Most recent public comments by Jala Afif-Hayes https://nowcomment.com/users/138491 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198792 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198792 I agree. They're very different sides. People who wish for the violence in Palestine to stop are not the same as people who want white supremacy to prevail. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:39:25 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198791 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198791 I feel as though a lot of people overlook the point he is trying to make and turn his statement into one that means "If you are black, you must agree with my point." I believe a more important thing to take away from this statement is that when you have been hurt and pressed for so long, undergoing the dehumanization and violence no one ever should experience, you start to feel bitter. Violence against those oppressors seems like your right because you were hurt, that's why he says when the world turns its back on you, you turn your back on ethics. The world turned its back on Palestine, and they were mistreated for so long that the only way to be heard was to perpetuate violence against the ones who pressed them. It is not surprising, and it is completely understandable. That is what he is saying he understands, that once your pleas for help aren't answered, when you are left to fend for yourself, the rage that builds up can only ever end up in a violent reaction. Take slave revolts, for example. Would you say that slaves were wrong because they killed others to escape enslavement? That is exactly what he is connected to. He knows that violence also corrupts and that it is not always the answer, but he understands the nuance of the situation by being connected to it. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:36:51 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198788 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198788 I agree with him that this situation is not as complicated or polarizing as people make it out to be. Yes, there is propaganda, yes, there is misinformation and complex history. However, it does not take a historian to understand the injustice that comes with colonization and oppression. No matter how uninformed you are or how 'difficult' you might make the situation out to be, you can easily connect it to other events that you know more about and be able to tell what is right and wrong. People will say, "People on both sides are dying," but do not understand that the deaths on the Palestinian side are much worse and that it is difficult to be neutral when one side is actively violating the human rights of the other. Both sides are not victims, and it does not take much to see that one side is violently the oppressor. To me, it shows that many people, even adults, lack the media literacy available to dissect this conflict. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:22:55 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198786 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198786 'Nazism' being used to describe people who practice Islam is simply disgusting to me. Israel is not the great place that she makes it out to be in this part of her speech. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:16:14 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198784 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198784 What she is saying is purposefully untrue, and malicious, and it also ignores the history of the conflict. No one in America is demonizing Israelis, it is a fact that the American government and many others support Israel. It is not brainwashing to side with a marginalized and pressed group that has been subjected to ethnic cleansing for years. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:13:16 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198783 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198783 Throughout her entire speech, she uses a lot of words without seemingly knowing what they mean. Here, she calls what happened to Israelis on October 7th a genocide, however, there is no evidence for this being true. None of the steps to qualify as genocide have been taken against Israelis. This is another attempt to garner sympathy for the people who are doing the pressing, which is not to say that the attack wasn't abhorrent, but instead to say that Israel cannot be considered a blameless victim in this conflict. Thu, 07 Dec 2023 23:37:13 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192469 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192469 As you've described, the experience you recount regarding the arrest of civilians, particularly males over 18 years old, sounds deeply troubling and raises significant concerns about the violation of human rights and due process. It is a matter that requires careful consideration and contextual understanding. Often, these narratives are tied to larger political and social conflicts, such as those experienced in areas with significant tensions between different groups, which might include your experience with Hamas. According to your query, you're questioning the rationale behind the mass arrests and whether those arrested were militants like members of Hamas or simply ordinary civilians. In the context of the literary text you're engaging with, it is crucial to look for themes that might reflect this reality. Are there instances in the text that mirror the arbitrary nature of authority or power dynamics that can lead to unjust treatment of individuals? The important question you're dealing with here is the manifestation of justice – or the lack thereof – within the narrative. You should reflect on how the text challenges or exemplifies this phenomenon. Does it seek to criticize such actions by presenting the emotional and societal impact of unwarranted arrests? Or does it portray a more complex landscape where the distinction between civilian and combatant is blurred? You might want to reread passages that deal with authority and community reactions to such events. Are there characters, perhaps, who struggle with these situations? It's crucial to identify what the author's perspective might be on this matter. Does the text provide any justification for these arrests, or does it leave the reader questioning the morality of such actions, as you are now? By delving back into the text with these questions in mind, you may uncover additional layers of meaning that personally resonate with you or offer a new understanding of the situation. Remember, the text could serve as a mirror for real-life events, giving insight into societal issues. Reflecting on the story with this understanding can provide not just intellectual insight but also emotional catharsis or solidarity. If we take your query and apply it to a broader literary framework, you are likely seeking texts where such societal dynamics are explicitly or implicitly critiqued. When characters in a narrative face police or military actions without clear justification, the author might be urging readers like you to question the legitimacy of those actions, urging a reconsideration of issues of power, authority, and justice. I would encourage you to look again at the text; consider the narrative arc and the development of the characters in light of your own experiences. How does the author draw attention to these instances of arrests? Is it through the eyes of a shocked observer, a bitter victim, or an indifferent participant? By exploring these perspectives, you may find a deeper connection or a broader context that relates back to the questions you’re grappling with. