216 Days
- Lindsey Lykins
- May 9, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: May 9, 2024
It's no secret to anyone that we are living in the middle of a horrific historic event. The genocide of the Palestinian people is one of the most devastating and catastrophic events many of us will encounter during our lifetime. We are witnessing (from afar) the mass murder of tens of thousands of people, all the while we are expected to continue on with our daily lives.
I was prepared for the horror, the disgust I would feel for those who continue to support Israel and the occupation. I was prepared for the anger, the furious rage I would feel for the innocent lives lost and the lack of humanity. I was prepared for the grief, the sadness that would engulf me as I watched innocent humans be bombed to their death or eventually found in a mass grave. I was even prepared to feel helpless, knowing that I live in a country that is actively supporting the genocide and understanding there is only so much that individuals can do without the backing of people in power. What I wasn't prepared for was the immense guilt. The guilt of continuing to live my life as the people of Palestine perished. Every laugh, every smile, every bright moment, overshadowed by the overwhelming feeling of guilt.
What I've come to realize is that our guilt, my guilt, doesn't help to serve any of the people in Palestine. Feeling sorry for living my life doesn't help free Palestine from the Occupation or bring back the thousands of lives and families destroyed. All my guilt does is drive the belief that I have no voice in what is occurring, and that is just untrue. There are so many ways to contribute and advocate for the people of Palestine, and it is imperative that we do. Donating, protesting, advocating, writing letters to your government officials, boycotting, etc, it all may seem like very minute things in the grand scheme of things, but it is these small acts of action that continue to drive the movement forward and remind people that we will not turn a blind eye and be complicit in the genocide.
If you're like me and the last 216 days have been filled with tears, fear, disgust, shame, and overwhelming guilt, don't let it slow you down. Instead use these feelings to fuel you. As individuals it may be hard to make a difference, but when we act together for the greater good, big things happen. So don't be afraid. Be furious. Be mad. Be outraged. And let it propel you into your advocacy for others. Don't let the injustice sadden you, let it radicalize you.
Below is a list of trusted organizations to donate to if you're able.
Fundraiser for Asem Qazaz by Diana Nazzal : Urgent support for medical professionals in Gaza (gofundme.com)
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