Thank you for your words Sarah. It is exactly the reason most of us are here. The patience to wait and contemplate then the considered facilitation of zooming out and looking beyond the immediate reactions. Amidst deep emotions of pain, anger, disgust with what we are seeing, this facilitation is much appreciated. Also, thank you for this link to an excellent article.
I needed to read this today. I am in a spiral of sadness that I am trying to bust out of. Your note is saddening, but it makes me feel like I am not alone in my 'fence sitting' as I have been accused of, or my despair at what is happening locally and nationally.
Bush fires in October in Queensland, seismic testing in whale habitats, logging of national parks in Victoria, decline of the snow gums in the Victorian Alps - all things I am involved with, and yet my personal world still turns, with dying parents and absent children and stressed colleagues and bugs eating my garden vegetables. Metacrisis indeed, and even the small adds to upset my internal balance. Hold tight all, the ride has just begun.
I don't think you are fence-sitting, in the problematic, avoidant sense. What if you are absorbing, holding, feeling into it all... readying yourself to be of service? It seems you are "on all the sides"...As per my comment elsewhere in this thread - being quiet for a bit doesn't mean I don't act and voice up where appropriate.
Thank you Sarah for challenging us all and for reminding us of the importance of connection, to ourselves and each other. I’ve noticed I’ve behaved in the past few weeks the same way I did when 9/11 happened and at the beginning of covid pandemic. I’m glued to my screen, sickened and fearful, weighing in, feeling heavy, sleepless, helpless. It’s not what we need. I feel in a sense I do need to lean in to suffering, not turn my back. But I also need to lean in to love.
I am uncomfortable with the phrase ‘pick a side’ about the siege of Gaza, as I don’t believe this is a matter of taking sides. The siege isn’t an equal fight. The two ‘sides’ are not equal. To say no to genocide is not to ‘pick a side’ between two positions. I hear what you’re saying Sarah and you have every right not to announce a stance.
The reason I do take a stance is because I believe we are witnessing a mass genocide and I do not want to silently watch on with an air of neutrality. Will my voice mean anything? Of course not. But I feel it’s my moral duty to state, out loud, publicly, that genocide is wrong.
I agree with your point - the sides are unequal. The issues are super complex. I am very comfortable denouncing fully what the Israeli government is doing in Gaza right now. I support the Palestinian cause and abhor the "open air prison" situation they have existed in. I've seen it...and it's unforgivable. And I also am now aware a two-state solution is probably off the table. And that boycotts are not the solution. And.... lots more.
Yep, I agree. Everything is more complex than ever. I’ve re-read your post a few times now. Something new pops out every time. I admit I took that first reading sweep with a degree of defensiveness: ‘whatabout my side!’ Thank you, Sarah, sincerely. You make me think harder! Xx
Always side with the child over the gun, no matter whose child and no matter whose gun. --- I don't know who said this
It is not Israel vs Palestine. It is those who believe violence is the answer vs those who believe there is a better way. -- a Bedouin Dr in Gaza, whose name I can't recall.
This has also bothered me. Where have all these people been in the last 10-15 years? All of a sudden everyone needs (nay, must have) an opinion and is en expert.
Excellent, well timed article and I applaud your bravery in saying anything about anything, especially this. You have raised really interesting questions. I have been exploring for many years how to hold the violence and distress of this world , along with the beauty, joy and connectedness . It is a daily practice, especially as we watch what has been a slow, torturous genocide of the Palestinians reach its crescendo . There is no neutrality when evil abounds outwardly. That is why Martin Luther King said the hottest place in hell must be reserved for those who are neutral in the face of injustice. The daily work is keeping ourselves open and neutral so we can see and act appropriately. Sending peace and gratitude 💗
It's funny - I"m not neutral. I have positions on many things here. But a comprehensive overall take that encompasses everything and everyone? No. Also, my point is that me declaring my side won't help...it will add to the problem. However, me supporting a ceasefire, following the issues, being ready to act when required - that's helpful...I feel
I have been reflecting on your article and my response. I never saw you as “neutral” , that was not intended by my words. I do experience a lot of people saying they are. Perhaps because they fear confrontation, because opinions make you a participant. As does taking sides , which is why you have been provoking my thoughts . Always a good thing 🤔We are being manipulated, whipped up into an intensity of emotions from current events. Can we have a view and not be taking sides , in theory a responding YES . In the current reality it’s a NO. Like you I am on the side of peace and being peace in my own life. I have learnt the hard way that being angry especially about the Palestinian Situation only hurts me. It changes nothing but adds to the energies of hate, conflict and violence. Change can only come when we change. Thanks Sarah
A lot covered there and I could feel your frustration through the paragraphs.