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:27:14 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192468 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192468 Also, why would they do this with no justification? Were these people a part of hamas or just normal people? Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:27:14 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192464 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192464 It seems that you are reflecting on your personal experiences related to security procedures and crossing into territories like Gaza, contrasting them with more routine security checks at places such as the TSA. These experiences might resonate when reading texts that address conflict, military, or border crossings, prompting you to draw connections between the text and your own life. Remember the question you posed about whether there is a good reason for the Israeli government to conduct such stringent security measures, or whether it serves to further dehumanize Palestinians. You're considering the motivations behind policies that you've been directly affected by—measures which might feel disproportionately strict and dehumanizing. As you think about this question, consider revisiting the text. Look for instances where security, control, and power dynamics are portrayed. How do the characters or individuals within the text experience and interpret these dynamics? Reflect on the text in light of your own perspective as an Israeli soldier who has witnessed the profound impact such measures can have on individuals and families. The text may offer insights or narratives that echo the complexity of this situation. Think about whether the portrayal within the text suggests that such procedures are justified by security needs, or if it critiques them as a source of unnecessary suffering. This could shed light on the question you're contemplating and provide you with different angles to consider. Ask yourself, could there be more between the lines that you could uncover about the justifications for such measures? Does the text present a diverse range of perspectives that might help you to better understand the rationale behind these practices, even if they conflict with your personal experiences and observations? Remember to keep this question in mind while you're re-examining the text: Is the text reinforcing or challenging your views on the reasons behind the intense security procedures you've described? Consider both the explicit content and the subtler implications of the text. Can you find parallels or significant divergences within the text that help you reflect further on the necessity or the impact of these measures? In essence, allow the text to converse with your life experiences. Look for nuances that might enrich your understanding or offer new dimensions to consider as you grapple with this potent and deeply personal question. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:23:41 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192463 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192463 Is there actually a good reason for the Israeli government to do this, or is it just to further dehumanize Palestianians? Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:23:41 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192033 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192033 As you reflect on your experiences with the 1948 war and your Palestinian heritage, it becomes evident that the weight of history and the struggle for justice have been integral parts of your life. When examining texts that discuss the concept of hope and the long arc bending towards justice, as described by Martin Luther King Jr., one can see how these ideas echo your belief that, despite prolonged hardship, a better future is possible. You recognize that the journey is arduous, yet you maintain hope that the tides of history will eventually correct themselves and lead to justice. When you think about the question of how to continue holding onto hope after years of oppression, consider elements in the text that represent resilience in the face of adversity. Looking through this lens, ask yourself if there are narratives or characters who, despite overwhelming challenges, continue to strive for a just outcome — a peaceful consensus that you seek for your own people. Further, as Martin Luther King Jr.'s words suggest, the moral universe's arc does not bend on its own. It requires the continuous and collective efforts of individuals who push it towards justice. Reflect on how this applies to the Palestinian context, where resilience and the undying hope of its people play a crucial role in seeking a peaceful and just resolution. Going back to the text, explore how the author might be suggesting that hope is nurtured and sustained by community, solidarity, and shared struggle. Are there moments within the story that you can connect to your own sense of community and the solidarity you've experienced within your own life? You might want to reread the text with the question in mind: how does the author illustrate the perseverance of hope through adversity? Are there moments where the characters or the narration remind you of your own steadfastness and the cultural resilience of the Palestinian people? The idea that history will correct itself — that indeed, there might one day be a peaceful consensus — is powerful. As you dive back into the text, consider these themes and how they might be offering not only a reflection of past injustices but also a road map toward the peaceful future you yearn for. How do the lived experiences of the characters align with your own? How do they diverge? By drawing these connections, the text might provide you with a lens through which to view your own historic and ongoing experiences in a different light, finding new meaning and perhaps reaffirming your belief in the power of perseverance and the ultimate triumph of justice. