The author of the column Green Shoots argues that solidarity is a radical expression of love for those in distress and insists on maintaining this stance despite the complexities associated with the concept of love.
It is emphasized that expressing love through solidarity with suffering people is not always ideal, adorned with roses or poetry; on the contrary, true solidarity requires remaining dedicated to the cause through routine, boredom, and endless struggles that have no end date.
Solidarity obligates one not to turn away when it seems that the situation is not changing, and not to allow the heart to harden in the face of continuous encroachment on humanity. It is necessary to maintain the ability to sympathize and be outraged, as well as to strengthen resistance against forces that try to normalize inhumanity and oppression.
Ashley Green-Thompson
In the context of the situation in Israel, the killing of Palestinians continues, and the genocide persists, even if it stops dominating the news. The author calls for attention to headlines such as 'Funeral of 50 Palestinians found among the rubble of Gaza' or 'Israel kills 10 people in overcrowded areas of Gaza.' Some groups have demonstrated acts of solidarity, such as a new flotilla of ships that will attempt to violate the Israeli blockade and deliver aid to Gaza, although it is known that it will be intercepted and turned back.
An activist who participated in the previous flotilla is on hunger strike in Tunisian prison in protest against his arrest and detention conditions. The world must not forget Hind Rajab, a six-year-old girl killed by Israeli bullets. Even if direct participation in such dramatic actions is impossible, people can continue to discuss the genocide with family, friends, and colleagues, and also try to boycott Israeli products and goods related to the genocide.
It is also suggested to vote against Zionist supporters and join solidarity protests. Furthermore, the suffering of people around the world cannot be ignored, such as the war in Sudan, where, according to reports, more than 200,000 people have become internally displaced persons in Kordofan due to ongoing fighting.
It is necessary to continue trying to understand the external geopolitical forces causing the war and find ways to express outrage over the extreme inhumanity that the world allows to happen. Pope Leo has again called on the international community to intervene, and the author believes it is necessary to seek ways to support these calls.
It is important to remember the people dying in Ukraine; for example, the headline 'Deadly Russian missile strike hits Kyiv during night attack' is an example of such an event. The author emphasizes that no political or ideological views should justify the loss of life, as this happens due to the actions of people obsessed with power who launch missiles for goals that do not contribute to the good of humanity.
Since suffering occurs in many places, the author notes that it is impossible to support all struggles, and there is no hierarchy among them. The main request is to consciously develop the ability to care for and support others. Love, which makes solidarity so important in collective life, is the very love that humanity needs now, and the movement should continue forward.