OrilliaMatters welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is in response to a news release from Simcoe County 4 Palestine, published Oct. 11 and LETTER: 'One-sided vigils' not helping bring peace to Middle East published Oct. 13.
What a relief to finally see some visible protest about the unjustifiable assault on innocent people that we have been watching unfold in Gaza, and now Lebanon.
In Canada, and particularly in smaller cities and rural areas, expressing support for Palestinians is extremely taboo. We are especially not allowed to show support if we do not also express condolences for the family of hostages and agree with a colonial state's right to "defend" itself. The fact is, we don't all agree with that colonial propped up "right" while Palestine is denied the right to even exist.
The reason it is so important to me to express solidarity is actually more about our own communities than what is happening across the world. Here, now, children from Palestine who sit beside your children in class, are watching the violent demise of their families and communities... and they aren't even allowed to talk about it.
Here, now, we have Palestinians operating on our loved ones, and selling us groceries to nourish our families. But they aren't allowed to advocate for the rights of their families to safety, food, water, shelter, and life.
Here, now, we have elected officials who aren't allowed to speak if they where a keffiyeh. We have people losing their jobs for saying the words "Free Palestine." We have traumatized members of our communities who need to be allowed to grieve. To be acknowledged.
How many people mention the horrors their politicians have done at memorials for their loved ones? I bet not one. So why, when expressing grief and outrage at what has happened to the lives and families of Palestinians must we also mention anyone else?
All people are allowed to express themselves in Canada. Expressing grief and love isn't hate speech or a retaliation. I encourage those who feel our government is complicit in hostages being held to protest. Please remember that Palestinians are also being held hostage and being tortured and we are dismayed and aggrieved about these assaults on humanity.
Valerie Kitchen
Orillia
