Written by Aminah Carrington
Art by Aminah Carrington
Most of you will not read this whole thing. Most of you—not for the first time—will put your comfort over the suffering and murder of others. Many will find this harsh, but it’s the truth. I’m speaking to every student and faulty member at Champlain when I say we have a responsibility as Americans, as voters, as taxpayers, and as educators and students, to stop the genocide of Palestinians.
If you think I sound mad, I am. I’m mad at you, my peers. As a black, queer woman on campus, I’m already used to the majority of my peers—who are white—being silent about issues of racism and oppression in this school and in this country. Still, for a moment, I had hope that an actual genocide happening in real time would light the fire under your asses. Excuse my moment of delusion.
I’ve heard many people and students express how they “just don’t follow” what’s happening in Palestine. That “it’s sad,” but not their business. Those are the same people who claim they would oppose and stand up against the Holocaust. Who would stand up against segregation. Who would stand up against slavery. And any other horrific, oppressive event that has happened in history, when really they would do nothing. They don’t do anything now. While black people—many young, many children—are murdered by police, they do and say nothing. They post a black square and turn to the next trend. They say nothing. A silent holocaust is happening in Congo, they say nothing. Families are still being separated at our Southern border, they say nothing. They would rather protect their “peace.”
Let’s talk about peace. What does that mean to you? Does it mean Israel and Palestine should just “get along”? That the oppressed and oppressor should make amends? I question your critical thinking skills if you think that is a reasonable solution. You can’t ‘Kumbaya’ your way out of oppression. Peace cannot happen without liberation. Peace without liberation is a world where the oppressed stays oppressed, and the privileged don’t have to hear their cries and suffering. You cover your ears and turn your eyes because you don’t want to feel bad. You make excuses or blame the victim; you say “Oh, well there’s always conflict in [insert nation whose suffering is caused by American and Western imperial violence].” Make it make sense. Nine times out of ten, our government is the reason why these nations “always have conflict.” We destabilized and ruined them. And I say ‘we’ because we voted for our leaders, we didn’t speak up in opposition, we sanctioned it and continue to sanction it with our silence and complacency. Do you get it now? Our leaders love when you are silent, they love when you prioritize your “peace.” Because then they can keep oppressing people overseas and here at home without much issue.
This piece is not meant to convince you that a genocide is happening. People are being murdered—yes murdered—at a rate that a multitude of human rights organizations find alarming. Even the ICJ, which was literally created after the Holocaust to prevent other holocausts, found that Israel is committing acts that could be genocidal against the Palestinian people. They have told Israel they have a month to chill out, stop killing so many civilians, and committing war crimes. After seeing what Israel is doing in Rafah as of February 11th—which is the last “safe zone” in Gaza—I can confidently say they took what the ICJ ruled as a suggestion. I could flood this piece with hundreds and thousands of pieces of evidence showing Israel’s acts of genocide and calls for genocide. Read South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel for that evidence. Hell, if you have social media—which I will assume all of you do—look at the firsthand accounts of these genocidal acts. Look at journalists like Motaz Azaiza, Bisan, Yusef Mema, Soliman Alfarra, Noor Harazeen, Lama Jamous (whose a child turned journalist), Ayman Al Gedi, Hatam Hany, Bayan, and more. They are not only documenting the genocide and displacement of Palestinians, they are living through it. A good number of these journalists are regular people turned journalists. Imagine having to document your family, friends, neighbors, and your own murder because the people murdering you are churning out propaganda to convince people who are funding your death that they aren’t.
I have no intention of debating with people that the settler colony of Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians. I will not debate that fact. And I will not debate the fact that Israel is a settler colony. You may be wondering what are you trying to say? Are you just trying to guilt trip us into standing with Palestine? Well, first you should feel guilty and also, is it working? What I will try to convince you of is that most struggles and instances of oppression are all connected. There is usually a common denominator when you do a little digging; Western colonialism and imperialism, capitalism, and white supremacy are usually at the center of these issues. So these instances of hate and tragedy are strategic, they serve a purpose to those in power.