My emotions after reading it were also down.
It's not an ideal analogy given the lives lost, but like watching say a football game and somebody asking which team you go for, and you replying neither, i don't have a team, i just like football. They would find that incredibly strange. It just seems humans cannot accept somebody trying to understand both sides and offering up an opinion.
And then if it's involving war, fighting, weapons. A woman having an opinion on topics historically only involving decisions made by man. How dare thee.
It's always worked out just fine with us men making the decisions in war time !!
Much like a female football commentator sadly.
They need you to pick a side. They can't put you in a category or pit you against somebody. So sadly, it then becomes a Lord of the Flies deal where both sides pile on, without realising that's exactly what the powers that be want.
I'm really disheartened to read you've been vilified for putting up your voice. Especially after not jumping straight in.
Being on no meta type social media I just cringe if I get sent a link from somebody and I end up scrolling through Facebook or Insta etc. I couldn't even imagine what you would go through when people direct vile comments toward you.
In a better world, social media would apply the dinner party rule of no posts about Politics, Sex or Religion.
On marriage, I listened to Yumi Stynes excellent podcast with guest Clementine Ford, and her views on marriage i think were so well articulated and convinced me that she is absolutely spot on.
Recommended listening.
Andrew Tate..Faarrrkkkkk.
Any man forming an opinion of a woman based on the number of people she has been intimate with is so incredibly insecure about themselves. What an absolute dick.
Please don't use this person as any type of yardstick for a man, or human for that matter.🙏
Please keep up the fight, always have a voice, always take more strength from people that support you here, than those that tell you to keep quiet.🙏
So much of this post spoke to me. Thank you as always for articulating how so many of us are feeling, extending our thinking, and providing clarity.
I am pro-citizen, pro-humanity, pro-please stop the madness. I am 'sitting in the discomfort of complexity and pain' which feels necessary but also woefully inadequate as I watch children being pulled from rubble and hostages kept from their families. I am following everything I can in order to 'bear witness', to the world I live in, which again feels woefully inadequate but the very least I can do. It feels so important to be informed and ready to be of service when needed in whatever shape of form that takes.
I am glad you called the people who sent you DM's after your post on not jumping to binary conclusions 'abusers' because that is what they are. I feel so irritated at the righteousness of people who - think they are experts on topics that they clearly have no expertise in - demand others agree with them. People projecting their pain and issues outward.
Thanks mate. Do you want to share that link you flagged with me. I agree with you that there is responsibility here to follow and bear witness. The Guardian's Amy Remeikis (@pyjamapolitics) does a video about this today...the importance of knowing what's going on at this time in history.
When I see such rage and and abuse online, I always wonder how things are closer to home for those individuals that partake. Do they treat family and friends like that when they don’t get the approval they want? Do they treat themselves this harshly? Sure we’re all flawed, but how can we truly be of service to the greater good if we’re not at least trying to take accountability at home? Treating people and ourselves with some care and compassion. It’s an over-simplistic take but I think it has merit.
Thank you so much Sarah! I feel like I'm being gaslit by society in this binary division. I am also pro-citizen and anti- anyone who thinks murder is the answer. This has been particularly hard for me because my husband is Jewish and has family in Israel and while he holds no hatred for Palestinians in general, he still thinks this is Israel's only choice. 😔 And I know he carries so much intergenerational pain from being a descendent of the Holocaust. I've had to stop talking about it with him because his mind can't be moved and I don't want to add to his pain.
Sarah, that's hard. I also have Jewish friends who are feeling very threatened, scared etc and lots of anti-semite stuff is indeed coming up for many around us. It can be hard when ppl are in this immediate threat to see beyond me v "enemy" stuff.
Thank you. It is so hard. It is affecting our relationship in some ways. Not drastically because I do understand where his thinking stems from. I feel muzzled though which is never a nice feeling. My therapist told me to make sure I eat an anti-inflammatory diet for a while to make sure my body doesn't take on too much of this feeling.
