Green Shoots: Solidarity does not have an expiration date
" Solidarity is a radical expression of love for those in distress.” I still maintain that view, but it has been sitting a little uneasily with me recently.
A year ago, the author penned a Green Shoots column asserting that "solidarity is a radical expression of love for those in distress." This sentiment remains true, but the concept of love has become increasingly complex and challenging. Love can be exhilarating, mundane, dramatic, and tedious all at once. When expressing solidarity with people suffering, it's essential to remember that love isn't always accompanied by roses and chocolate.
Genuine solidarity requires remaining loving during the most tedious, boring, and seemingly endless struggles.
The author emphasizes that solidarity demands not turning away when it appears as if nothing is changing. It necessitates not hardening our hearts to ceaseless assaults on humanity. We must keep our capacity to care, to be outraged. Our resistance against forces that normalize inhumanity and oppression must be reinforced. Despite the Israeli genocide continuing, even if it's no longer in the spotlight, we must remain vigilant and pay attention to the headlines, such as "Funeral for 50 Palestinians recovered from Gaza rubble" and "Israel kills 10 in crowded Gaza hubs."
The author highlights that acts of solidarity have been dramatic from certain quarters, like a new flotilla attempting to break the Israeli blockade. Although these boats will likely be intercepted and turned back, we can continue to talk about the ongoing genocide with our loved ones. We can boycott Israeli products and those associated with genocide, vote against those supporting Zionism, and join solidarity protests.
It's crucial not to forget the suffering of people worldwide, including the news of war in Sudan and the displacement of over 200,000 people in Kordofan.
The author reminds us to support interventions, like Pope Leo's calls for global community action. We must also keep in mind the struggles in Ukraine, where people are dying due to power-hungry men's agendas. The suffering is widespread, and we may not always be able to support every struggle. However, the author urges us to consciously nurture our ability to care and stand in solidarity with others, as love is the foundation of solidarity and what humanity needs right now.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
