Palestinians are not the enemies of the Jews. The Enemy here is Apartheid – Linda Sarsour
Linda Sarsour, a prominent figure in the world of political activism, finds herself at the center of a polarizing debate surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. While some liberals and progressives applaud her efforts, her stance and remarks have drawn criticism from conservatives and Jewish leaders. Regardless of the mixed reception, Sarsour remains a steadfast advocate for Palestinians in the midst of a tumultuous political landscape.
Sarsour shed light on her motivation for continuing her activism on her social media platforms. She strongly condemns what she perceives as the U.S.-backed Israeli apartheid regime’s response to the conflict, asserting that those who support collective punishment and violence against Palestinians show a disregard for the safety of Jews in Israel. She argues that violence only begets more violence, and the cycle of vengeance will only deepen unless there is a resolute call for an end to the occupation and the lifting of the siege on Gaza.
Crucially, Sarsour distinguishes between Palestinians and Jews, asserting that the true adversary is apartheid, not the Jewish people. She contends that apartheid tactics divide and deceive, convincing individuals that safety and security can only come at the expense of others. She argues that apartheid’s dehumanization and violence against Palestinians underpin a false narrative of normalcy.
Sarsour passionately argues that the safety of one is intricately tied to the safety of all and that true freedom requires the liberation of all. Her rallying cry, “Free Palestine,” encapsulates her call for justice, freedom, and safety for Palestinians and all involved in the conflict. Sarsour shares her own harrowing experiences of waking up to nightmares of explosions and children’s cries for safety. She implores readers to consider the future they want for these innocent children, calling for protection and empathy.
She goes on to decry decades of Israeli actions against Palestinians, including violence, imprisonment without trial, land confiscation, olive tree uprooting, humiliation, and the destruction of holy sites. Sarsour passionately maintains that despite these injustices, she has never advocated for collective punishment based on the actions of a few. Her response has consistently been a demand for justice, accountability, and freedom for her people.
Sarsour paints a grim picture of Gaza’s current state, deprived of electricity, fuel, water, and food by Israeli orders. She challenges the belief that Gaza equals Hamas and rejects the notion that civilians should be considered collateral damage. Sarsour is deeply troubled by the moral inconsistency of supporting an Israeli leadership that calls for the annihilation of Palestinians in Gaza.
In the face of widespread vilification and criminalization of Palestinians, Sarsour questions how to break through the dominant narrative. She asserts that the universal aspirations of Palestinians for freedom, liberation, and self-determination are often unheard due to the prevailing bias.
She addresses her Palestinian compatriots, acknowledging their pain and urging them not to adopt the characteristics of their oppressors. She expresses love, solidarity, and faith in the pursuit of justice, even if it means seeking it in the hereafter.
Sarsour pleads with people, organizations, and nations all over the world not to turn Gaza into a cemetery; imploring them not to look away from the suffering. She insists on acknowledging the agony of Palestinian fathers carrying their children’s lifeless bodies. Challenging the empathy of those in power, and questioning whether such tragic loss can ever be considered acceptable.
In a challenging and emotionally tense period, Sarsour calls for empathy, justice, and a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Reminding us of the importance of understanding the complexities and human costs of the enduring conflict.