Hi Sarah- late to this post but sharing a thought of appreciation (and the act of appreciating). To you for your posts and insights - those of us who live in the middle on many things seemingly have no space. Anyway - this past weekend we went to my husband’s best friend’s son’s bar mitzvah celebration. I was thrilled to be able to bring our daughter to experience something like this and it was a lovely day albeit with the police presence at the synagogue a reminder of what is currently happening. Twelve years ago my husband and I went to visit another close friend who is Bosnian and a veteran from the Balkan conflict. One afternoon we sat on the deck of a local friend’s restaurant sipping wine while the sun set and the call to prayer wailed over the city of Mostar. It sent shivers through me in a good way. I’ve been fortunate to experience some of each culture and they both have so much beauty. The appreciation for that feels like it is being stifled by those who believe killing or wiping out people will ultimately solve everything.
Brilliantly written, I have bookmarked to read it again! Thank you for embracing complexity and working to understand / untangle / observe it. Appreciated this.
I don't even think about 'picking a side' but I do pick my causes. You highlight the children and children are always at the heart of my causes. So I utterly condemn anyone who abuses, murders, betrays or creates circumstances that keep a child in poverty, slavery, torture, prison and on it goes. I also try to take appropriate action by supporting those organizations closest to the ground (usually I give my signature to those causes and dollars - and I do physically stand with the youth climate activists at their rallies). I love reading, art and history and each these can take me on a journey of discovery, of nuance, of a different perspective. Recently I have been reading books written by Palestinian writers ( Susan Abulhawa who is a firebrand when it comes to Palestinian issues and whose stories are a treat ). Ultimately I find myself wanting to "do something." It's always difficult to decide what might be helpful and within one's capability but as Shakespeare says, 'nothing will come of nothing' so find the thing you can do is my motto. I now have your thoughtful, provocative and energizing substack to add to my life lifting enterprise. Your work and the commentary that follows inspires me to try to see more, understand more, be more.
I also despair at the inability of so many people to hold nuance and grapple with the complexity, not just of the horrors unfolding in Israel-Palestine, but also in relation to so many other crises we are facing right now.
At the same time, in relation to what’s happening in the Middle East, I think there are some things that anyone viewing the situation from a humanitarian perspective should be able to agree with – that the Hamas massacre on 7 October was completely unconscionable and that the Israelis and foreigners taken hostage need to be safely released; that the retaliatory actions of the far-right Netanyahu government go far beyond Israel’s “right to defend itself”; that what we are witnessing in Gaza is an ethnic cleansing and campaign of genocide (as argued strongly by the UN, by hundreds of international experts in international law and conflict studies, and by dozens of civil society organisations across the world); and that the main victims on both sides are innocent civilians, who all deserve to live in peace and without the fear of ongoing terror and persecution (and this also includes all those in the wider Jewish/Israeli and Palestinian diaspora who are facing a dramatic rise in both anti-semitism and Islamophobia).
With all that in mind, I do think that while it’s important for us all to recognise the complex history of a region that can’t be explained in simple maps and memes, we are also being called upon as Australians whose government is choosing to stand unwaveringly with the Israeli state to speak up against what’s unfolding in Gaza at the moment. So in answer to your request that we share respectful actions that can be taken at this time, I’d first of all urge everyone reading this to make some phone calls and/or send some emails to as many MPs as possible to request that they join the calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of the Israeli hostages, and a huge increase in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
These are the politicians I’ve called over the past couple of weeks. There are others like Dutton et al who are also standing unwaveringly with Israel, but I don't see any point in contacting them as I don't believe anything will change their stance.
I felt that it was important to contact those on the second list as well, to thank them for taking a principled stand and to let them know that there are many people in the community who support them. The staffers I’ve spoken with at the offices of the MPs who are calling for a ceasefire all seemed particularly grateful for the calls and most expressed that they’ve received a barrage of hateful and abusive messages over the past couple of weeks. One of the staffers I spoke with who works for an MP who has refused to condemn Israel’s actions also quietly told me that they personally disagreed with that MP’s views.
For anyone who’s never called an MP’s office before and might be reluctant to do this, I’ll just add that when you call the office of an MP, you’ll speak with a staffer, who will almost always be polite and listen respectfully to your views and concerns. They may ask you if you’re a local constituent and might ask if you’d like to share your name and contact details in order to receive a response from the relevant MP, addressing those concerns. You can either pass on your details or ask to remain anonymous, but every call and email that a politician’s office receives does make a difference in helping them understand the general mood of the community and can impact what issues they stand with or against.
