Personal Statement on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
When I was a child, I remember a small photo of a Black child with the words “Christian Children’s Fund” underneath it on the refrigerator. I had no idea who this child was, but I knew that my mom sent money and in exchange she received letters in the mail from them. Although a single mother with 2 young children herself, my mom wanted to help those who were less fortunate. I suppose that’s why she chose Social Work as a profession. And I am my mother’s daughter. I am here to make a difference, to help.
Today, November 29, is the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. And I want to talk about it. Since March of this year, I’ve been learning more about what’s been happening in Palestine since 1948. Through books, podcasts, films, the internet, I’ve learned so much about the history of the region. I have been fortunate to have been able to participate in community rallies and have met some incredible people, including a new Israeli Jewish friend whom I have learned so much from. In the summertime, I connected with a family in Gaza and have not only had the pleasure of getting to know them, but have helped raise money for their survival. How can I not help? I was raised a Christian and although I no longer identify with that faith, the “love one another as you would love yourself” teaching has always been my guiding light. And I am my mother’s daughter. I am here to make a difference, to help.
If you follow me on social media, you’ve seen me share countless posts about my stance. My statements of support for Palestinians have unfortunately come at a cost; I have sadly lost friends, students and one of my business arrangements ended. It goes without saying that October 7, 2023 was a horrific and tragic day that caused immense pain and harm. Naturally I feel anger and empathy for the trauma and suffering of not only Israeli & Palestinian civilians, but I also know the impact on Jewish & Palestinian people around the world. And, I can’t look away from the suffering of the Palestinian people. Since 1948 they have been colonized and are now under a humanitarian crisis, facing a genocide. I am seeing in real time the destruction and dehumanization of the people of Gaza (and now the West Bank & Lebanon), and I can’t look away. I am my mother’s daughter. I am here to make a difference, to help.
I’ve been wrapped up in guilt over truly speaking up about my pro-Palestinian stance and I now realize why. I have been censoring myself in order to be “nice”. What I’ve learned about myself is that when I’m “nice”, I’m operating from a place of ego. I’m protecting my image instead of using my privilege to speak up and challenge the status quo. By being “nice” I am centering myself, not making space for marginalized groups and upholding white supremacy. The alternative is to be “kind”.
“To some, kindness may seem relatively similar to, or even interchangeable with, “niceness.” But the key difference between niceness and kindness is that kindness requires action – you have to do good even if it means nothing is in it for you, or necessitates going against prosocial normative expectations.” (Tami Jackson)
So it is out of kindness that I am sharing my pro-Palestinian stance with you. What does that mean? That I’m getting right with myself. Why is this important? I have to be true to my values and my teaching philosophy and without justice, there is no peace. Being involved is the only way I can live with myself.
I can tell you that being on the side of pro-justice and pro-equity has been a lonely place at times. But I am my mother’s daughter. I am here to make a difference, to help.
The United Nations will continue to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights to live in peace, security and dignity.
António Guterres, Secretary General, UN
If you are curious and want to learn more, please check out these resources: