Voices of Courage: Standing Against Genocide
In the vast tapestry of global voices, a cadre of extraordinary women demonstrate their inspiring and unwavering commitment to compassion and humanity propelling them to speak out for Gaza. These beautiful souls, hailing from diverse corners of the world, share a common thread of determination, and a resounding voice that refuses to be silenced.
Hazami Barmada, a former U.N. consultant with a heart as vast as her impact. She recently made headlines all over the world after the reproductive rights event where Biden's ( aka Genocide Joe) speech faced disruption thanks to her activism, 14 times!! Undeterred, she has now spent nine days camping out and protesting in front of Secretary Blinken's house. Her dedication to amplifying critical issues through peaceful demonstrations reflects a commitment to the Palestinian cause. From the onset of the conflict, she has tirelessly worked to knit a loving extremely kind community weathering the rain and cold temperatures - these are incredible people who’ve come together to create and d i s r u p t - they are the “Occupy Blinken” grassroots effort and boy oh boy are they amazing.
Medea Benjamin is a prominent American political activist with a rich and diverse background. Co-founding Code Pink she has been a driving force in advocating for peace and justice. Medea has been an advocate for social justice for 50 years. Described as "one of America's most committed -- and most effective -- fighters for human rights" by New York Newsday, and "one of the high profile leaders of the peace movement" by the Los Angeles Times, she was one of 1,000 exemplary women from 140 countries nominated to receive the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the millions of women who do the essential work of peace worldwide.
Dalia Dogmoch Soubra, a Syrian-German chef based in Dubai. Her platform, @daliaskitchen, typically a haven for Arabic recipes and tantalizing culinary delights, transforms into a conduit for raw emotion and empathy. Since October, Dalia has shifted from sharing her delectable dishes to fearlessly unveiling her emotions and presenting essential facts about this conflict. She confronts hard realities and calls out the propaganda that many blindly believe to be true.
Dr. Myriam Francois is an award-winning filmmaker whose recent viral prominence stems from appearing as a guest alongside Bill Browder on Sky News with host Yalda Hakim, to comment following a second bombing campaign by the US and UK military against Houthi rebels disrupting shipping routes in the region by attacking transport ships. François said:
Sorry, so just let me get this straight, we are bombing the poorest, one of the poorest countries in the world that have been under a humanitarian blockade? There has been famine. These people have been decimated and we are bombing them because a couple of guys and dinghies are in support of the Palestinians who are having a genocide committed against them. They’re objecting to that and we’re bombing them. I am no fan of the Houthis apart from when they’re blockading in favour of a ceasefire which should have been caught a long time ago. If you want to stop the Houthis doing what they’re doing then call a ceasefire [in Gaza] right now,” she said later in the conversation. Browder pointed to the cost of living crisis and explained that the trade disruption caused by Houthis would only exacerbate that. Here she was unapologetic with her response “ Twenty-five thousand people are dead in Gaza right now. There are over 60,000 people injured with no access to food, water, or aid. How dare we have a conversation about trade when there are children right now being amputated with no anesthetic?
We encourage you to check out these incredible souls for their work which is unique, creative, courageous, so necessary, and of course, inspiring. Thank you thank you!
If there is a lesson to be learned from all these examples- is that yes, one person can be the change. Since October 8th, 13,000 + Palestinian children have been brutally murdered, and countless war crimes against humanity have been committed ( right in front of our faces, I mean phones). Courage lies not in the absence of fear but in the unyielding commitment to make a difference. In the face of unimaginable terror and suffering, a plea echoes from the depths of utter despair, reaching out to those with hearts burdened by much pain and much anger. These horrendous images of countless children dead, families obliterated, mothers carrying their children’s body parts in garbage bags, graves desecrated, and violence raging like uncontrollable wildfire, well I’d hope you have the humanity to speak up and act now.
For those who empathize, who share with us in the tremendous grief and shock and bear witness to the atrocities unfolding before our eyes. The imperative extends beyond passive observation; as Motaz said in a recent plea - “liking posts” is not enough- he beckons individuals to take proactive steps. What can you do? From attending protests, and sharing information on social media, take your time to research how your politicians and those you vote for either do or don’t profit from war or AIPAC donations, and donate to reputable organizations providing aid that is so desperately needed. Yes, you might engage in some very uncomfortable conversations with friends and family, and yes you might lose some friends along the way. But who can Look at another person in the eye with love and respect when their justification for murdering children is laid bare? What in the actual flying F%^K?! The question pierces the moral compass, urging some serious introspection and challenging individuals to contemplate the narratives they wish to convey to future generations. No one will ever be able to say
“ well, I didn’t know….”
Today an entire population is purposely being starved children are being called human animals. and it is disgusting. The hope is that, if a higher power exists, it will mete out justice on judgment day but until then, the majority of the world is begging with hearts broken in a million pieces for a permanent ceasefire and an end to this genocide. This is not just a call to action; it is a plea to inscribe compassion, empathy, and humanity.