5 Ways You Can Support Palestine Right Now

Empowerment
by HB Team |
Wed, 19 May 2021

SOURCE: @SARASHAKEEL | Instagram

Right now, our hearts are breaking to see the ongoing violence in Palestine and the numerous families in Sheikh Jarrah who are being displaced from their homes. Men, women, and children are dying in bomb strikes every day, and we cannot sit by and watch this happen – no human deserves this.

We’ve seen an outcry on social media, which despite the attempted censorship, has reached millions of people across the world. At Huda Beauty, we stand up for humanity, and we hope to raise awareness about the violence in Palestine so that together, we can make a difference.

It’s also important to remember that supporting Palestinians and wishing to end the violence is not anti-semitic. We do not condone racism to any minority, religious group, or person. It’s a matter of human rights, which we ALL deserve. Here are five ways you can help and show your support.

1. Educate Yourself

 

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The Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back decades, so it’s important to understand the complex history between the two countries to really grasp what’s happening there today. There are some great books on the topic, such as The Israel-Palestine Conflict: Contested Histories by Neil Caplan. However, there are also hundreds of great articles; however, be wary of the source to ensure the account isn’t biased.

 

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Instagram can also be a great tool, however, don’t believe everything you read, and remember to do further research into your learnings. Some great accounts you can follow to learn more include: @letstalkpalestine, @eye.on.palestine, @mohammedelkurd, @theimeu.

2. Speak Up & Share

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While having a conversation about what’s happening in Palestine may be uncomfortable and divisive, it’s an important discussion. Whenever discussing any sensitive topic, remember to listen and be kind. Have conversations with your friends, family, and those around you, and spread awareness by speaking up on social media.

While it may not feel like much, reposting on social media is extremely important. After Israeli planes destroyed the Al-Jalaa Tower, which housed the offices of various media groups, including Al Jazeera and the Associated Press, the people (and social platforms) have become the media. Also, be wary of the current censorship occurring. Many posts with the hashtag #FreePalestine or #SaveSheikhJarrah are being hidden or removed.

3. Support How You Can

Whether you’re sharing on your social pages or lending an ear to friends affected by the situation, supporting in any way you can is amazing. You can show your support by making a monetary donation to MAP, Medical Aid for Palestinians, who provide immediate medical aid to those in great need. They have released emergency funding to provide the medicine and medical disposables desperately needed by Palestinian hospitals and emergency services in Gaza and East Jerusalem.

Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, is another incredible organization and is currently on the ground in Palestine (and has been for the past 20 years). Donations will help the wounded from the recent bombings happening in Gaza and Jerusalem and provide psychological support.


You can also check out The Palestine Red Crescent Society, which caters to the health and welfare of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Alternatively, the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) also provides critical food and cash assistance and health care.

Remember, not only is there the crisis at hand, but we’re also still living amidst a global pandemic. Food supplies, shelter, and water are more in need than ever.

4. Share Helpful Resources

With many Palestinians living all over the world, the collective trauma is widespread. If you or one of your loved ones needs support right now, there are some great online support groups you can turn to. For instance, The Healthy Feminist is currently holding free healing circles for women in Arabic, English, and German.

You can also share petitions or links with your friends and families, like this letter from Amnesty International demanding the US to take action. Click the link in their bio to sign the letter – it’ll only take 30 seconds of your time, but it could make a real difference.

5. Be Kind

There are so many emotions embedded into a conflict as deep-rooted as this, which is why it’s so important to be kind whenever discussing or simply thinking about the topic. Remember, we’re all human, and we all deserve to feel a sense of belonging and to feel safe in our own homes.