What we’ve watched unfold in Gaza over nearly two years is horrific. Two years this October, and still the daily atrocities continue. The starvation and brutalization of Palestinians by Israel and those that support them (most significantly, the U.S.) must end.
Like some of you, I’ve stayed too still. I’ve attended some demonstrations and re-shared news clips and reports and donated a little money, but I’m aware it’s not enough. I’ve felt uncertain of what to do. At times, I’ve hesitated to comment on Israel’s cruelty because I didn’t understand enough of its history and that of the Palestinian people.
But we don’t need to understand the details of this conflict perfectly, or to have a direct tie to Palestine or Israel, to know for certain what is inhumane and wrong.
There is no justification for the killing and starvation of people in Gaza.
I made a series of posters to contribute to the growing work of activists—artists, in particular—advocating for Palestinians.
I’d first written “in support of the ‘pro-Palestine’ movement,” but then read an insightful article about how the term “pro-Palestine” has come to suggest peaceful solidarity in the movement equates advocacy of violence, implying that activism against atrocities is equivalent to partisan alignment or extremist intent. To describe activism and peaceful protests against the starvation and killing of trapped humans in Gaza as “pro-Palestinian” is inaccurate. Using the term “pro-Palestine” makes it look like one needs to choose of two equally powerful players. Gaza is not a side to choose. It is—like Congo and Sudan—a devastating reflection of our society’s failures.
I don’t need to be a dad for the horrors of the genocide in Gaza to hit so acutely. But with Arlo in my lap, the cruelty I witness is especially painful. My baby, whose need for love and attention, let alone fundamental right to food, water, and safety, is met simply by the luck of being born to a family and place free of harm.
Again, there is no justification for the killing and starvation of people in Gaza. Or for Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
To defend this brutality, through the dismissal of reports on this violence as “fake news” and the conflation of criticism of the state of Israel with antisemitism, is to willingly abandon one’s humanity.
Not enough people, especially those with power and influence, are speaking out against this. I have been far too quiet, but still, there’s now. Right here. We can choose to speak up and act. Some ideas:
Learn more about Palestine: a list of resources, a getting-started guide from Jewish Voices for Peace, a recent article from the International Rescue Committee, and excellent teaching materials on Palestine-Israel from the Zinn Education Project
Read about the perspective and commitment of Birzeit University, Palestine’s leading academic institution, to higher education in Gaza
Boycott companies that support Israeli apartheid
Join a Pro-Palestinian protest near you
Write your congress person to demand an arm’s embargo on Israel
In solidarity with the Palestinian people and those who advocate for their safety and liberation.
P.S. Next time, I will write about my process of making art and a simple, 5-minute sketch you can do as a mindfulness practice, whether it’s to center yourself before a creative project or calm your mind before you hit the streets to protest!