Christmas is a time to reflect on empathy — considering the wellbeing of others. That story of a mother forced to give birth in a stable, inspires empathy in most. The wise men and the shepherds demonstrated the best of humanity. But the emperor’s decree to kill all first-born boys demonstrated the worst.

Some Bermudian traditions foster the best. Boxing Day, a British legacy of sharing food with challenged families. The Gombeys, with African roots complemented by the Native Americans, galvanise a sense of community.

This Christmas the human family is witnessing tragic actions, demonstrating some of the worst of humanity. On October 7, members of Hamas took action that resulted in the death of 17 children, along with 1,100 adult civilians and a few hundred soldiers. In response, the Israeli military is continuing action that has killed 9,000 children among 17,000 civilian deaths, with more than 7,000 missing under the rubble.

This has inspired global empathy, with millions mobilising to end the slaughter. The United Nations General Assembly voted last week for a ceasefire in Gaza. Notwithstanding a widespread consensus of 153-10, a ceasefire is being blocked. Hopefully, after yesterday’s UN resolution progress may be made.

Empathy is required, at home and abroad. Bermuda has numerous families affected by challenging circumstances. In that regard, those able are called to act in solidarity with those challenged.

We seventysomething bies, Glenn and Lynn, had a sense of reverence for all nurtured by our respective families and communities. This has resulted in our active involvement in social justice since our teens. Notably, we staged a two-man sit-in at the office of a local board member of a South African company during the movement to end apartheid in the 1980s. This was inspired by exemplary colleagues, such as the Reverend Canon Thomas Nisbett and Margaret Carter.

We consider circumstances in Gaza to be worse than those experienced under South African apartheid.

As we affirm the essential spirit of Christmas — exemplifying empathy, regardless of race or religion — we invite fellow residents in celebrating the season to consider joining in a symbolic fast and pass during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. This would be exemplifying the best.

Fast:

• Select water as the only beverage during that week. The Israeli regime turned off all water to Gaza on October 8 — additionally banning food, fuel and medicine

• Consider choosing to forgo “some” solid food. The Israeli regime has blocked food to all the 2.3 million Gaza residents during this siege; Human Rights Watch has documented the cruel implications

• Make a “fast” of interaction, engaging in periods of quiet reflection. The Gaza population, mostly children in what former British prime minister David Cameron called a prison camp, have been bombarded for 2½ months. This strip, which is six times the size of Bermuda, has been crushed with more explosive power than that of two Hiroshima bombs.

Pass:

• Donate money, any amount, towards sustaining the work of local charities assisting challenged families

• Consider donating money to assist Gazans via either Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders or Jewish Voices for Peace

• Revive the original Gombey tradition by sharing stories with family and friends that demonstrate empathy

• Glenn Fubler represents Imagine Bermuda. He and Lynn Millett are longtime activists