We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness.
-Thich Nhat Hanh
This weekend, I had plans to promote my upcoming new novel, Shad Hadid and the Forbidden Alchemies (which can be pre-ordered at a discount here).
But I abandoned those plans as news broke of another violent conflict between Palestine and Israel. I struggled with whether I should say anything and join the tiring political commentary on social media.
Instead, I’m addressing my internal monologue by writing about it here, in this newsletter.
Bear with me as I ponder what it means to be a storyteller and reader amidst such events, and the perspective we should—and many of my colleagues sadly fail to—carry.
Immediately, the mainstream news channels and celebrities (in the West) rushed to condemn the terrorism being shown by the Palestinians. It is absolutely true that violence has no place in our world. However, in condemning violence, we must look at the violence that has been continuously perpetrated against the Palestinian people for the better part of the last century.
As a storyteller and consumer of stories, I know that every character is gray. No one person (or people) is good or bad. That is not critical thinking.
Therefore, it is our responsibility to not (and no person should do this, but especially those of us who write stories) rush to condemn any side. Not without asking: why did this happen?
Well, one side has been the victim of consistent violations of human rights (according to the United Nations) and that is not the Israelis. Furthermore, both sides have right-leaning governments. Hamas and the far-right Israeli government (which, recall that Israelis took to the streets in unprecedented numbers to protest) are not agents of peace.
However, one side has a MASSIVE power advantage over the other. That particular side has also exercised that advantage consistently to limit the rights of the other.
Now, here’s where that empathy will really be put to the test, but where it is most important…
If you are an Israeli, you have just seen an unprecedented attack. Innocents have been killed. Loved ones, perhaps. You are almost certainly scared. You are also heartbroken and angry. Who wouldn’t be?
If you are a Palestinian, you are also under attack. Additionally, you have lived, throughout the 21st century, with no access to water or resources as those are controlled by Israel. Settlers are and have been illegally moving into your lands, against international law. Your attempts at peacefully protesting have yielded no results. You are scared, heartbroken, and angry. Who wouldn’t be?
DO YOU SEE THAT THEY ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME HUMAN EMOTIONS? CAN YOU EMPATHIZE WITH THEM?
Now that we better understand the plight of the Palestinian people and appreciate that the Israeli people are currently hurting, how can we proceed?
Well, I simply cannot see how condemning the oppressed people will create peace. An oppressed people with no hope will not stop fighting. At the same time, not understanding that the Israeli people are hurting is a failure of empathy. We must acknowledge all these facts and pressure those with political capital to also acknowledge them.
History has proven that simply standing with Israel is not going to yield peace. Always, in any situation, advocating for the dignity of all people is the best case for peace. This worked in Apartheid South Africa. It can also work here. Palestinians need to have their plight acknowledged for there to be progress in good faith. That is simply common sense.
So, in short, it’s imperative you do the work to understand how everyone is feeling. Place yourself in their shoes. Stories teach us how to understand someone whose life we don’t lead. Read more stories. But also take the next step and discuss these matters critically. Do it with as big a heart as you can.
Friends, thanks for reading my rambling thoughts. Here’s to writing for peace. There is much work to do.