Many of us have been sickened by the trauma that the Palestinian people have been experiencing over the past few months. The reaction to the Hamas attack has turned into a collective punishment for all of the citizens of Gaza. Collective punishment has been deemed illegal under international law. The state of Israel has been given a special status, which, in their minds, exempts them from international norms.
It is hopeful to me that many across the world have begun to view this settler colony for what it is and has always been. If a country is going to be a part of the world community and not apart from the world community, international norms must be respected. This is the view of many people across the globe, and a local mobilization in Atlanta was organized by The Party For Socialism & Liberation Atlanta (PSL Atlanta).
The PSLAtlanta has been consistent in raising awareness about the events in Palestine. They have been consistent and inclusive regarding inviting members of the Muslim community to speak to get our perspective.
On January 7th, 2024, PSL Atlanta invited me to say a few words on the issues in Gaza. The main points that were made in the talk were as follows:
Allah says in the Qur’an:
Quran 2:154 states: “Do not say regarding those who are slain in the path of God that they are dead; rather they are alive but you are not aware.”
Quran 3:169 states: “Do not consider as dead those who are slain in the path of God; rather, they are alive and well-provided for in the presence of their Lord.
I come here again to express solidarity with the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and call for an end to Israeli/USA aggression towards the people of Palestine.
Although the Zionists are the boots on the ground, this country is just as complicit in the current atrocities that are occuring daily.
Thus far, thousands of people have died in Gaza, and the aggression does not seem to be letting up.
We have to continue to demand and not ask for a cease-fire. Enough blood has been shed, and at some point, diplomacy must begin.
Everyone is talking about what will happen the day after the shooting stops, But who is talking to the Palestinian people? Who is representing the Palestinian people? Where is their voice?
All people have the right to self-determination.
It is a human right! The problem with the people who are trying to decide for the Palestinians is that they are not asking The Palestinians.
As I have said in the past. October 7th was not the beginning of the issues in that part of the world. It is just the latest manifestation of resistance to occupation and oppression.
We have to have a solution that will benefit all of the people of that region. We don’t have to look far.
In fact, the country that resembled Israel’s apartheid has just filed a brief with the International Court of Justice. I am talking about South Africa. The Former home of apartheid on the African continent has filed an 84-page brief detailing the genocidal crimes that the Zionists in Israel have been committing.
Over 42,000 words detailing the criminality of the fascist Zionists.
Through the Truth and Reconciliation Council and one person, one vote, South Africa can be a model for post-apartheid Israel. How they resolved their past is a model for those who want peace in the nation of Israel.
South Africa has had its own challenges with separation based on differences. Yet they have been trying to work it out. Instead of humbling themselves, the Israeli government has been notifying various countries to vote against this potential indictment.
When the adults in the room recognize that there is no military solution to the issues in Israel, there needs to be a hard look not only at a two-state solution but also a one-state solution! One state with equal rights for everyone within the boundaries of a contiguous nation.
The Palestinian people refuse to accept slave-like living conditions, and many in that nation have reached an intolerable state, which led to the attack of October 7th.
The French philosopher Albert Camus said:
“The very moment the slave refuses to obey the humiliating orders of his master, he simultaneously rejects the condition of slavery.”
- There is no military solution to the current issues in Israel. Each side has demonstrated that they can do damage to the other.
- They must decide whether they will exist within a two-state environment or one pluralistic state similar to the South African Model.
- The political philosophy of Zionism has contributed to the oppression of the various religious communities that populate what is now known as Israel.
We must remember the following:
- The constant bombardment of Gaza is designed to make it uninhabitable and ripe for takeover by Zionist settlers.
- Many In the Jewish Community don’t agree with the Israeli actions and are sickened by the disproportionate responses of the IDF!
- Holocaust Survivor Dr. Israel Shahak said:
- ” The Nazis made me afraid to be a Jew, and the Israelis make me ashamed to be a Jew”!
- Prior to the establishment of the State Of Israel in 1948, Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted in peace.
- After WWII, The people of Palestine welcomed the victims of Nazi oppression. Throughout the ages, this has occurred.
- Research what happened in Al Andalusia Or Muslim Spain. It was one of the greatest periods of cooperation between Muslims, Christians, and Jews. It happened before, and it can happen again, but the will has to be there to make it happen.
- The majority of the world recognizes the genocide that is currently going on in Israel, but in the USA, justice is blind, deaf, and non-empathetic.
The leadership in this country must show intestinal fortitude and stop enabling Israel. We have to ask Biden to stop hiding and do what is just and right for the Palestinian people.
The Qur’an states: If the enemy sued for peace on just terms, the overture is to be accepted:
Allah says, “And if they incline to peace, then you should incline to it; and put your trust in Allah; He is the All-hearing, the All-knowing.”Qur’an 8:61
In closing, I implored the attendees with these words:
I call for a Ceasefire now! I call for an End to the occupation! I call for an end to USA arms sales to Israel! I call for a boycott of Apartheid Israel!
- Free Palestine!
- Resist to exist!
- Resist to exist!
- Resist to exist!
As-Salaamu-Alaikum, Peace Be Upon You.
