Dear Editor:
I am writing to you today regarding the peaceful rallies being held by the local Palestinian families and their supporters demanding for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. These events have been taking place on a weekly basis at Sarnia City Hall for the past month.
As we continue to watch the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza unfolding under our eyes, I cannot help but to wonder how we could let this be happening.
It is a legitimate question for so many people around the world, and Sarnia is no exception! As a mother, a grandmother, and an educator, I am actively taking steps towards educating myself and those around me regarding the history of the region.
I’m no expert by any means, but what I do know is that there are many resources available for anyone interested in learning about the situation, and there is also a lot of misinformation and media bias.
I believe that it’s important for everyone to be informed about this issue, including what’s going on in our own community to address it.
I am concerned at the seemingly oblivious attitude of the local government and media to the rallies, not to mention the situation at large, and their inability to empathize with the people impacted directly and their families.
While Gaza and Palestine are an ocean away, what we are seeing hits very close to home for many locals who have families in the middle of the situation or who have had grandparents or parents affected by the earlier “Nakba” exodus in Palestine between 1948 to 1967.
As the world has become a global village, we can’t ignore the fact that we are one everywhere on this planet. We can’t also ignore the fact that whatever goes around comes around.
While looking at the small but persistent group of people attending these rallies, I can’t help but to think that they possess a strong reason for doing what they’re doing. I personally attend to give myself a chance to stand on the right side of history and to put in my two cents to support a cause which I consider fair and worthy. We will live but once, and everyone will be held accountable for their own actions.
Additionally, I can do my part by spreading awareness to your readers, hoping to start a healthy conversation about what is happening, why, and how to help those who are suffering. I believe it only takes a few people to get the conversation started, and I’m hoping to be one of them. Then it’s up to all of us to decide how we feel about the situation and if we may have a part to play.
Sarnia may be a small city, but our residents are kind, caring, and have a strong sense of community. A little education goes a long way. Let’s start with our small corner of the world, and, with open eyes and hearts, we might be able to make a difference in our community, maybe even the country. Sahar Nasr Sarnia