October 11, 2024
Issue: Palestinian Solidarity
Reflections on One Year of Genocide in Palestine
This week marks one year of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Palestine. Our support for the lives and freedom of the Palestinian people compels us to bear witness to Israel’s slaughter in Gaza. We have seen horrific images and heard tragic stories that haunt us–indeed, “nothing will ever be the same again.” At least 902 entire Palestinian families have been completely wiped out, from babies to great-grandparents. Medical experts conservatively estimate that at least 186,000 Palestinians have perished from not just Israel’s direct attacks but the disease, forced starvation, and deliberate decimation of essential infrastructure such as hospitals and schools. Palestine is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. Palestine is the most dangerous place in the world, period.

Neither words nor numbers can capture the enormity of Israel’s ongoing and expanding bombardments over the past year. Nor can words capture our moral outrage that the U.S. government continues to fund, supply and justify this genocide, even as Israel attacks Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Yemen. As the U.S. government fuels Israeli state violence abroad, we have watched brave students, workers, and people from all walks of life express solidarity with the Palestinian people. In response, state and local governments in the U.S. and some of the country’s most powerful institutions have deployed violence and intimidation to silence the movement for Palestinian lives and liberation here at home.
The pervasive and shameful crackdown from all corners of American society is meant to manufacture consent for the genocide by making the cost of dissent unbearable. Yet one year later, the multi-racial, interfaith, and cross-generational movement to demand a ceasefire, arms embargo on Israel, and a free Palestine continues to grow. This is a reflection of the perseverance with which Palestinians have been resisting occupation for 76 years.
One year ago, we promised, “Today, and into the future, Muslim Advocates is committed to uplifting and protecting the brave voices of dissent that decry the profound human loss now unfolding in Palestine and that are helping to chart a path towards dignity, well-being, and liberation for all.” It’s our honor to be in solidarity with and defend this movement.
Please don’t stop taking action to demand an arms embargo on Israel, an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and an end to all forms of U.S. and corporate complicity in this genocide. Here are action tools from partner organizations:
- U.S Campaign for Palestinian Rights: https://uscpr.org/StopGazaGenocide/
- Jewish Voice for Peace: One year of unspeakable loss. No more bombs. – JVP
- No Tech for Apartheid: https://www.notechforapartheid.com/