It’s always a good idea to contact your own local MP as well, as politicians are particularly responsive to calls from local constituents. You can find your local MP here:
This list is brilliant, thank you! And I didn’t know that about calling any MP and actually getting an answer/speaking with someone. I’ve been emailing my local federal MP and quite disappointed with the ‘party line’ response emails - condemning Hamas 🙄 - time to move past that, people. Will make some calls today - starting with Albo!
Thanks so much, Renee. :) I've often found that it can be hard to get onto the PM via the phone, but it's worth a try, and if not, a message sent via his website or by email is definitely worth it too (and sometimes more impactful than a phone call). I hope Albanese and Penny Wong are beginning to feel the heat - they definitely should be!
Hi again Siobhan, just bugging you for tips now :) is it better to try electorate office or parliamentary office? Do you ask to speak with the minister when you call? Thank you!
Hi Renee, I called the parliamentary offices, which I think is best for an international issue like this, but would suggest that the electorate office is better if you're in that electorate (ie. call the electorate office for your local MP). Usually, the person who answers the phone will give their name, and I just say 'Hi Xxxxx, I'm calling with a message that I'd like to pass on to Minister / Senator X...' and then share what you'd like to say. They will often just say 'thank you for your call – I'll pass the message onto the Minster', but I found that on this occasion, a few people (especially on the second list I shared) were keen to engage in a longer chat – still only a few mins at most, but I definitely got the sense that many of the people answering the phones really appreciated getting some supportive calls. If you want to speak with the minister directly, you can request that they call you back, which sometimes happens, but usually not with those in very high positions of power, in my experience.
I get the feeling that the aggression. And the clearly manipulative manoeuvres by clearly unstable individuals is near an end. Optimistic I know 😅 but people only believe lies until it hurts to much. The veils are all coming off , in Palestine both sides have shown their true colours. No matter the back story, shit behaviour is shit behaviour and it makes every one cringe. Or suffer terribly. Abbott, Howard, Australia have all shown their true colours. And it hurts to see and feel the truth.
It was really disappointing to see Rudd and Gillard add their names to that letter too, but then again, all six ex-PMs who signed it supported Australia's illegal offshore detention camps, so it also doesn't surprise me that they'd hold little sympathy for the people of Gaza...
Hey everyone, this article is worth reading...to see how the vested interests of the "pick a side" mentality are operating. It quotes my friend Aziz at the top. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/29/us-support-divided-israel-palestine-gaza-war
Thank you for your words Sarah. It is exactly the reason most of us are here. The patience to wait and contemplate then the considered facilitation of zooming out and looking beyond the immediate reactions. Amidst deep emotions of pain, anger, disgust with what we are seeing, this facilitation is much appreciated. Also, thank you for this link to an excellent article.
I needed to read this today. I am in a spiral of sadness that I am trying to bust out of. Your note is saddening, but it makes me feel like I am not alone in my 'fence sitting' as I have been accused of, or my despair at what is happening locally and nationally.
Bush fires in October in Queensland, seismic testing in whale habitats, logging of national parks in Victoria, decline of the snow gums in the Victorian Alps - all things I am involved with, and yet my personal world still turns, with dying parents and absent children and stressed colleagues and bugs eating my garden vegetables. Metacrisis indeed, and even the small adds to upset my internal balance. Hold tight all, the ride has just begun.
I don't think you are fence-sitting, in the problematic, avoidant sense. What if you are absorbing, holding, feeling into it all... readying yourself to be of service? It seems you are "on all the sides"...As per my comment elsewhere in this thread - being quiet for a bit doesn't mean I don't act and voice up where appropriate.
Thank you Sarah for challenging us all and for reminding us of the importance of connection, to ourselves and each other. I’ve noticed I’ve behaved in the past few weeks the same way I did when 9/11 happened and at the beginning of covid pandemic. I’m glued to my screen, sickened and fearful, weighing in, feeling heavy, sleepless, helpless. It’s not what we need. I feel in a sense I do need to lean in to suffering, not turn my back. But I also need to lean in to love.
I am uncomfortable with the phrase ‘pick a side’ about the siege of Gaza, as I don’t believe this is a matter of taking sides. The siege isn’t an equal fight. The two ‘sides’ are not equal. To say no to genocide is not to ‘pick a side’ between two positions. I hear what you’re saying Sarah and you have every right not to announce a stance.
