New York is now a tale of one City - its iconic streets throughout the past several days have grown to become the venue for an incredible poignant display of unity.
Marching as one, Jews and Arabs protesting in their thousands have unified to converge and come together repeatedly to voice their anger over the Israeli government's policies in Gaza.
What’s even more fascinating is where hope for humanity shines through the mass of Palestinian supporters marching and protesting, are the hundreds of devout Hasidic and Haredi Jews shoulder to shoulder with Palestinian supporters decrying the years of misery Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have endured.
Rapidly forming to become a global movement, what is now being emphasised are human connections over political divides - showcasing hope thriving in times of turmoil.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, riddled with decades of unrest ad misery, has been a complex and significant political thorn throughout the Middle East.
What’s transpired since Hamas’s attack on Israel, and Israel’s response, has been a global movement to advocate for an equitable solution allowing Israelis and Palestinians to coexist in peace.
At various rallies in New York and other major capitals around the world, protestors have made clear their anger is directed at government policies, not the Jewish people or Israel's right to exist – some of those loudest voices have been those of the Jewish people.
The Jewish community isn’t only diverse but hold a range of opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
Organisations like "Jewish Voice for Peace" and "IfNotNow" have been vocal about the position they hold, emphasising the importance of mutual respect, human rights, and a just resolution to a conflict that appears to have no end in sight.
“Jewish Voice for Peace” and those who resonate with their messaging, often face challenges - navigating criticism from more conservative factions within their communities, however, they continue to persist, believing what they’re advocating for is vital if peace is ever to be achieved where Jews and Palestinians can co-exist in peace.
And in an age of social media, global issues for the young now feel closer than ever.
The plight of Palestinians, conveyed through images and stories online, resonate with millions, and their advocacy is rooted in broader concepts of global justice and equity - transcending traditional political lines.
While protests and online advocacy mightn’t immediately lead to policy shifts, it reflects a changing public perspective and attitude.
What is now seen and shared are images of land, revered by Jews and Muslims, where future generations can live without wars and ongoing conflict.
While peace for Israelis and Palestinians remains a challenge, the efforts of people around the world, standing in solidarity, demonstrates the strength and power of human connection and the enduring hope for a peaceful future is not impossible.
The voices of unity which are on display from the streets of New York and around the world, should be a reminder to everyone and anyone watching when governments fail to pursue peace, it will inevitably be the resolve of people and their spirit, that will inevitably brings it.
Hi Jamie you are right - the lPalestinians are locked in and have been the victims of Zionistic politics and not Jewish politics - the two are vastly different. The Jews are wonderful people who want to live in peace with the Palestinians and the Arab world - Zionistic politics isn’t a purveyor of peace - their politics is extreme and disturbing.
This is very heartening. Thank you for sharing.