Chronicles of Totalitarianism 7 - Charity

A. Bilheran, in Antipresse 300, 28 août 2021.

Traditionally, and throughout humanity, there have been places where everyone could take refuge in a "neutral" zone of conflict, in protection, sheltered. With or without papers, with or without money, innocent or criminal, destitute, beggar, handicapped, old, whoever you are, whatever you have done, you could be welcomed and safe there.

In Ancient Greece, the term άσυλον ("asulon") meant an inviolable sanctuary, a place that could neither transgress nor plunder. Then, with the Judeo-Christian civilization, churches, cathedrals, but also hospices, have fulfilled this vocation, and this, since the Roman Empire, in a more or less discreet way, depending on the political circumstances.

Charity Relieving Distress, by Thomas Gainsborouhgh (18th century).

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