Movement

A board member receives a flower from a Palestinian refugee in Shatila Camp. Beirut, Lebanon. June 2023.

Tears have been streaming down my face as I watch the encampments and protests on universities pop up across the country. Throughout my two decades supporting Palestinian refugees and fighting for their rights, I never anticipated a movement like this emerging in our country.

Movement.

Witnessing the enthusiasm, intelligence, and drive of university students gives me a sense of optimism. When examining significant historical shifts, it becomes clear that university students in the United States have been at the forefront. From ending the Vietnam war to South Africa apartheid to divesting from oil and gas industries, students have always taken the lead.

Looking back, college protests have consistently aligned with the right side of history. With the exception of white supremacists’ rallies, racism is never aligned with the right side of history.

Palestinians have reacted in an overwhelming manner. People’s sacrifices, including risking scholarships, degrees, and arrest, give them hope in the face of genocide. Their demands are well planned and their organization is impressive. It’s great to see students applying what they’ve learned from their expensive education.

It’s not always simple to stand in solidarity with Palestinians. I’m not sure it supposed to be. One must make a commitment to Palestinians and their freedom. It’s not a one off, cause de-jour. This is the most significant human rights and justice concern in our time. I’ve seen people jump on the bandwagon because it’s currently popular. But they be there in 6 months? A year? 5 years? It requires time, effort, and dedication to dismantle oppressive systems and injustice.

There is a cost associated with your loyalty. It is high. Are you prepared to sacrifice relationships? Status and reputation? Your job? Arrest? Or with the university students, their degrees, scholarships, and student visas. All of this is a fraction of what it costs Palestinians daily just by being Palestinians.

After two decades, I can assure you it’s worth whatever hardship you’ll face.

Palestinians are worth all of it.

Recently, I celebrated my birthday in New York City. New York holds a special place in my heart as my favorite city in the United States. The combination of energy and multiculturalism is something I adore. The vibrant and artistic atmosphere reminds me of Beirut. I want to give a shout out to my friend Kate for planning an amazing trip. For my birthday, she surprised us with tickets to the Daily Show.

The whole experience was absolutely amazing. The people we met in line were delightful and the show was perfectly organized. Prior to filming, a comedian entertained the audience to get them ready for the show. He wanted to know if anyone had a special occasion. In the crowd, a lady announced that she was from Denver and celebrating her 55th birthday. All eyes in my row were on me. I told the comedian that I turned 55 and that I’m from Denver as well.

After a couple of exchanges, he wanted to know what my job was. I was hesitant because I didn’t want to hear him make a joke about Palestinians right now. When he asked me to speak louder, I responded with, “I work with Palestinian refugees.” He repeated it to the crowd and then said, “Say it loud, you should be proud of that.” (Which I am.) He then asked audience to give a round of applause for Palestinian refugees.

And that’s exactly what they did. Loudly.

It was a surreal moment that I will never forget. He finished his performance and then stood in front of me, making eye contact and pointing directly at me. He gave me a subtle nod, as if tipping his hat.

Personally, I’m still processing that interaction. It felt like a watershed moment. The applause was an acknowledgement of Palestinian refugees, their existence, their suffering, and their struggle for freedom and basic rights.

This is movement.

May it gain speed and grow…

…until they are free.