Only together, we go forward.
Humanity will rise again.
A journal entry from a few years back came to mind.
February 9, 2017
I have always had these thoughts to myself…
I have to live well for those who are on their deathbed. I have to study well for those who can’t afford to go to school. I have to be healthy so that I could help those who are in need. I have to be strong. For those who are losing their battles. I have to stay strong. I have to keep going. Because I can. Because I’m breathing. Because I’m alive.
There are so many temptations around me, very loud voices telling me not to go out of bed, not to go to school, not to get enough rest, to keep setting aside things for later, and so on. Most of the time, I’d fall into them…
But seriously though, I should stop being like this.
And I think to myself, why does it take someone else’s plight to realize how lucky and privileged I am to be in the position that I am in, to have what I have — my comfort, my freedom, my opportunities, and my tomorrow.
I have recently turned another year older, and as I celebrated this new year and this blessing with my family and friends, there are people who are struggling for their freedom, people who are dying on the streets and in their homes on this very day.
Their tomorrows have stopped coming.
Palestinians are violently displaced from their homes and are denied their rights. Al-Aqsa Mosque, their place of worship and Islam’s third holiest site, was stormed and raided multiple times. Infrastructures — from residential towers, schools, and buildings housing media outlets — are bombed and demolished.
Children — such beautiful souls filled with laughter and dreams — are getting traumatized, crying as they are covered in blood and dust from the rubble, questioning why this is all happening. Some are even holding back their tears at the loss of their homes as they search through what remains of their belongings.
Yet, the fear and trauma aren’t even the worst parts, some of them are getting used to this state of living.
As I watch what’s happening in different parts of the world and even in my country, I get goosebumps. My heart weighs and hangs. I feel powerless and surprisingly, helpless.
It’s the sounds and silence of helplessness that break my heart.
I can’t start to imagine what it’s like to grow accustomed to the sound of bombs, the sight of airstrikes across my sky, and the heartache of seeing my fellowmen cry and not be able to mourn peacefully at the loss of their families.
What exactly can civilians do when they are subjected to these experiences? They can just run, hide, and cry.
My quiet and peaceful nights are a privilege. Clean water, food, and electricity are a privilege. My unrestricted movement and speech are a privilege.
Whenever I see all these realities unfolding — to men and women, the young and the old — all my worries and fears become insignificant. I become consumed with this overwhelming feeling of wanting to help but not knowing what to do.
Yet, I know that I am not helpless.
“I just want to be a doctor or anything… to help my people, but I can’t… I don’t even know what to do; I’m just 10.”
— Nadine Abdel -Taif, Palestinian girl
I am older than she is. I have been equipped with my education. I am in a lot of aspects capable of helping.
I have my voice and all these platforms to educate myself and other people regarding the situation.
I can share and extend my resources for whatever needs — food, water, shelter, clothing, and medical aid — which they do not have access to at the moment.
I can use correct language — appropriate words — to not mislead other people and unintentionally fuel hate about what’s currently happening.
There is no instant and convenient solution to what is happening, but we do what we can as world citizens.
Whatever grand solution out there will require grand power, and there is power in each one of us — no matter how small.
And it’s important that we recognize this fact.
The rest of the world will keep going as these crises persist, and I too shall continue to live my life well, to listen and educate myself, and to not let their battles go unnoticed.
There’s only one way to go as humanity:
With a heavy heart and with every deliberate step, forward we go.
“We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” — Nelson Mandela
