DEATH TOLL IN GAZA PASSES 41,000
As we mark nearly a full year of the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, the heartbreaking reality is undeniable: the death toll in Gaza has now tragically surpassed 41,000. The Lancet, a prestigious medical journal known for its peer-reviewed research, has indicated that this number could exceed 186,000, according to a report by Al Jazeera. This staggering death toll comes amidst the Biden/Harris administration’s approval of a historic $20 billion arms deal with Israel, exacerbating the suffering endured by millions.
Imagine for a moment the utter despair of families who have lost loved ones to this relentless violence. Just late last month, Israel bombed a school in Eastern Gaza where displaced refugees were seeking shelter in tents. The blast was so horrific that the bodies of the victims were dismembered beyond recognition. Families were left with the unbearable task of gathering pieces of their loved ones in plastic bags just to have something, anything, to bury. Ninety-three souls were lost in this attack—each one a person with hopes, dreams, and a life that was brutally cut short.Attacks like this have become commonplace. Every day there are more atrocities. More settler violence in the West Bank. More torture and death in Israeli prisons.
The death toll is heartbreaking reality of parents who will never see their children again, of siblings who have lost their brothers and sisters, and of a community forever scarred. Every university in Gaza has been reduced to rubble, stealing away the future of an entire generation. Despite having the technology to target specific locations, Israel continues to carpet bomb civilian neighborhoods indiscriminately, spreading devastation and deepening the suffering.
The devastation isn’t confined to Gaza. Recently, Israel escalated its attacks on Lebanon, where thousands of pagers exploded, killing dozens of people and injuring thousands. Two-thirds of the 2,800 wounded needed some form of surgery to their face, eyes, or hands, with many suffering amputations. This attack left entire communities in shambles, adding to the growing list of atrocities. It’s essential to recognize the double standard at play: had any Black or Brown nation done what Israel just did, it would rightfully be called an act of terrorism. Yet, Israel seemingly gets a pass, with little to no accountability on the international stage. This blatant hypocrisy underscores the deep-rooted bias that continues to fuel these atrocities.
The environmental toll of Israel's war crimes is also tragic. The bombings are leading to polluted water sources and contaminated land, further harming those already living in dire conditions. This destruction adds another layer of crisis to an already overwhelmed community.
For those of us in New Mexico, the suffering in Gaza might seem distant, but it’s a stark reflection of the struggles we’ve faced in our own history. Our shared past of settler colonialism and the fight to preserve our culture and land makes the plight of the Palestinian people painfully familiar. Their struggle is a mirror to our own experiences of resilience and survival against oppressive forces.
As Americans living in the heart of the empire, we bear a profound responsibility. Our country’s support for this genocide through military aid and political backing makes us complicit in the suffering. We live in a nation that profits from and perpetuates these atrocities. This reality is not just a distant political issue—it’s a moral crisis that calls on us to act. We are part of a system that fuels this violence, and with that comes a deep responsibility to demand change and stand in solidarity with those who are suffering.
But this struggle is not just about helping others; it's about liberating ourselves. As we work to free Palestine, we are also awakening to a broader consciousness of justice and morality. The fight for Palestinian liberation is a call for a more just world, and in standing against this genocide, we are standing up for the values that define us as human beings. The struggle for Palestine reflects our deepest convictions about human rights and dignity, and by fighting for these principles, we are working to build a better, fairer world for everyone.
The Student Intifada Movement here in the U.S. has been a powerful force for change. Over the summer, students across American campuses stood up with courage, demanding an end to the genocide in Gaza. Tragically, many of these activists have faced brutal treatment by American police. This violence is not an isolated issue; it’s tied to international training programs where U.S. police learn tactics from the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF). The chokehold that led to George Floyd’s death in 2020 is a chilling example of a method taught by the IOF through law enforcement exchange programs.
What can we do in the face of such an overwhelming tragedy? It’s crucial for us to raise our voices and demand an end to this violence. We need to advocate for a halt to military aid and support policies that champion peace, justice, and environmental protection. There are concrete steps we can take: Support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement by avoiding companies that benefit from this violence. When it’s time to vote, choose politicians who stand against military aid to Israel and who are committed to human rights and environmental issues.
Every number in the death toll represents real lives lost, real families torn apart. Over 41,000 lives lost is not just a statistic—it’s a testament to profound, ongoing suffering. By educating ourselves and taking action, we can be part of a movement for justice, peace, and a sustainable future. Together, let’s ensure that the tragedy in Gaza becomes a call for change, driving us toward a world where such horrors are a thing of the past.
YUCCA IN CHICAGO FOR THE DNC
YUCCA leaders were on the ground making their voices heard with tens of thousands of protesters rallying outside the DNC in August where we made it clear that Kamala Harris and the Biden administration need to earn our votes. Our movement knows that once we defeat the threat of Trump presidency, we must work to build real political alternatives to the failed corporate two-party system.
Our presence at the DNC was not just about making a statement—it was about standing up against a system that has repeatedly failed to address the unimaginable suffering of millions. YUCCA leaders, representing Indigenous youth from frontline communities, were there to hold these leaders accountable for their grave failures. For us in New Mexico, where our own history is steeped in the struggles against occupation and genocide, the fight for Palestinian freedom resonates deeply. The pain and resilience of the Palestinian people feel familiar, echoing the trials faced by our ancestors.
One of the most striking moments at the DNC was the treatment of the Uncommitted Delegates. These delegates were sent to represent the voices of hundreds of thousands of voters who withheld their support of Biden during the Primary due to his failure to act against Israel’s brutal actions and prevent the relentless bloodshed in Gaza. The Democratic Party's decision to sideline these delegates and silence their calls for justice was a heartbreaking testament to their unwillingness to confront the harsh realities faced by many. Kamala Harris’s acceptance speech, firmly reaffirming support for Israel, only deepened the rift between the party’s stance and the urgent demands for justice that millions are voicing.
As the DNC delegates left the United Center, where the convention took place, they were met with the recitation of the names of martyred children from Palestine. Some delegates responded by covering their ears, unable to bear the haunting litany of innocent lives lost. Shockingly, a few went as far as to mock these names and laugh, demonstrating a profound level of callousness and cognitive dissonance. The delegates’ reactions underscored a disturbing detachment from the human suffering that is at the heart of this crisis.
Our demonstration at the DNC wasn’t just a protest; it was a passionate plea for accountability and a stand for those whose voices are often ignored. We rallied for the issues that matter to us deeply—an arms embargo on Israel, ending our reliance on fossil fuels, and canceling student debt. Our presence was not just about policy; it was about a profound sense of solidarity with the millions of Palestinians who are enduring unimaginable suffering. Imagine the agony of having your loved ones torn away, your homes reduced to rubble, and your future obliterated. That’s the reality for the people of Gaza—every day, they are living through horrors that no one should ever have to endure.
By showing up and speaking out, YUCCA leaders forged a powerful connection between our own history of resistance and the current struggle of the Palestinian people. We understand their pain because it mirrors our own experiences. Our presence at the DNC was more than a protest; it was a heartfelt commitment to justice and a desperate plea for our leaders to listen to those who have been suffering for far too long.
For us, this fight is about more than just policies and politics; it’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with those who are in the most dire need of support. It’s about ensuring that our collective demands for justice, peace, and human rights are heard and acted upon. Our actions at the DNC were a powerful testament to our dedication to these values and our relentless determination to hold our leaders accountable.
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