The reason I do take a stance is because I believe we are witnessing a mass genocide and I do not want to silently watch on with an air of neutrality. Will my voice mean anything? Of course not. But I feel it’s my moral duty to state, out loud, publicly, that genocide is wrong.
Peace to you. And to everyone.
I agree with your point - the sides are unequal. The issues are super complex. I am very comfortable denouncing fully what the Israeli government is doing in Gaza right now. I support the Palestinian cause and abhor the "open air prison" situation they have existed in. I've seen it...and it's unforgivable. And I also am now aware a two-state solution is probably off the table. And that boycotts are not the solution. And.... lots more.
Yep, I agree. Everything is more complex than ever. I’ve re-read your post a few times now. Something new pops out every time. I admit I took that first reading sweep with a degree of defensiveness: ‘whatabout my side!’ Thank you, Sarah, sincerely. You make me think harder! Xx
And I read your comment and took full notice, too. Thank you for the wonderful openness.
A couple more quotes to add to Anna's above.
Always side with the child over the gun, no matter whose child and no matter whose gun. --- I don't know who said this
It is not Israel vs Palestine. It is those who believe violence is the answer vs those who believe there is a better way. -- a Bedouin Dr in Gaza, whose name I can't recall.
They both bring almost of all of us onto "the same side".
They are golden. thank you.
And I think some people jump to pick a side for the purposes of virtue signaling. Whatever the issue, story, at hand. It bolsters their ego.
This has also bothered me. Where have all these people been in the last 10-15 years? All of a sudden everyone needs (nay, must have) an opinion and is en expert.
Excellent, well timed article and I applaud your bravery in saying anything about anything, especially this. You have raised really interesting questions. I have been exploring for many years how to hold the violence and distress of this world , along with the beauty, joy and connectedness . It is a daily practice, especially as we watch what has been a slow, torturous genocide of the Palestinians reach its crescendo . There is no neutrality when evil abounds outwardly. That is why Martin Luther King said the hottest place in hell must be reserved for those who are neutral in the face of injustice. The daily work is keeping ourselves open and neutral so we can see and act appropriately. Sending peace and gratitude 💗
It's funny - I"m not neutral. I have positions on many things here. But a comprehensive overall take that encompasses everything and everyone? No. Also, my point is that me declaring my side won't help...it will add to the problem. However, me supporting a ceasefire, following the issues, being ready to act when required - that's helpful...I feel
I have been reflecting on your article and my response. I never saw you as “neutral” , that was not intended by my words. I do experience a lot of people saying they are. Perhaps because they fear confrontation, because opinions make you a participant. As does taking sides , which is why you have been provoking my thoughts . Always a good thing 🤔We are being manipulated, whipped up into an intensity of emotions from current events. Can we have a view and not be taking sides , in theory a responding YES . In the current reality it’s a NO. Like you I am on the side of peace and being peace in my own life. I have learnt the hard way that being angry especially about the Palestinian Situation only hurts me. It changes nothing but adds to the energies of hate, conflict and violence. Change can only come when we change. Thanks Sarah
Nice. And as we find our peace, we go out into the world and do the work required - going to protests, signing letters etc.
A lot covered there and I could feel your frustration through the paragraphs.
My emotions after reading it were also down.
It's not an ideal analogy given the lives lost, but like watching say a football game and somebody asking which team you go for, and you replying neither, i don't have a team, i just like football. They would find that incredibly strange. It just seems humans cannot accept somebody trying to understand both sides and offering up an opinion.
And then if it's involving war, fighting, weapons. A woman having an opinion on topics historically only involving decisions made by man. How dare thee.
It's always worked out just fine with us men making the decisions in war time !!
Much like a female football commentator sadly.
They need you to pick a side. They can't put you in a category or pit you against somebody. So sadly, it then becomes a Lord of the Flies deal where both sides pile on, without realising that's exactly what the powers that be want.
I'm really disheartened to read you've been vilified for putting up your voice. Especially after not jumping straight in.
Being on no meta type social media I just cringe if I get sent a link from somebody and I end up scrolling through Facebook or Insta etc. I couldn't even imagine what you would go through when people direct vile comments toward you.
In a better world, social media would apply the dinner party rule of no posts about Politics, Sex or Religion.
