We need peacemakers willing to speak in small spaces.
Most recently, in the Palestinian solidarity space, Macklemore and Ed Sheeran are trending.
I see the importance of putting pressure on influential people.
I also find it a little ironic and a lot sad that even though Macklemore beautifully pointed to Palestinian suffering and made clear he is not the victim in this… with the way everyone’s adding their two cents, you’d think he was.
I can’t control what others do on their platforms, but I can encourage people to spend just as much time working within their small spaces.
I’m grateful for everyone who has chosen to speak up for a free Palestine, either online or in hard face-to-face conversations.
Even so, as a Palestinian living in the Bible Belt where Christian nationalism and Zionism seem to be on every corner, I beg you to spend more time in these small spaces than you do online.
This quote from Ashira Darwish in “Where the Olive Trees Weep” stays with me:
“Palestinians can rescue ourselves if you at least stop supporting the machine.”
Yes, keep speaking out for Palestine. But please, help us help ourselves by focusing your efforts on using your voice in your small spaces.
As gross as it is, Ed Sheeran has made his choice. We know he has people like Macklemore in his life speaking to him about Palestine.
Your aunt, however, needs you. She’s chosen to believe the only option she’s been taught her whole life.
Keep showing her other options. Help slow down the machine.
I’m sure this is an unpopular and uncomfortable take. Maybe I’m the only Palestinian who thinks this.
Friends, we are weeks away from being three years into this genocide.
I’m seeing fewer Palestinian voices making it to my feed and more platforms built on our suffering.
Give us room to speak for ourselves while you go to places we cannot reach (your aunt, best friend, cousin, pastor, coworker).
More focus on face-to-face conversations. Less noise online. You’re drowning out the very voices you meant to lift up.
Kendra Savusa is an American Palestinian based in the Southern United States. In the wake of October 7th, she has dedicated herself to the urgent work of peacemaking and constructive dialogue. She focuses on inviting American Christians to thoughtfully re-examine the theological and political foundations of Christian Zionism. Through empathy and a commitment to shared humanity, Kendra seeks to foster understanding and a more nuanced conversation within Christian communities about justice, peace, and the Holy Land.
The views and opinions expressed on the Chasing Justice Blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Chasing Justice. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors is their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
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