Some weeks hit particularly hard. And for me, this week was hell. This week, seeing Israel’s treatment of the Sumud Flotilla somehow makes Israel’s brutality more real to me, even though they have been doing this and much worse to Palestinians for decades. And I must say that this is hypocritical of me, as I have known for many years about the inhuman treatment of Palestinian detainees by Israeli forces.
My job is literally creating awareness and launching campaigns to create global change, and I no longer have the words to articulate the insanity of what is happening. or maybe I can no longer find the words to overcome the disgust I feel for so many.
We saw Sumud Flotilla members coming back after having been tortured, raped, held in inhuman conditions. They went in knowing the risks. They went in because we failed. Because so many of us accept the status quo, accept that a genocide is unfolding without even lifting a finger. Without doing as little as speaking out on social media. Attending a protest. Signing an initiative for the EU to act.
But most of all, I feel utter disgust for Macron, Von der Leyen, Mertz, and other heartless, complicit and inhuman representatives. Since the establishment of the state of Israel, ethnic cleansing, occupation, apartheid have been the norm. It is the foundation of the zionist state. We have always known, this is how we - European countries - supported its founding, armed it, shielded it. And while a genocide is unfolding day after day in front of our eyes, while Israel is colonising more land, detaining and torturing more people, they choose, actively choose every single day, to continue to support it. To continue to oppress people. To kill. To destroy entire cities, lands, livelihoods, futures.
Some - in light of public discontent - have made statements once or twice. A carefully stated post about a laughable two-states solutions (there can be no state if you murder everyone). A recognition of the state of Palestine. But nothing to actually stop the murderous regime destroying lives. Nothing to stop even their own complicity. After so many issued statements about stopping weapons from reaching Israel, it became clear that weapons still transited through our countries. Countries have not only refused to impose total arms embargoes, but most continue their arms exports. Leaders have refused to sanction the people with arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court because they are such murderous monsters, or to even suspend the EU - Israel trade agreement when we are the biggest trading partner, thus financially sustaining genocide.
I know that we read so many atrocities every day that it sometimes doesn’t feel real. Or doesn’t strike a chord anymore. But seriously, take a step back for a second. How on earth can we look at ourselves in the mirror?
And look at the UN. Where is Guterres (for those who don’t know, the UN chief)? How has he not been to Palestine or Gaza since 2023? How has he not been on the Flotilla? Anywhere relevant? No, he made a few statements, called for the law to be respected without ever naming the powerful countries - US & European states - enabling the genocide. Without ever doing anything meaningful: coordinating sanctions, orchestrating a legal coup to overcome the veto by working with the General assembly, using his office to impact change. I actually challenged his collaborators to this once, and they told me in front of a full room that they are doing their best. No, I refuse to accept this. Their best can’t be hiding in an office.
His colleagues on the ground were left alone. But worse, the world was left to watch, and many had to take it upon themselves to do his job, raise awareness and seek to create change.
What drives me even more nuts is that this is not about to change. You probably don’t care, and haven’t followed the selection-process for the next UN Chief (who will take office on January 1st, 2027). Honestly, I’ve been campaigning for the role myself in an attempt to inject into the discourse some real political topics and force an open discussion, but I’m at the stage where I’m also over it. Five official candidates: not one can utter the word Palestine. Genocide. Complicity. Yes, yes, they risk being vetoed and want the job. But why even run for it if you can’t stand up for basic human values. What are you doing trying to lead the UN if you can’t stand up against the gravest crimes the world is witnessing, and can only make vague technical statements. Not only does it break further trust in this system, but it shows that no change can possibly come from those leaders.
And then the final layer. They can get away with it. Because journalists and NGOs they accept to interact with enable it. Don’t press them. Don’t force them to explain how they will end this, when they will call out the US. They allow them to focus on efficiency and other buzzwords to satisfy big powers. Not one will put the uncomfortable truths in front of their eyes. And they will ensure that no one breaks line by not even inviting people who do speak out to counter-balance the nothingness of the candidates.
I normally try to be positive, to provide some alley for action and change. But do your homework, there is plenty you can do. But because I still want you to act: post, protest, sign the European Citizens Initiative to suspend the trade agreement. Because the truth is you are responsible. I am as well. This is on us. We haven’t made it costly enough for those in power to stop their complicity and act.
And look, some people do better. Palestinians have been resisting for decades, despite the Nakba and ensuing catastrophes. Activists onboard the sumud flotilla showed what humanity can still look like. Some leaders like Sanchez, Petro & co have shown that morality is strength. So I have hope that following their leadership, we can build a new world based on freedom on dignity. Maybe even new organisations where inaction is frowned upon, starting from countries willing to follow a basic human compass. But this is dependent on you. Let us do better.