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:21:19 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192020 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192020 In such a bleak situation, how do you continue to hold out hope that justice will prevail, especially after so many years of oppression? Could there ever be a peaceful consensus? Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:21:19 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3191030 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3191030 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:52:06 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3191025 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3191025 Personally, I believe that this further cements the point that Israel is in the wrong. They are not getting back at Hamas but killing civilians. For what purpose? Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:50:01 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3191022 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3191022 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:48:33 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3191018 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3191018 I agree. This is why I have an issue with people who support Israel, it is the same as endorsing a war crime. The methods that the Israeli government has used against Gaza have been inhumane and horrible, and the world watches on in silence. I'm not particularly eager to look at things as black and white, but it is astounding to me how people cannot see that Israel is committing atrocities. Yes, we all know by now that Hamas killing those civilians was horrible, but that does not at all make the two equal. The amount of lives lost does matter, and all I can see is a larger force bullying an unprotected people. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:45:12 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3191012 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3191012 I feel like this is an extreme oversimplification of the events that occurred. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:38:48 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3191008 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3191008 I agree, and for this reason, it is difficult for me to sympathize with Israel. Seeing children not even five years old being killed in these bombings with no remorse, being dehumanized, and seeing people agree that literal children should die hurts. Seeing people lose so many family members or not knowing how they will survive is horrific. People will say that both sides are suffering, but looking at the media shown by people experiencing this genocide, I cannot find that to be true. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:36:15 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188167 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188167 I believe that self defense would no included displacing millions and murdering thousands, unlawfully imprisoning citizens, killing children including babies, and raping Palestinian women. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:20:23 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188166 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188166 I find their response quite hypocritical, considering that they can experience such horror at the events of oct 7th, which I am not saying is wrong of them to do, but can ignore 75 years of colonization and displacement. There is no reason to show such support to a country that has the most developed military in the middle east and that continues to create extreme humanitarian crises in Gaza. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:18:57 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188164 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188164 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:16:17 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188163 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188163 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:15:23 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188161 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188161 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:11:46 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188160 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188160 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 10:08:58 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187976 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187976 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:04:55 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187970 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187970 Seeing people online suffer under the attacks has been extremely disheartening. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 10:48:30 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187877 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187877 People tend to focus on the people that Hamas has not released, but I also want people to think about the countless Palestinians Israel continues to keep unlawfully. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 12:27:23 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187834 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187834 The attack on Israel perpetuated by Hamas is no doubt brutal and disgusting, however, the lack of nuance that is present in these discussions bothers me. Israel's reaction is in no way justified considering the oppression that they have subjected Palestinians to for years. The colonization and ethnic cleansing that could even be considered genocide that is now happening to Palestinians is not okay, and no attack made by Hamas could justify the inhumane acts that Israel is taking. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:30:52 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187810 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187810 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 12:02:50 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187808 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3187808 Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel and killed 1,400 people in their homes, on the streets, and at a music festival. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 12:02:50 -0500