On marriage, I listened to Yumi Stynes excellent podcast with guest Clementine Ford, and her views on marriage i think were so well articulated and convinced me that she is absolutely spot on.
Recommended listening.
Andrew Tate..Faarrrkkkkk.
Any man forming an opinion of a woman based on the number of people she has been intimate with is so incredibly insecure about themselves. What an absolute dick.
Please don't use this person as any type of yardstick for a man, or human for that matter.🙏
Please keep up the fight, always have a voice, always take more strength from people that support you here, than those that tell you to keep quiet.🙏
So much of this post spoke to me. Thank you as always for articulating how so many of us are feeling, extending our thinking, and providing clarity.
I am pro-citizen, pro-humanity, pro-please stop the madness. I am 'sitting in the discomfort of complexity and pain' which feels necessary but also woefully inadequate as I watch children being pulled from rubble and hostages kept from their families. I am following everything I can in order to 'bear witness', to the world I live in, which again feels woefully inadequate but the very least I can do. It feels so important to be informed and ready to be of service when needed in whatever shape of form that takes.
I am glad you called the people who sent you DM's after your post on not jumping to binary conclusions 'abusers' because that is what they are. I feel so irritated at the righteousness of people who - think they are experts on topics that they clearly have no expertise in - demand others agree with them. People projecting their pain and issues outward.
Thanks mate. Do you want to share that link you flagged with me. I agree with you that there is responsibility here to follow and bear witness. The Guardian's Amy Remeikis (@pyjamapolitics) does a video about this today...the importance of knowing what's going on at this time in history.
Thank you - I will check it out.
Some of the account on Instagram I am following include eye.on.palestine, sheikh.jpg, jewishvoiceforpeace.
For children, Squiz kids did an excellent explainer: https://www.squizkids.com.au/podcast/tuesday-october-31-2023-your-shortcut-to-the-israel-hamas-conflict/
When I see such rage and and abuse online, I always wonder how things are closer to home for those individuals that partake. Do they treat family and friends like that when they don’t get the approval they want? Do they treat themselves this harshly? Sure we’re all flawed, but how can we truly be of service to the greater good if we’re not at least trying to take accountability at home? Treating people and ourselves with some care and compassion. It’s an over-simplistic take but I think it has merit.
And Andrew Tate … count me out. Lucky me.
Thank you so much Sarah! I feel like I'm being gaslit by society in this binary division. I am also pro-citizen and anti- anyone who thinks murder is the answer. This has been particularly hard for me because my husband is Jewish and has family in Israel and while he holds no hatred for Palestinians in general, he still thinks this is Israel's only choice. 😔 And I know he carries so much intergenerational pain from being a descendent of the Holocaust. I've had to stop talking about it with him because his mind can't be moved and I don't want to add to his pain.
Sarah, that's hard. I also have Jewish friends who are feeling very threatened, scared etc and lots of anti-semite stuff is indeed coming up for many around us. It can be hard when ppl are in this immediate threat to see beyond me v "enemy" stuff.
Thank you. It is so hard. It is affecting our relationship in some ways. Not drastically because I do understand where his thinking stems from. I feel muzzled though which is never a nice feeling. My therapist told me to make sure I eat an anti-inflammatory diet for a while to make sure my body doesn't take on too much of this feeling.
Hi Sarah- late to this post but sharing a thought of appreciation (and the act of appreciating). To you for your posts and insights - those of us who live in the middle on many things seemingly have no space. Anyway - this past weekend we went to my husband’s best friend’s son’s bar mitzvah celebration. I was thrilled to be able to bring our daughter to experience something like this and it was a lovely day albeit with the police presence at the synagogue a reminder of what is currently happening. Twelve years ago my husband and I went to visit another close friend who is Bosnian and a veteran from the Balkan conflict. One afternoon we sat on the deck of a local friend’s restaurant sipping wine while the sun set and the call to prayer wailed over the city of Mostar. It sent shivers through me in a good way. I’ve been fortunate to experience some of each culture and they both have so much beauty. The appreciation for that feels like it is being stifled by those who believe killing or wiping out people will ultimately solve everything.
Thank you for that.
Brilliantly written, I have bookmarked to read it again! Thank you for embracing complexity and working to understand / untangle / observe it. Appreciated this.
