Despite the atrocious, deadly attack on Israel by Hamas, Israelis did not hop on the first plane out of the country. Indeed, many Jews living abroad returned to defend their homeland, with Beirut airport overwhelmed with Israeli compatriots.
In sharp contrast to Israelis’ patriotism, if China were to attack Taiwan, there is no doubt that people who support China in Taiwan would bolt immediately. Their cowardice would hardly come as a surprise, for their forefathers had been opportunists themselves.
A woman identified only by the surname Tsai (蔡) was with a group of Taiwanese visiting Jerusalem on Saturday when she witnessed several rockets flying through the sky from a distance. She thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its assistance in helping them return early, and also thanked the travel agency for providing emergency relief.
Upon returning to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, she called her friends and family to let them know that she was safe. After the experience, she said she thinks Taiwanese are far too relaxed with their soft living and should become more vigilant about a potential attack.
Israelis should become an example for Taiwanese to think about the dangers of complacency and the importance of solidarity in countering China and safeguarding Taiwan’s territory. The public should not be naive and believe that the slogan “anti-war” is enough to keep China at bay, as if it were some kind of talisman.
As for the pro-China wimps, no one should expect more from them than running at the first sign of war.
Taiwanese should know that the fight is more about maintaining democracy and freedom and less about opposing unification.
It is not about fighting for the cause of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), which used to have people stupidly promoting the agenda of former presidents Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) and Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國) and the party’s interests.
Teng Hon-yuan is a university professor.
Translated by Rita Wang
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