As I read the words, Brian, I am transported to a reality that is both familiar and yet, unimaginable. 🏵️🏵️🏵️ The descriptions of destruction, suffering, and death are all too real for us Palestinians. We have lived with the weight of occupation, displacement, and oppression for far too long.
The question of whether we see the same images as others is a valid one. For us, these images are not just graphic or disturbing; they are a stark reminder of our daily reality.
Palesitinans have grown accustomed to the sounds of gunfire, the smell of smoke, and the sight of destroyed buildings. But even we, who have experienced so much trauma, are not immune to the horrors that we witness.
The image of children with limbs barely attached to their bodies is particularly haunting. It's a reminder that our children are not just innocent victims but are also fighting for their lives, trying to survive in a world that seems determined to destroy them. The thought of children being forced to lie on bellhop carts because there aren't enough hospital beds is heart-wrenching. It's a cruel reminder of the lack of resources and infrastructure that we have struggled with for decades.
As I read about the decomposing bodies of babies left behind in hospitals, I am reminded of the countless times we have had to bury our loved ones in makeshift graves because there were no proper facilities available. The thought of human bodies being intentionally run over by tanks is a stark reminder of the brutality that we have faced.
But what struck me most about this passage is the sense of despair and helplessness that pervades it. The words used in this article, convey a sense of hopelessness, as if they are unable to process the sheer scale of the devastation they are witnessing. Palestinians, know this feeling all too well. They have been living in a state of perpetual crisis for decades, with no end in sight.
And yet, despite all this, we find ways to hold on to hope. They find ways to continue resisting, to continue fighting for our rights, and to continue building our communities despite the odds against us. They do this because they know that as long as they hold on to their humanity, their culture, and their traditions, they will never be defeated.
The words may be disturbing, but they are also a reminder that they are not alone. There are people around the world who care about their plight, who are horrified by the injustices they face, and who are working tirelessly to support their cause. These words may be a call to action, but they are also a reminder that they are not invisible.
In the end, it is not just about what we see or what we experience. It is about what we do with those experiences. It is about how we use them to fuel our resistance, to strengthen our communities, and to build a better future for ourselves and for future generations.🏵️🏵️🏵️