with America to break the wings of Hamas. Laila Khaled, a young Palestinian lookalike of Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn, made international headlines in 1969 when she hijacked an Israeli plane bound for Athens from Rome. The picture taken of her holding the AK-47 rifle during the hijacking of the plane became famous as a symbol of the revolution all over the world. With the intention of hijacking the plane again, she underwent plastic surgery six times in the face known to the media. A disguised Laila Hasan was caught hijacking another flight from Amsterdam to New York in 1970, then released in a prisoner-exchange deal.

In the eyes of the law, her act of hijacking the plane was a crime, but it was not considered acceptable by the oppressed and people who believed in humanity. Her aim was not to cause any loss of life, the purpose of the hijacking was to draw the attention of the world to the helpless Palestinians. Aaron Bushnell did the same, setting himself on fire to draw world attention to Israel's genocide of Palestinians. With the help of America, Israel is killing Palestinian people like insects. America blocked all efforts to end the war. America has repeatedly vetoed Security Council resolutions to end the war.

Aaron's act of self-sacrifice can indeed be seen as a poignant statement against what he perceived as the complicity of America in the ongoing violence in Gaza. His actions may not have been motivated by a longing for rewards in the afterlife, but rather by a desire to address the injustices faced by Palestinians and to make the world a more humane place for all.

In a similar vein to poet Sukanta, Aaron's sacrifice serves as a rallying cry to create a world where human life is valued and respected. Like Laila Khaled, who expressed no regrets for her actions, Aaron's passionate outcry before setting himself on fire underscores his unwavering commitment to drawing attention to the plight of Palestinians and the brutality of the occupiers.

Through their bold actions, individuals like Aaron challenge the status quo and demand accountability from those in power. Their courage and conviction remind us of the importance of standing up against oppression and injustice, and of striving to create a world where every life is cherished and every voice is heard.

Author: Former Executive Director, Bangladesh Bank and Former Managing Director, Mint.