Some things to note when you’re discussing Palestine and Israeli apartheid in the coming days/weeks/months (not a complete list but will update as I have the emotional energy):
Do not refer to what is happening in Palestine as a “conflict” or “war.” These words imply a balance of power that does not exist. Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza have no military, no control of their borders, no control over their access to resources like electricity, water, and medical supplies, no freedom of movement, and, most importantly, they do not have the most powerful government in the world funding them.
Do not refer to the Israeli army as the “IDF” (Israeli Defense Force). Palestinians refer to them as the “IOF” for a reason–Israel does not need to defend themselves from civilians who have no military. From 2008 to September 2023, over 3,800 Palestinian civilians were killed by the IOF. There is no need for oppressors to defend themselves–they are the ones on the offense at all times by the nature of their positions of power.
Remember that decolonization will not be a peaceful process. Do not condemn a group of people who have been brutally colonized, ethnically cleansed, and displaced from their homes for 75 years for fighting back against those oppressing them. This post concisely explains why the violence necessary for decolonization will never match that of the violence necessary for the sustained process of colonization. You cannot break free of a violent system with nonviolence. When Palestinians attempted peaceful protest in 2018 on the 70th anniversary of the Nakba, they along with clearly marked journalists, doctors, and medics were shot and killed for their actions. Oppressors will maintain their power status by any means necessary; the ongoing genocide of Palestinians is proof of that. Decolonization requires violencebecause colonization itself is an inherently violent system.
Zionism does not equate to Judaism. Do not let Zionist propaganda fool you into believing that condemning the Israeli government is in any way anti-Semitic. The Israeli government does not represent the views of all Jews, even those whoare Israeli citizens. Governments should always, always be criticized and held to account for their actions. Israel is no exception to this rule. Anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitism. Anyone who tells you otherwise is weaponizing true Jewish oppression and suffering as a means to gain support for a violent, racist, apartheid government.
Something I’d like to add to the 5th point: Zionism is not Judaism is something to keep in mind at all times. Do not fall into anti-Semitic traps yourself by blaming all Jews for what the Israeli government is doing to Palestinians. As I said above, the Israeli government does not represent the views of all Jews, even those whoare Israeli citizens. Unfortunately there will be anti-Semitic rhetoric from people who believe they’re defending Palestine; it’s our job to shut that shit down. Do not let anyone get away with anti-Semitism in any context. Remind them that, once again, Judaism does not equate to Zionism. There are many Zionists/Zionist sympathizers who are not Jewish themselves (e.g. some Evangelical and Baptist Christians). Jews are not oppressing Palestinians; the Israeli government and Zionists are. Let’s be mindful of the language we are using and the language others use in these conversations.
Ayo Edebiri throws First Pitch at Fenway Park before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees back on September 14, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts, USA
i saw this woman on the train this weekend with the most beautiful senegalese twist, but in the style of like a zoe kravitz knotless (it was giving human hair iykyk) and i’m totally obsessed. i need to figure out what exactly that style would be called bc i really want to get it for the holidays now
I am thinking of the Palestinian people, today and tomorrow and each day after that. I am hoping for their success in reclaiming their land and the safety of their people. As someone generationally displaced and shamed by continuous foreign interference and occupation of my family’s home, I can never not support a people actively fighting for themselves. I can never support the systemic cleansing of an indigenous population, from their lands, their homes, and this earth. It is harrowing to see such a well-documented and clear case of genocidal terror being supported by the public. It’s sickening to see how propaganda is spread and perpetuated in real time. It can’t be overstated, how stupid I feel we are being and how sick it makes me feel to see people blindly support the Israeli government.
“people wouldn’t have said the liberation movements in south africa or in vietnam were bad/terrorists/evil” they did though, they were all called those things. the west was against these liberation movements too and so they were heavily propagandized against. colonists have the same game every time. dehumanize, destroy, dominate, and deny/deflect when the truth is clear for the people of the world to see
we know colonized people can fight back and win. we’ve seen south africa, algeria, vietnam, china, and so many other countries stand up against their colonial rulers and come out the other side victorious, despite the propaganda against them and their liberation movements. it’s unnecessary to resort to ahistorical statements. we know that colonized nations can and will be successful in their fight for freedom. palestine is not different in this, and palestinians will be triumphant sooner or later
Part of me is starting to think all the rules are made up. Everyone who is successful has gone against popular narrative and expectations in some way or form, sometimes in a multitude of ways. Most other people are just operating out of fear anyway and trying to keep you down subconsciously because it defies their narrative. Do whatever the fuck you want.
