After doing an abundance of research to understand the origins of the Palestine/isrsel conflict and following the mass destruction and devastation in Gaza, I was heartbroken that despite 13 UN state members in favor of a ceasefire, all it took was 1 vote against it - America - and the UK abstaining for the ceasefire to be denied. The world rallied together and asked the UN to try 377 for a ceasefire despite the US voting against it and not only did it work, but 153 countries were in favor and therefore a ceasefire was granted - whether or not it will be respected remains unclear and I am not hopeful that Israel will abide, as it has proven to disregard international law time and time again, but I feel that this is a big step forward into the right direction. Our humanity spoke louder. And I hope that we are successful in saving lives!

I’ve been donating, protesting, petitioning, boycotting, and speaking out by sharing content and educating my friends, family, and coworkers, and therefore today is a joyful day for me - to know that I had an impact albeit as small as it may have been, I stood on the right side of history despite ridicule from Zionists and pro-Israelis and my loyalty to the cause to save hundred of thousands of innocent children, has been successful. Of course, I didn’t do it alone. But to feel like I made a difference for something SO important is SO fulfilling. I feel like for the first time since October 7, I can breathe, I can laugh, I can smile, I can go back to enjoying my life. But I know I can’t. Not just yet. But I am so pleased with this outcome for a ceasefire!

Are you?

(And to be clear - I mourn the loss of innocent Israelis as well. While I stand for the liberation and freedom of Palestinians, I am not negating that Hamas carried out a horrific attack on Israelis. However, Israel has forcibly expelled Palestinians out of their homes in 1948, they’ve imprisoned THOUSANDS of civilians, and they have illegally colonized of Palestinian territory so I am in defense of armed resistance against an occupier and an apartheid regime, unfortunately and tragically many innocent civilians on BOTH sides have fallen victim to this conflict, but I do not think war is the answer to solving this problem. I think Hamas’ attack has done exactly what it intended to do by waking the world up and making us aware of what life in Gaza and the West Bank has been like, in order to achieve peace and I hope that rather than killing more innocent people, Israel and Gaza (and the West Bank) can negotiate a FAIR solution. This isn’t the first time Israel has declared war on Gaza, and it won’t be the last unless major changes come from this one!