Genocides don’t happen out of nowhere. You need support, money, supplies, weapons. Who is providing that to Israel? Answer: America. More specifically, the ‘West.’ And why would America support genocide? Aside from this country being extremely anti-Arab; let’s not forget that America is an imperial, capitalist power. Of course the West, especially America, would want to protect Israel. They’re kind of like our son or little brother. And they are definitely taking after its ally America. Under apartheid rule, they segregate, murder, and oppress Palestinians. All while occupying stolen land. Daddy America must be so proud! Also, that fun little group you may be hearing about more often, AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), is an Israeli-Zionist lobbying group that funnels money into a majority of our politician’s pockets. Guess who the number one receiver of that money is. (Hint: he proudly claims to be a zionist, has bypassed Congress to send more weapons of destruction to Israel, and qualifies for a senior discount at your local Michael’s). Joe Biden, fondly known as Genocide Joe. If you ever want to know the truth about something or someone, always follow the money. And Joe’s wallet is stuffed. Interesting how lax we are when the foreign government influencing our politicians is Israel. If it was any other country, we’d be irate.
Another reason why Daddy America loves his genocidal son is because Israel tests weapons of war on Palestinians then gives them to us and calls them “battle tested.” The IOF has also trained police here. And what does the IOF and US police have in common? They love killing black and brown people! Those shiny new weapons that Israel gives to America are used to kill, harm, and oppress black and brown people here. So if you traded your black square during the most recent BLM movement for a blue and white one, you’re in big trouble! And don’t think for a second non-black and brown people are left out, Israeli surveillance technology used on Palestinians has made its way here too. So next time you’re on the metro, smile and wave to the cameras. Who knows who’s watching. Maybe Benjamin Mikeikowsky- oh sorry, I mean Benjamin Netanyahu!
By no means is Israel the small helpless child that they paint themselves to be. They are a military power and apartheid regime. They have succeeded in violently displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in 1948 during the first Nakba, or “catastrophe” in Arabic. That was around 75 years ago. Palestinian elders still have the keys to their homes. Some are older than the colony of Israel. Imagine how crazy that must feel to them, to be older than the regime that is now murdering their families. Since the first Nakba, there have been many more. Israel would love for you to believe they are simply defending themselves, but listen to their leaders’ words, look at how they have treated Palestinians before October 7th. They have always been oppressing, displacing, bombing, torturing, incarcerating, and murdering Palestinians. All while occupying the homes they displaced them from.
Israel has filled Palestinian homes with people who were born and/or grew up in other countries—like Americans. With people who weaponize the very real history of hate and genocide of Jewish people to justify their genocide of Palestinians. Zionists should feel ashamed. By co-opting the very real experience of antisemitism—stating that calling out the Israeli government and its genocidal acts is antisemitic—they are muddling what antisemitism truly is and aligning Judaism with the genocidal acts of Israel. So many Jewish people have done the hard and brave work of unlearning zionist propaganda and brainwashing. Organizations like Jewish Voice For Peace, who work nationwide and even in Burlington, have not only done that work but speak up against Israel. They understand that ‘Never Again’ means never again for anyone, especially not in their name. I have heard zionists call these Jewish activists mentally ill and traitors, but still they persevere. I have so much respect for them and I will continue to stand with them.
I’m so very angry. That’s all I feel at all times. And I wish there was a better word to describe what I feel. I can’t seem to understand why not everyone feels the same. While Palestinians sacrifice their dignity and privacy by showing their deaths and torment, we look away. Or we see it and are numb. You see enough videos of black and brown bodies being killed, tortured, and starved that you begin to accept it as the “norm.” There’s nothing normal about this. There’s nothing normal about what is happening to Palestinians. Same as what is happening to Congolese, Sudanese, Kashmiri people. Even to what’s happening to people in America, from mass shootings in our schools to police brutality against Black Americans. We watch their suffering so often, we become numb. We accept it as something unchangeable and familiar. I cannot accept that. Injustice should not make you numb. It should wake you up and shake you to your core. Stop seeing these instances of violence and murder as numbers. Something to be written in history books and forgotten. These are individuals’ lives with a web of lives connected to them. I want you to open your eyes as to what this genocide is. It’s not just a long lost list of the dead. It’s the brutal cleansing of culture, of history, of memories. Israel has destroyed some of the oldest churches and mosques in the world. They have leveled historical universities and schools. Destroyed hospitals. Restaurants. Libraries. Ma and pa shops. Gardens. Homes. And they have murdered the people who worshiped in those churches and mosques. Killed the professors and students who frequented those schools. They’ve murdered doctors, nurses, and first responders. Business owners. Babies who haven’t been named yet. Families. Several families have been wiped off the registry, not a single member lives. And those who are still alive are starving. Cold. Terrified. Trapped. Grieving. Exhausted. Traumatized. Even when this genocide ends. What then? Will we wipe our hands clean of the Palestinians and turn to the next tragedy. Leave the remaining Palestinians still under Israel’s oppressive occupation and control. Who says Israel doesn’t try their hand at another Nakba in the next few years, when we’ve all moved on.
