This day last year I was breaking fast with the Jobran’s: a beautiful Palestinian family that had taken both myself and one of my dearest friends, Trina, in as we spent time in the West Bank. This was all thanks to Moodi— the goofy, talkative, and incredibly caring tour guide-turned-friend who took it upon himself to make sure Trina and I were taken care of during what would be multiple visits to the West Bank. On the second trip to the Bethlehem, Trina, Fara and myself visited Wi’Am: The Palestinian Conflict Resolution Center. Wi’am translates to “cordial relationships” in Arabic. The Center is located parallel to the notorious separation wall. Wi’Am’s purpose is to provide Palestinian citizens a holistic, non-violent approach to both understanding and coping with the realities they are forced face every single day. Services such as empowerment workshops for women, trauma coping/counseling programs for children, and developmental education for youth are just some of the remarkable services this center provides. Trina, Fara and I had the chance to sit down with founder, Zoughbi Zoughbi, to get his take on the kind of intervention needed from international entities who want to provide aid in Palestine— specifically, inthe West Bank. I remember writing about that day when I arrived back at my hostel in Jerusalem. I have that page open as I’m writing this. This was one of the excerpts from that day, “Mr. Zoughbhi replied, no matter what you choose to do, do it with peace. We need peace as much as we need one another. What’s strange to me is that this is the sentiment that I’ve been hearing from every Palestinian Ive met thus far. From Muna Jobran, to Moodi, even from the bird-keeper in the Old City. But, I don’t understand. I don’t understand how my face is feeling hot with anger while writing this, but that these humans can be built with such tenderness, such positivity, and such understanding. Shouldnt they be the ones seething in anger? I have yet to meet a Palestinian woman, man, or child who won’t jump at the chance to help, to mobilize, and to have their voices heard— yet, maintaining peace is a non-negotiable. I don’t understand.” Though I was angry, I had decided upon arriving back from my trip that remaining neutral in this conflict was probably the best way to maintain peace. After all, there were individuals I had encountered in Israel who had opened the doors to their homes knowing full well they were opening their doors to a Muslim. There are people in Israel who are also suffering. Wouldnt my support of Palestine silence their voices? I couldn’t have that. But then I came to realize that in the political world, an indecision is a decision in itself. When you aim to be neutral or indifferent, you only sustain the oppressor. Though your sustainment may not be direct: though you may not be the ones physically moving into illegal settlements, or the ones launching missiles into civilian homes, or the ones intentionally financing the war efforts— your silence is plenty for oppressors to remain unaccountable for their war crimes. The voices of Israelis are heard loud and wide. They are projected on every mega news outlet, and are on the lips of every Western politician. But, there is a side to this conflict that has continuously been unaccounted for in the past 67 years and unless I personally raise my own voice, I am no better than the oppressor. In a time where we are bombarded with information at our disposal, most of us do just that— we dispose of it. But we need to humble ourselves enough to realize that we SHOULD be affected by this crippling difference between our realities. And with so many resources at arm’s length, how dare we not do as much as we can for those who need it most? Pressure institutionalized agencies to divest, protest in front of Consulates to prove international solidarity, and continuously share otherwise hidden information. Regarding one of the most important forms of aid: financial. It’s understandable that we may not know where to start with our financial aid, and that accountability is a major issue at a time of a crisis. I can PERSONALLY attest to Wi’Am Palestinaian Conflict Resolution Center being one of— if not, the most— important centers for the people of Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, and Gaza alike. After exchanging emails with both Mr. Zoughbhi who informs me of being in need of continuous aid, as well as Muna Jobran whose nieces attend the summer camp, I give you my word that every single penny you contribute to this organization will land in the hands of an accountable, legitimate, progressive organization that is one of the few agencies able to help with the relief efforts during the current genocide. If an opportunity to help wasnt blatantly in front of you before, it is now. Do with that what you will. WiAm donation link: alaslah.org/donate/ WiAm Facebook page: https://facebook/pages/Wiam/129439133743560
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 14:07:38 +0000