Our Liberation is Intertwined
“We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” - James Baldwin
“Anyway, I don’t think we can rely on governments, regardless of who is in power, to do the work that only mass movements can do.” - Angela Davis
Like many of you, I have been deeply saddened over the past several weeks. Alongside grief, I have felt guilt, fear, rage, shame, and overwhelm. The situation in Israel/Palestine is complex, intertwined with history, politics, and the lives of countless individuals caught in the crossfire.
First and foremost, I want to extend my love and prayers of peace to everyone who has lost loved ones in these horrific atrocities. The pain and loss experienced by families on all sides are unimaginable, and my heart aches for each and every one of them. In these moments, we must remember our shared humanity, our interconnectedness, and the fact that our liberation is bound together.
At the core of my emotions lies a deep sadness for the children and innocent individuals suffering from war and injustice. The loss of life and trauma inflicted upon communities are devastating to witness. It is crucial that we acknowledge the pain and grief many are experiencing, hold space for their stories, and amplify their voices.
As I embark on my own journey of decolonization and spiritual, ancestral healing, I stand in solidarity with oppressed people worldwide. I firmly believe in the inherent value and dignity of every human being, regardless of nationality, religion, or ethnicity. This belief compels me to support both the liberation of Palestinians AND the safety of all Jewish people. I condemn Hamas' brutal and barbaric violence AND the 75-year campaign of terror inflicted by the Israeli government upon Palestinians.
This is not a "war" because the parties involved are not on equal footing. Palestinians are fighting against the Israeli military, largely funded by the US government and other global superpowers, often using only rocks as weapons. Due to Israel's 16-year blockade, the 2 million Palestinians in Gaza (over half of them children) are trapped without an army to protect them, lacking the infrastructure to shield them, and facing a severe water shortage. Even though Israel claims to have restored water access, Palestinians still need electricity to utilize the water, and Israel has destroyed much of the required infrastructure.
Unfortunately, it appears that the situation will escalate before it improves. I want to be a voice advocating for humanity. I envision a future where war is unprofitable, where resources are used to care for one another, and where violence and genocide become relics of the past.
In times like these, it is easy to succumb to anger, hatred, and polarizing media narratives. I fervently hope that we can collectively work towards a world free from fascism, violence, and war. I believe that healing and progress can be achieved through empathy, compassion, challenging our own biases, understanding the complexities and historical context, protesting, putting pressure on elected officials, and, of course, prayer. Through these actions, we can begin to dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate conflicts and work towards a more just and compassionate world.
The solution to "othering" cannot be more "othering". The solution to ending violence cannot be inflicting more violence. We all belong. We all deserve safety and love.
In conclusion, I send love and prayers of peace to all those who have lost loved ones in this conflict. Let us continue to stand together in solidarity, holding space for one another's pain, and tirelessly working towards a future where peace and justice prevail.
Peace and love,
Heather