You're most welcome. Really nice feedback - thank you
I don't even think about 'picking a side' but I do pick my causes. You highlight the children and children are always at the heart of my causes. So I utterly condemn anyone who abuses, murders, betrays or creates circumstances that keep a child in poverty, slavery, torture, prison and on it goes. I also try to take appropriate action by supporting those organizations closest to the ground (usually I give my signature to those causes and dollars - and I do physically stand with the youth climate activists at their rallies). I love reading, art and history and each these can take me on a journey of discovery, of nuance, of a different perspective. Recently I have been reading books written by Palestinian writers ( Susan Abulhawa who is a firebrand when it comes to Palestinian issues and whose stories are a treat ). Ultimately I find myself wanting to "do something." It's always difficult to decide what might be helpful and within one's capability but as Shakespeare says, 'nothing will come of nothing' so find the thing you can do is my motto. I now have your thoughtful, provocative and energizing substack to add to my life lifting enterprise. Your work and the commentary that follows inspires me to try to see more, understand more, be more.
Hi Sarah,
I also despair at the inability of so many people to hold nuance and grapple with the complexity, not just of the horrors unfolding in Israel-Palestine, but also in relation to so many other crises we are facing right now.
At the same time, in relation to what’s happening in the Middle East, I think there are some things that anyone viewing the situation from a humanitarian perspective should be able to agree with – that the Hamas massacre on 7 October was completely unconscionable and that the Israelis and foreigners taken hostage need to be safely released; that the retaliatory actions of the far-right Netanyahu government go far beyond Israel’s “right to defend itself”; that what we are witnessing in Gaza is an ethnic cleansing and campaign of genocide (as argued strongly by the UN, by hundreds of international experts in international law and conflict studies, and by dozens of civil society organisations across the world); and that the main victims on both sides are innocent civilians, who all deserve to live in peace and without the fear of ongoing terror and persecution (and this also includes all those in the wider Jewish/Israeli and Palestinian diaspora who are facing a dramatic rise in both anti-semitism and Islamophobia).
With all that in mind, I do think that while it’s important for us all to recognise the complex history of a region that can’t be explained in simple maps and memes, we are also being called upon as Australians whose government is choosing to stand unwaveringly with the Israeli state to speak up against what’s unfolding in Gaza at the moment. So in answer to your request that we share respectful actions that can be taken at this time, I’d first of all urge everyone reading this to make some phone calls and/or send some emails to as many MPs as possible to request that they join the calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of the Israeli hostages, and a huge increase in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
These are the politicians I’ve called over the past couple of weeks. There are others like Dutton et al who are also standing unwaveringly with Israel, but I don't see any point in contacting them as I don't believe anything will change their stance.
I felt that it was important to contact those on the second list as well, to thank them for taking a principled stand and to let them know that there are many people in the community who support them. The staffers I’ve spoken with at the offices of the MPs who are calling for a ceasefire all seemed particularly grateful for the calls and most expressed that they’ve received a barrage of hateful and abusive messages over the past couple of weeks. One of the staffers I spoke with who works for an MP who has refused to condemn Israel’s actions also quietly told me that they personally disagreed with that MP’s views.
For anyone who’s never called an MP’s office before and might be reluctant to do this, I’ll just add that when you call the office of an MP, you’ll speak with a staffer, who will almost always be polite and listen respectfully to your views and concerns. They may ask you if you’re a local constituent and might ask if you’d like to share your name and contact details in order to receive a response from the relevant MP, addressing those concerns. You can either pass on your details or ask to remain anonymous, but every call and email that a politician’s office receives does make a difference in helping them understand the general mood of the community and can impact what issues they stand with or against.
It’s always a good idea to contact your own local MP as well, as politicians are particularly responsive to calls from local constituents. You can find your local MP here:
https://www.aph.gov.au/senators_and_members/guidelines_for_contacting_senators_and_members
And if you only have time to contact a couple of MPs, then Albanese and Wong are probably the most important.
Sending love to everyone here who’s suffering at this time. x
PS. I don't think Substack will allow me to format the names and details below properly - sorry! I hope it is still somewhat readable...
