 Thirty years after the UN resolution 181 II adaptation of Palestine partition into two states, the United Nations approved another resolution on November 29, 1977, for an annual observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. This day promotes Palestinian rights, the ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity, cultural events, and remembrance that Palestinians have not yet achieved their inalienable rights.
The question of Palestine is about colonization, occupation, and policies of the Israeli government targeting Palestinians and their human rights, which the US funds. Since World War II, Israel has been the largest recipient of US foreign assistance, receiving $3.8 billion of American taxpayer dollars in 2020 alone, and during this Gaza war, another $14.3 billion, funds that should be directed to alleviate issues affecting the US today. Israel continuously violates international laws and currently keeps five million Palestinians under military occupation. The story did not start on Oct 7th. Unfortunately, the loss of civilian life and ethnic cleansing had been going on before 1948, and 2023 is already the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank since 2005. From the Huwara pogrom to the deadly raid on Jenin, the home demolition and the demolishment of schools, the attacks on Al Aqsa Mosque, arrests and killing of children, West Bank settlements, checkpoints, apartheid system, and pushing annexation policies, Palestinians face injustice in every aspect of their daily life. In the occupied West Bank, raids and settler violence are increasing, and more Palestinian are being detained in prisons. There is also a growing harassment against Palestinian Christians. Another Nakba is unfolding in the occupied West Bank. Gaza, the largest and densely packed concentration camp, is the home of 2.3 million Palestinians, including 1.1 million children, and has been besieged by Israel for the last 16 years. Right now, a genocide is materializing while the world watches, with continuous carpet bombing in Gaza. The indiscriminate bombing of multiple hospitals, schools, refugee camps, mosques, and churches and the use of white phosphorus, have destroyed the whole infrastructure. According to Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, from 10/7 to 11/27, the number of people killed in the Gaza Strip has increased by 20031 (8176 children), and thousands are still buried under the rubble. According to the UN, "1.7 million are now displaced" since October 7. There has been a complete blockade of food, water, medical aid, and any other necessities since Israel started the war. Now, a temporary pause. We do not need a pause; we need a complete ceasefire and peace in the region. How is the world not able to stop it? The Palestinians’ voices are being eliminated. These stories need to be heard. The dehumanization of Palestinians is not hidden. This war has shown the real faces of those who are on the right side of justice, humanity, and fundamental human rights and who are not. The silence reveals the complicity of genocide. Criticism of Israel and its policies or criticism of Zionism, which is a political ideology, is frequently portrayed as anti-Semitism. A critique of Israel backed with truth and evidence, should be understood as a valid critique of an oppressive government. Just as other countries are held accountable for human rights violations, Israel can be as well. Using the same mindset to criticize violence and abuse in the US or in other histories, Israel’s history should be assessed critically as well. But anyone who speaks about Israel and its human rights abuse against Palestinians is deemed anti-Semitic. It is notable and well-recognized that in the history of Jews living in Muslim lands; they were protected, whether in the Middle East, the Ottoman Empire, or Al-Andalus. UN resolution 194 officials recognize the 'right of return' of Palestinians who were expelled during 1948. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are respected organizations that agree on the right of return. B'tselem, the Israeli human rights group, also documented that Israel is an apartheid state. In the words of Noam Chomsky, "The last paradox is that the tale of Palestine from the beginning until today is a simple story of colonialism and dispossession, yet the world treats it as a multifaceted and complex story—hard to understand and even harder to solve." So, What’s Next…Acquire Knowledge and Support The biased mainstream media is portraying Palestinians in negative ways, and some politicians are fueling hate against American Muslims and Palestinians. This has resulted in increased hatred directed at them. This past weekend, three Muslim college students were shot. Activists from all walks of life and college students are being censored and silenced but this will not stop people from standing on the right side of history. It's a struggle for everyone who is conscious of basic human rights. Also, this is a crucial time to counter fear, stereotypes, and suspicions by speaking up as an ally and reaching out to your colleagues and neighbors. Jewish Voice for Peace is commendable for being on the front lines against this war and fighting for justice and liberation for Palestinians. They are taking a stand against Israel's actions in Gaza and are continuously on the streets holding protests, sit-ins, and rallies across the nation. Learn the facts, do research, listen to experts, read books and history and make up your own minds, listen to the stories of Palestinians, hear the other side, and remember that misleading media does not necessarily show the facts. Do your homework. Sign a petition to end the occupation of Palestine and donate to a charity that is helping Palestinian people. We all need to take sides against apartheid, against violence, against murder, against oppression, against injustice. Ask yourself, are you okay with home demolition, checkpoints, separated walls, and ethnic cleansing? The question is, are you up for human rights, dignity, and justice for all? You just need to be human to see the injustice in Palestine. The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People serves as a reminder that Palestinians continue to struggle for their land and rights. This day offers an opportunity for the worldwide community to reflect on why the Palestinians have yet to achieve the inalienable rights recognized by the General Assembly. This day symbolizes the intensely rooted history of the destruction of the native people of this land but also a struggle for peacemaking and upholding the principles of equity, justice, and dignity for humankind.
0 Comments
 The National Day of Mourning stands as a solemn reminder of the painful history that Native Americans have endured throughout centuries. This day—observed on Thanksgiving— serves as a counter-narrative to the widely celebrated holiday, prompting us to reflect on the profound impact of American colonization and the ongoing struggles faced by indigenous communities. To understand the significance of the National Day of Mourning, an exploration of the dark chapters of indigenous colonization history is necessary.
