Dear Student Activists, Thank You and I'm Sorry
A word of gratitude and lament as young folks show the way to a free Palestine
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This goes out to the many students whose commitment to divestment, a ceasefire, and the building of a free Palestine has become so public, prolific, and powerful; thank you — and I’m sorry.
If you have engaged in civil disobedience, thank you. If you have organized student actions on your campus, thank you. If you have made sure that your friends, classmates, and community are safe, housed, fed, and cared for, thank you. For whatever you have sacrificed to hold my generation and others accountable to the values that we have touted, but are not living up to, thank you. And if just showing up has been your act of resistance and solidarity, thank you.
And I’m sorry. I’m sorry that the very institutions that have taught you about systems of intimidation, suppression, and violence are now making sure that you experience the same. I am sorry that so many have expected you to change the world for the better, and now that you are doing so, the same people are using their power to intimidate you into accepting that you cannot. And I’m sorry if your family, guardians, and others who have encouraged you to change the world are not able to support you as you do just that.
While you are justifiably disappointed in quite a few of us, please know that many of us who occupy that “parental space” see, support, and love you and are inspired by your commitment, your organizing, and your courage. So as we do our part, as we use our own influence, power, and authority to fight for a free Palestine, always remember that none of us is alone in this fight for justice; we join our spirits with ancestors and saints past and present and that we are here, with, and for you always.
Free Palestine and Peace.