—————————————————
Politicians who have condemned the actions of Hamas, but who have
refused to stand with calls for a humanitarian response and ceasefire
Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister of Australia and
Labor Member for Grayndler
Electorate Office: (02) 9564 3588
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 7700
Penny Wong
Foreign Affairs Minister and
Leader of the Government in the Senate
and Senator for South Australia
Electorate Office: (08) 8212 8272
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 7500
Richard Marles
Deputy Prime Minister
and Labor Member for Corio
Electorate Office: (03) 5221 3033
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 7800
Jim Chalmers
Labor Member for Rankin and Treasurer
Electorate Office: (07) 3299 5910
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 7340
Andrew Leigh
Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury,
Assistant Minister for Employment, and Labor Member for Fenner
Electorate Office: (02) 6247 4396
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 4140
Zoe Daniel
Independent Member for Goldstein
Electorate Office: (03) 9557 4644
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 4664
Dr Monique Ryan
Independent Member for Kooyong
Electorate Office: (03) 9326 2900
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 4915
Allegra Spender
Independent Member for Wentworth
Electorate Office: (02) 9327 3988
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 4948
Politicians who condemn the actions of both Hamas and Israel, and are
calling for a ceasefire and greater humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza
Adam Bandt
Leader of the Greens and
Greens Member for Melbourne
Electorate Office: (03) 9417 0772
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 4914
Mehreen Faruqi
Deputy Leader of the Greens and
Greens Senator for NSW
Electorate Office: (02) 9211 1500
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 3095
Dr Anne Aly
Labor Minister for Early Childhood Education
and Labor Minister for Youth
Electorate Office: (08) 9409 4517
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 7630
Fatima Payman
Labor Senator for WA
Electorate Office: (08) 6245 3322
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 3417
Ed Husic
Labor Minister for Industry and Science
and Labor Member for Chifley
Electorate Office: (02) 9625 4344
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 7070
Tony Burke
Labor Minister for Employment
And Workplace Relations
Electorate Office: (02) 9750 9088
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 7320
Mark Coulton
Nationals Member for Parkes
and Chief Nationals Whip
Electorate Office: (02) 6882 0999
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 4068
Sophie Scamps
Independent Member for Mackeller
Electorate Office: (02) 9913 9566
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 4936
Kylea Tink
Independent Member for North Sydney
Electorate Office: (02) 9929 9822
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 2108
Andrew Wilkie
Independent Member for Clark
Electorate Office: (03) 6234 5255
Parliament Office: (02) 6277 4766
This list is brilliant, thank you! And I didn’t know that about calling any MP and actually getting an answer/speaking with someone. I’ve been emailing my local federal MP and quite disappointed with the ‘party line’ response emails - condemning Hamas 🙄 - time to move past that, people. Will make some calls today - starting with Albo!
Thanks so much, Renee. :) I've often found that it can be hard to get onto the PM via the phone, but it's worth a try, and if not, a message sent via his website or by email is definitely worth it too (and sometimes more impactful than a phone call). I hope Albanese and Penny Wong are beginning to feel the heat - they definitely should be!
Hi again Siobhan, just bugging you for tips now :) is it better to try electorate office or parliamentary office? Do you ask to speak with the minister when you call? Thank you!
Hi Renee, I called the parliamentary offices, which I think is best for an international issue like this, but would suggest that the electorate office is better if you're in that electorate (ie. call the electorate office for your local MP). Usually, the person who answers the phone will give their name, and I just say 'Hi Xxxxx, I'm calling with a message that I'd like to pass on to Minister / Senator X...' and then share what you'd like to say. They will often just say 'thank you for your call – I'll pass the message onto the Minster', but I found that on this occasion, a few people (especially on the second list I shared) were keen to engage in a longer chat – still only a few mins at most, but I definitely got the sense that many of the people answering the phones really appreciated getting some supportive calls. If you want to speak with the minister directly, you can request that they call you back, which sometimes happens, but usually not with those in very high positions of power, in my experience.
Hope that helps, and good luck! :)
Most gratefully….I am feeling waaaaay better for being part of this community and experiencing all the sense making. Thank you all. Love you all.
I get the feeling that the aggression. And the clearly manipulative manoeuvres by clearly unstable individuals is near an end. Optimistic I know 😅 but people only believe lies until it hurts to much. The veils are all coming off , in Palestine both sides have shown their true colours. No matter the back story, shit behaviour is shit behaviour and it makes every one cringe. Or suffer terribly. Abbott, Howard, Australia have all shown their true colours. And it hurts to see and feel the truth.
It was really disappointing to see Rudd and Gillard add their names to that letter too, but then again, all six ex-PMs who signed it supported Australia's illegal offshore detention camps, so it also doesn't surprise me that they'd hold little sympathy for the people of Gaza...