I first saw the attack on Israel on Oct 7th. I went to the hole the next day. So from there I listened to the radio about it for a month. I cried and my heart was heavy. I’ve kicked myself for not being free, not going to Palestine and doing any aid work I can. Since I was a kid I dreamed of going there, since I was a kid I’ve had a passion for freedom from oppression over there (everywhere really). Now I’m stuck, helpless, its infuriating.
Now it’s over 3 months into this conflict and the audacious actions of the Israeli state are deplorable. It’s in no way comparable to the October 7th attack. I think of this dialectically, both are true at the same time. Oct 7th was an atrocity, AND Israel is currently committing war crimes and a genocide. The unrelenting support of the state by the world is also despicable. The very notion that because genocide was coined during the Holocaust does NOT limit it to one people or ONE nation’s actions. We commented on genocide and ethnic cleansings in Africa. We condemned North Korea for the atrocities committed against its own people. But because it’s a U.S. ally, their actions are justified? They’re somehow immune to critique or subject to adhere to the rules of war? That’s asinine, and JUST like the world sat idly by during Germany’s crimes, they are doing the same now. Don’t WAIT until things become a broader conflict for there to be action taken! By then it’ll be too late! By then history will look back at the slaughtered Palestinians and acts of Israel and judge those sympathizers and their inaction as among those on the wrong side of history. They will be judged harshly.
Make no mistake, Israel IS carrying out a genocide. Make no mistake, it’s happening in real time. Don’t believe me? Listen to the rhetoric. I learned a LONG time ago, when someone TELLS you who they are, BELIEVE them. Bibi has stated his intention to NOT end this conflict until the complete destruction of Hamas. He’s indiscriminantely bombing, he’s cutting off aid and access to the outside, he’s stacked his government with individuals who have repeatedly called for the end to Palestine. Their defense minister advocated violence against Palestinians, his people have suggested the nuclear option against Palestinians. Those are the people you’re dealing with. THOSE people are fanatics, THOSE people are war mongering genocidal racists. It’s not PALESTINIANS that should suffer the aggression of Israel. Nobody says you should not defend yourself against an attack, but those affected, by the state of Israels aggression are not Hamas right now. It’s innocent civilians.
I’m so SICK of people being apologists for Israel and walking on egg shells talking about them. Israel IS COMMITTING WAR CRIMES, THEY are the aggressor at this point. If someone comes in your house and shoots at you and robs you and leaves but you shoot them in the back, YOU’RE the aggressor. So the same way individuals are held to a standard of engagement, so should an ENTIRE NATION. That’s what ROE [Rules Of Engagement] are for. I have to say, my hat’s off to South Africa for bringing this in front of the ICJ and championing the people of Palestine. EVERY nation would do well to follow suit and take ACTION before history judges you harshly. Stand firm and DON’T water down your stance. STAND WITH PALESTINE. From the river to the see, Palestine shall be free, do NOT let that be co-opted and watered down by liberals or criminalized by conservatives. We stand AGAINST the Zionist agenda, that does NOT make you anti-Jewish. Pro Palestine and two state solution does not make you anti Israel. Condemning that country for genocide does not make you anti-Jewish, not anti-Israeli, it make you PRO LIFE, PRO FREEDOM, PRO HUMANITY and anti authoritarian, anti genocidal. Normalize dialects, as humans we must, and no it’s not as complicated as the news and liberals want to make you believe. NOTHING justifies genocide.
I can’t say it enough, I’ll scream in to the heavens: from the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free! End the genocide, protect the sanctity of human life, protect the people of Palestine. In the face of injustice, do not stay silent, no matter how singular your voice may sound.
For those of you wanting to make a difference, I do applaud you using your voices, taking up space, making noise! Be loud and unapologetic! Get in peoples faces, crash Biden’s parties like you did at his campaign rally! That was beautiful! Don’t let up! Don’t relent! Those of you who CAN do more, DO MORE. I know some things may seem scary or daring, but be daring. Don’t send thoughts and prayers, send money, send food, let’s crowd fund UNRWA, the organization just got defunded by several nations over allegations by Israel. Fund their relief aid to Palestinians. And for those of you as daring as me, book a flight, don’t think “what can just me do”, you can do a lot! Document, aid in recovering lost loved ones, give your time, its more worthy that whatever capitalist soul-sucking job you’re giving your time to. Be a helping hand, a kind face in the face of this hate and anguish. Shine a light.
I envy your opportunity to do those things, there wouldn’t be a soul on earth that could stop me going. I’d spend my last, I’d risk it all, I have an immense love for my homeland, but a more intense love for freedom from oppression and a great disdain for the oppressors. Interrupt every event, trend Palestine, trend anything and everything that can be done to aid the cause, because it’s worthy, and don’t let anyone stop you.
This has been heavy on my heart, I’ll say it again and leave you with this: From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free! Let’s make it so!