It's Entirely Possible to Protest Without Scapegoating...

 It's entirely possible

to protest the actions

of a nation's leaders

or armed forces

without scapegoating

all members

of that nation,

or its main religion,

race, or ethnicity.

There is no need

to blame all Israelis

or all Jewish people

for the actions

of Netanyahu, Likud,

the Settlers, or the IDF.

To do so is Antisemitism.

Just like there is no need

to blame all Palestinians,

all Arabs, or all Muslims

for the actions of

Hamas or Hezbollah.

To do so is Islamophobia.

Hold the perpetrators accountable

for their violence,

and leave the civilians alone.

There has already been enough

collective punishment

and too many cycles of revenge.

And pay attention

to the brave Jewish people

and Israeli citizens

risking their own safety

to protest in the streets

to bring food to the starving

to free the captives

to be the peacemakers

And pay attention

to the brave Palestinians

and Muslims and Christians

doing the same work

to build peace

and bring healing

and to end this miserable war.

Le Anne Clausen de Montes, 2024