I bring you back to my favorite word: liberation. A ceasefire won’t cut it, Palestine deserves to be free from colonial, apartheid rule. Displaced Palestinians deserve a ‘right of return,’ they deserve to go home. Anything less leaves Palestinians at the mercy of their oppressor. I cannot and will not accept that. I have watched Palestinians fight tooth and nail to stay alive and protect their people. I have heard the cries. I have seen the blood. The level of horror I have seen has brought me to my knees and stolen the air from my lungs. With all of the pain, disbelief, and rage I feel from just seeing it through my phone, I know Palestinians living it must feel something indescribable, something beyond what the human body can contain. That thought alone makes me want to weep and scream out to the world ‘why?’
I’m mad at faculty. You are the more experienced adults in the room. Us students look to you for guidance, moral direction, and inspiration. Where is your voice? You are the most silent. Sometimes you are the silencer, aligning yourself with the oppressor. Shame on you. Most of you are educators. You should know better. Is this a safety issue for you? Is the administration coming for you for speaking up? Blink twice if you need help. Do you fear for your jobs, your reputation? I can understand that. Colleges and universities around the nation are cracking down on people who speak out against genocide, claiming antisemitism. So, let me lay this down to rest: Zionism is antisemitism, Zionism is white supremacy, calling out zionism is not antisemitic. There comes a point when your silence turns from cautiously protective to actively violent. Then you just become another tool, another cog in this oppressive machine. If you’re comfortable being a tool, more power to you. I’m not sure why you are in the business of educating. Perhaps you’re in the business of indoctrinating.
I’ve talked about peace and how some of you claim to want to protect yours. I guess there is some truth to the saying ‘ignorance is bliss.’ Those unaffected by injustice and oppression can easily choose bliss. It is a sacrifice to become aware, to stand up and speak out. You sacrifice your peace, your comfort, your sanity. Educating yourself on the connectedness of domestic and global struggles has definitely made me feel insane and the complete opposite of peaceful. But when thinking about what people are afraid or unwilling to sacrifice, I began to wonder if they are weighing value incorrectly. Cause what ever I’m sacrificing by standing against genocide and violence, at least I know I’m not sacrificing my humanity. Can you say the same?
To those who call for a permanent ceasefire, for the liberation of Palestinians, who call for an end to the apartheid and oppression of Palestinians, who call for a ‘right of return,’ thank you. For those who took the time to research the history of Palestine and understand that Palestinians have been oppressed for over 75 years, thank you. For those who stand with Palestinians in their right to resist, live, and live on their land, thank you. For those who have unlearned their own indoctrination and brainwashing and now speak out against zionism, thank you. For those who refuse to let Palestinian voices go unheard, thank you. For those who understand that we will not be free until we are all free, thank you. I see you and am right there with you in this fight.
To those who are now just getting it and want to do more, it’s not too late. Reach out to the SJP (Students for Justice in Palestine) on campus. They work with different organizations and people to fight against imperial violence, white supremacy, and oppression. Reach out to Champlain for Palestine here on campus as well. Call your representatives, demand a ceasefire, and an end to US aid to Israel. Annoy the hell out of them. They work for you! Check out the BDS movement and see which companies to boycott. Donate to Palestinian families who are trying to cross the Rafah border into Egypt. Don’t stop talking about Palestine. Your moment of discomfort is only but a moment, solidarity is forever. Show up and speak out.
To those who are upset and defensive about how mean my words are: if I had tone policed myself, silenced my rightful rage, and placated to your sensitive emotions, would you have finally after 151 days and 30,000 Palestinians murdered changed your mind? Truly, let me know. I love feedback from genocide apologists.
To those who still choose to be silent and ignorant even after reading my words. I don’t know what else to say to make you care. Maybe you truly don’t care and you will have to grow up and live with that. Maybe you will be able to sleep peacefully for decades after your inaction. For now, as long as I and my brave peers are on campus, we will make sure there is no peace. You will be reminded everyday while you are on campus that there is a genocide. That we, Americans, are funding it. And we will remind you of your compliance. Of your inaction. And of your silence.
RESOURCES
- https://ceasefiretoday.com/
- For live updates: https://aljazeera.com/
- https://bdsmovement.net/
- For Vermonters (students & residents): Vermont Coalition for Palestine Liberation https://www.vermontcpl.org