Pre-Columbian Era: Before the arrival of European settlers, North America was home to a rich variety of indigenous cultures—each with its unique traditions, languages, and societal structures. Native Americans cultivated sustainable relationships with the land, living in harmony with nature for centuries. Contact and Colonization (1492-1607): In 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas, marking the beginning of European contact with indigenous peoples. As European powers expanded their colonies, conflicts arose, leading to violence and the spread of diseases like smallpox, devastating native populations. This phenomenon—often considered biological terror—swept out over half of the native population, and in doing so, eradicated several cultures and languages. The Trail of Tears (1838-1839): One of the darkest episodes in American history, the Trail of Tears resulted from the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). Thousands of Cherokee died during this brutal relocation, highlighting the U.S. government's disregard for indigenous lives. The Indian Wars (1860s-1890s): A series of conflicts erupted as settlers encroached further into indigenous territories, leading to the displacement and loss of native lands. The Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 marked a tragic end to armed conflicts, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Lakota Sioux. Assimilation Policies (Late 19th to Early 20th Century): The U.S. government implemented policies aimed at assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American culture. Boarding schools were established to eradicate native languages and cultural practices, contributing to the erosion of indigenous identities and communities. Termination Era (1950s-1960s): During the mid-20th century, the U.S. government pursued a policy of termination, attempting to eliminate the special relationship between tribes and the federal government. This policy led to the loss of tribal sovereignty and lands, representing an erosion of the promises previously made to indigenous people. Modern Struggles and Activism: Despite centuries of adversity, Native American communities persist, advocating for their rights, land, and cultural preservation. Movements like Standing Rock—which protested the Dakota Access Pipeline—have brought attention to the ongoing challenges faced by indigenous peoples and their fight for environmental justice. One of the most pressing, yet overlooked challenges, is indigenous lawyerless justice. Owing to a severe shortage of indigenous lawyers, most domestic abuse victims and impoverished native residents are forced to lose their cases in indigenous courts. Making matters worse, innocent defendants are squared off against well-versed Western lawyers in federal courts, further widening the economic and power asymmetries rife within our legal system. Closing thoughts: The National Day of Mourning serves as a meaningful occasion to reflect on the enduring legacy of Native American genocide. By acknowledging the historical injustices and contemporary struggles faced by indigenous communities, Americans can work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.  In recent years, our world has been overtaken by an iteration of competition and comparison that endangers our overall well-being. The threat of falling behind—via downward mobility or loss of status—seizes control of too many of our emotions, leaving us stressed, scrambled, and insecure. In a world with so many diverse ideas and perspectives, we can no longer afford to turn inward and focus only on ourselves. Comparison and competition drive Americans to amass material objects as substitutes for the forms of security that cannot be commodified—solidarity, dignity, respect, generosity, meaning, and connection.
Connections between people are everything. They’re the very foundation of society–a puzzle made up of billions of micro-links. Despite the reign of individualism in American society, connection continues to manifest in beautiful ways that are often overlooked. It’s a smile to the person walking down the street. It’s the way laughter is contagious, and the way we mirror emotions. You hear it in the songs you love and read it between the lines of your favorite poems. You taste it in the food your mother cooks, and you feel it in the loving embrace of my friends. Human connection can be anything, but it is most potent in the simplest forms of empathy and kindness. These powerful, but undervalued emotions are how humans help each other, build each other up, and strengthen communities. Whether with family, friends, coworkers, or the broader community, forging positive connections provides a sense of belonging and nurtures a strong sense of community. The ways in which we go about building these connections matter. While technology can undoubtedly aid in facilitating these human connections, it is crucial to find a balance and not rely solely on it to replace human bonds. Although connecting with people from diverse backgrounds through technology is achievable, face-to-face interactions strengthen bonds and cultivate empathy. The beauty of maintaining these connections lies in the simplicity of stepping out of our comfort zones and initiating conversations, whether it be in person or over the phone. Doing so can foster a sense of community and create lasting connections that enrich our lives. When we extend trust and respect towards others, we can finally grasp new ways of viewing the world—a true paradigm shift in understanding. Connection helps strengthen not only our sense of purpose and self, but also extends a sense of generosity and meaning to our loved ones and communities. Tightening bonds not only with like-minded individuals but also between people we wouldn’t traditionally bond with is the strongest source of solidarity. We create tons of new micro-links each day, and it’s essential that we nurture and cherish them. Go for a walk with a friend, or check in on a loved one. Talk to someone new, and watch your perspective change within minutes. Discover that each connection is priceless and essential for us to thrive together. Only by shifting our focus from comparison to community can we lead a path toward prosperity. Using our platform, Human Connections aims to foster meaningful connections between people of diverse beliefs, ethnicities, nationalities, and experiences. Join us as we build each other up as a community, and create a new era of peace and solidarity. |
Coming Soon!
EDUCATE and ADVOCATE"Blogs and opinions are the writers' own. Our writers are encouraged to explore their interests and look into different topics while maintaining a high standard for research. The collective theme of including different and unique perspectives from different authors is what represents us as a platform." Archives
October 2024
Categories |
RSS Feed