EDUCATIONAL POST
It all started on 7th October, 2023 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. According to Israeli Media, the attack led to at least 250 people killed and 1,500 injured in Israel, making it the deadliest attack in the country in decades. On the other hand, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that 232 people in the Gaza Strip were killed and 1,700 were wounded in the Israeli strikes.
Hamas’s military leader, Mohammed Deif, said the group enacted the attack, as a result of Israel’s long-running blockade of Gaza, its occupation of Palestinian lands, and its crimes against Muslims, including the destruction of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Israel. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by announcing that Israel was at war with Hamas. In several decades, this marks the most significant escalation of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
However, this isn’t a Palestinian-Israel War anymore.
It’s a PALESTINIAN GENOCIDE BY ISRAEL.
PROTESTS
There have been worldwide rallies in solidarity with Palestine, condemning Israel’s war or rather genocide on Palestine. Protests were held to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Demonstrators around the world have rallied to condemn Israel’s war on Gaza and call for a permanent ceasefire. Protests were held on Wednesday in Manila, Tunis, Tehran, Karachi, Beirut, Harare, Tokyo, Stockholm, London, Johannesburg, Quezon City, Milan and more.
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed on 29th November. This is to mark the anniversary of Resolution 181 when the UN General Assembly on this day in 1947 adopted a resolution to partition Palestine into 2 states.
RESPONSE TO THE GENOCIDE
People have been responding by spreading awareness of Israel’s true intentions on social media and by spreading the hashtags, #FREEPALESTINE and #FROMTHERIVERTOTHESEAPALESTINEWILLBEFREE.
People are also posting watermelon pictures in solidarity with the Palestinian people as a watermelon has similar colours to the Palestine flag. In addition, people have been highlighting hate crime incidents on social media, raising awareness and asking everyone to look out for their Palestinian family, friends and neighbours.
WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR THE COMMUNITY
Tackling personal prejudices
An unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge.
It is OKAY to admit to these opinions you may have. It is not OKAY to continue to display these negative and unjustified opinions after noticing them.
WHERE DO I START?
- Educate yourself: Education is one of the most valuable things you can do, there are various websites and organisations online that will explain to you why it’s so important and what you can do to help.Â
- Know your history: Educate yourself and the role you and your communities play.
- Make your voice heard: Staying silent in times of injustice is just as bad as opposing justice. Use your platform to educate others and share what is going on!
- Stay updated: Stay updated on what’s happening around you, and follow accounts on social media, so you are updated on the continuing action.
- Normalise changing your opinion: Normalise changing your opinion, once you have educated yourself on this topic it is okay to change your opinion!
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
Injustice will never be justice if it is unheard, don’t stay silent! No matter where you come from, this is a global issue and is something we clearly should not be facing in 2023 or 2024. Please make sure you are not a part of this problem. If you are unsure of what is happening, educate yourself!
YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND, THAT SOME OF YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS LIKE, BUT YOU HAVE TO STAND WITH THIS MOVEMENT AND SHOW YOUR UTTERMOST RESPECT.
HOW HAVE PEOPLE HELPED TO STOP THIS
There have been many organisations that have helped and are still helping the Palestinian people. One example is the website arab.org. This website was started and is owned by The Olive Tree S.A.L. a social enterprise startup group from Lebanon. It is making an impact for the common good, particularly to improve the status and welfare of the people in the Arab world.
Arab.org helps by allowing people from all over the world to give free donations, costing people nothing but a few seconds of their time.
HOW CAN I CREATE CHANGE?
- Educate people in our community: Once you have educated yourself on this issue, educate others in your community don’t be afraid to speak out!
- Speak up and speak out: SPEAK YOUR OPINION!! Don’t stay silent, spread awareness, and make sure everyone knows!
- Donate and Sign petitions
- Support Advocates: Support fellow advocates, making sure you are being respectful and understanding!
YOU CANNOT EXCUSE THIS GENOCIDE.
SIGN, DONATE, EDUCATE.
A NON-COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF ARTICLES AND WEBSITES WITH A LIST OF RESOURCES IN IT TO LOOK AT TO STOP THE GENOCIDE IN PALESTINE
https://afsc.org/news/6-ways-you-can-support-palestinians-gaza
https://www.amaliah.com/post/67235/resource-list-advocacy-guide-palestine
https://asianamericanadvocacyfund.org/resources-for-palestine
References:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/United-Nations-Resolution-181
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