Dignity in Death
Upholding Dignity in Times of Tragedy and the Importance of Burials
Preserving the dignity of others while witnessing their experiences and ensuring a dignified farewell in burial practices have become paramount considerations for me while observing real-time warfare.
The relentless bombings endured by Palestinians, depicted through social media and constant news cycles, raise profound questions about dignity.
In an era where war is captured by cameras everywhere, how do we uphold this fundamental aspect of our humanity?
Addressing the distressing events in Gaza is not a political commentary but rather a reflection on the humanitarian imperative to safeguard the dignity of those facing death during wartime. It is also an appeal to encourage Israel to allow proper burials in Gaza.
The concept of dignity is often debated
Through caregiving, I've come to see it as emphasizing the importance of privacy in suffering—a right to endure hardship without the scrutiny of the world. This becomes especially pertinent in the context of televised death and dying.
For those who have experienced loss or witnessed death, the desire to protect the dying and maintain the sanctity of their passing between themselves and their loved ones is profound.
While closing our eyes to war and death for privacy is not the solution, the ongoing suffering of Palestinians demands our attention due to its inherent inhumanity. As we grapple with the challenge of bearing witness, it is crucial to consider the question of privacy surrounding what we witness.
The impulse to stay informed should not give us permission to consume public suffering as entertainment, particularly in the age of 24-hour news cycles. Real people are dying in real-time on news channels and social media.
Questions arise: How can we preserve the privacy of those losing their lives without turning a blind eye? Is watching more news enlightening us or desensitizing us to the situation?
Regarding burials
Recent stories of grave robbing and bodies left unburied evoke powerlessness and despair. As someone working in death care, I understand the vital nature of burials to the grieving process.
My heart aches for those who want their departed to have a dignified end, especially in a culture that values modesty. While we may be unable to intervene directly, advocating through letters, calls, emails, and protests for the preservation of dignity in the face of mass death is essential.
Burying the dead is an act of dignity and respect, not to mention public health and safety. Urging Israel to allow time for proper burials, respecting designated graves, and ensuring Palestinians’ bodies are honored with ritual and ceremony is a plea for basic human decency. This call extends beyond stopping the genocide outright, emphasizing that the absence of life within the body should not erase the humanity of the deceased. It is crucial to actively remind ourselves and Israel that burying the dead is an act of dignity and respect, preserving the privacy of the departed and honoring their memory.
Those are my thoughts for now, until next time…