The number of casualties in the Israel-Palestine war is fast picking up, turning the war zone into a hell on Earth.

Following the start of Israel’s ground offensives, the war is poised to take a much more drastic turn, exterminating more lives and spawning more humanitarian tragedies.

The Malaysian government’s position in this war has been unambiguous. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has repeatedly expressed his staunch support for Palestine, and has wanted Israel to stop the bombings while establishing a humanitarian corridor.

Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir has also stressed that Malaysia’s position in supporting the Palestinian people has been consistent and unwavering, and that the country will not bow to pressure or threat from any country.

As a matter of fact, such a call has been the common understanding of all peace-loving people around the world, that we want peace and want all fighting to stop immediately.

Against such a backdrop, the education ministry announced a “Palestine Solidarity Week” from October 29 to November 3, urging all schools, vocational institutes, matriculation colleges and teachers’ training colleges under the ministry to echo the government’s call to defend the rights and freedom of the Palestinian people.

The program is meant to instill the values of human rights and morality, as well as compassion in the students, irrespective of race, religion or social status.

No doubt the education ministry’s intention has been good, as this will make the students learn about human rights and care for other people in the midst of turbulent global developments.

However, owing to some problems in its execution, the issue has since sparked tremendous outcry among the people.

There have been viral videos on social media showing students portraying themselves as militants wielding toy guns in a school event, much to the shock of the Malaysian society. NGOs have blasted the organizers and demanded that the education ministry stop the events immediately.

Activities that involve elements of violence will only sow the seed of hatred and will never deliver lasting peace.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry had provided very clear guidelines to all schools on how the “Palestine Solidarity Week” should be held, and that extremism, violence and weapon-related tools are strictly prohibited within school premises. Actions will be taken against schools that violate the guidelines.

PM Anwar has also reminded school authorities to closely monitor “Palestine Solidarity Week” events in their schools, and has reiterated that the government will not force the schools to organize such activities.

Schools organizing “Palestine Solidarity Week” activities should take heed of such advice and should bear in mind the real objective for holding such activities. Elements of violence and culture of extremism must be kept at bay.

To minimize controversy so that the activities can be held smoothly and peacefully, the education ministry should have given the program thoughtful consideration and prudent planning before making it official.

As Dong Zong and Jiao Zong have said, the so-called “Palestine Solidarity Week” slogan should be modified to be one that upholds the universal value of promoting peace and opposing any form of war.

As for the content of the program, it should tuned toward promoting the traits of inclusiveness, mutual understanding and the determination to resolve conflicts peacefully and amicably. This will deflect the focus of the events from hatred to peace-loving and against the war.

Do bear in mind that only a moderate way of opposing wars can effectively convey the message of peace to the participants. And activities that involve elements of violence will only sow the seed of hatred and will never deliver lasting peace.

Controversies surrounding the education ministry’s “Palestine Solidarity Week” have not come about because the program’s critics disregard the humanitarian crisis afflicted on the Palestinian people, but because of the inappropriate ways the authorities are running it.

Living in a peaceful country, we should more than ever treasure peace and resist wars.

It is great that the education ministry is adamant about teaching the students how to be compassionate toward other people’s sufferings while inculcating the value of morality among the students. Nevertheless, there should have been proper planning before the program is put into implementation.

At the same time, school authorities also have the obligation to ensure that the events organized will aptly convey the message of peace among the participating students.