It's entirely possible
to protest the actions
of a nation's leaders
or armed forces
without scapegoating
all members
of that nation,
or its main religion,
race, or ethnicity.
There is no need
to blame all Israelis
or all Jewish people
for the actions
of Netanyahu, Likud,
the Settlers, or the IDF.
To do so is Antisemitism.
Just like there is no need
to blame all Palestinians,
all Arabs, or all Muslims
for the actions of
Hamas or Hezbollah.
To do so is Islamophobia.
Hold the perpetrators accountable
for their violence,
and leave the civilians alone.
There has already been enough
collective punishment
and too many cycles of revenge.
And pay attention
to the brave Jewish people
and Israeli citizens
risking their own safety
to protest in the streets
to bring food to the starving
to free the captives
to be the peacemakers
And pay attention
to the brave Palestinians
and Muslims and Christians
doing the same work
to build peace
and bring healing
and to end this miserable war.
