Dear Student Activists, Thank You and I'm Sorry
A word of gratitude and lament as young folks show the way to a free Palestine
This goes out to the many students whose commitment to divestment, a ceasefire, and the building of a free Palestine has become so public, prolific, and powerful; thank you — and I’m sorry.
If you have engaged in civil disobedience, thank you. If you have organized student actions on your campus, thank you. If you have made sure that your friends, classmates, and community are safe, housed, fed, and cared for, thank you. For whatever you have sacrificed to hold my generation and others accountable to the values that we have touted, but are not living up to, thank you. And if just showing up has been your act of resistance and solidarity, thank you.
And I’m sorry. I’m sorry that the very institutions that have taught you about systems of intimidation, suppression, and violence are now making sure that you experience the same. I am sorry that so many have expected you to change the world for the better, and now that you are doing so, the same people are using their power to intimidate you into accepting that you cannot. And I’m sorry if your family, guardians, and others who have encouraged you to change the world are not able to support you as you do just that.
While you are justifiably disappointed in quite a few of us, please know that many of us who occupy that “parental space” see, support, and love you and are inspired by your commitment, your organizing, and your courage. So as we do our part, as we use our own influence, power, and authority to fight for a free Palestine, always remember that none of us is alone in this fight for justice; we join our spirits with ancestors and saints past and present and that we are here, with, and for you always.
Free Palestine and Peace.
Good morning BRC! Thank you for your efforts and for your example. I love books. I buy books regularly, and I have your most recent. I haven’t read much of it. I’m not a strong reader, and will never get through the many books I own. I tell you this as my disclaimer should my lack of knowledge about Middle Eastern history be exposed by my sharing the reel for which I posted the link above. The reel is one that I haven’t researched thoroughly, but am sure introduces yet more arguments against the modern Zionist movement.
If I am right, why is it so difficult to communicate the truth to my fellow Americans? We are complicit and have been for nearly a century. If I am wrong, why can’t I see it?
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7jnCvhI3Q7/?igsh=ZzAwbWdmdWJ5aHN3