The post is the show notes from The Porshanality Podcast Episode A Global Crisis: When You Don't Know What to Do, and Whatnot.
Welcome to The Porshanality Podcast! A curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Because let’s keep it real, life will keep life with swift transitions, but together we can honor the moments we are in and keep on living. I am your host, Porsha Williams Gates. I’m an entrepreneur, coach, ordained minister, spiritual advisor, writer, and more. Join me weekly on Wednesdays as we grow and live together in community. Let's be honest. What's happening between Israel and Palestine is a lot. This "conflict" (i.e., apartheid and terrorism) has historical roots that expand beyond recent news and social media has blown the story up in ways that appear to be one-sided for support of Israel.
Yet, I, believe that it is important to remember Palestine. Gaza is mostly comprised of Palestinian children. I remember them. #freepalestine.
I DO NOT support the Israeli government who have been oppressing Palestinians for decades. #freepalestine.
I DO NOT support Hamas. They do not reflect the values of Palestine.
I recognize that many are feeling lost in the sauce on the subject and are searching for the right words to say. Beloved, it's ok if you don't have the words. In this episode, I attempt to share some context to what is happening and what we can do when we don't know what to do or say. For the practical parts of this conversation, tune into the audio.
As for me and my house, it's #freepalestine.
Now, to understand "how we even got here," it is important to note that the following statements are a rough overview. The Palestinian-Israeli "conflict" is a long-standing political and territorial dispute between Israelis and Palestinians, primarily over the area known today as Israel and the Palestinian territories (West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem). The roots of the conflict are deep and involve historical, political, and religious factors. Here's a bit of historical background to bring folks up to speed:
Ancient History: The region, historically known as Canaan, then later as Judea and Israel, has been inhabited by various groups over millennia. The ancient Israelites established the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah there. Over time, the area witnessed multiple invasions and rulers, including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and many more.
Islamic Rule: In the 7th century AD, Muslim Arab armies conquered the region, and it became part of various Islamic caliphates for over a millennium.
Ottoman Rule: By the early 16th century, the Ottoman Empire took control, which lasted until World War I.
British Mandate: After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern the region. During this period, the Zionist movement, which sought a homeland for Jews in response to centuries of persecution in Europe and Russia, gained momentum. This led to significant Jewish immigration to Palestine as an attempt to return to their homeland post-holocaust.
Key Events:
UN Partition Plan (1947): Following increased tensions and violence between Jewish and Arab communities and the end of the British Mandate, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem as an international city. The Jewish leaders accepted the plan, but the Arab leaders did not because they already lived in the land.
Formation of Israel (1948): In 1948, the State of Israel was declared. Neighboring Arab countries intervened in disappointment, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Israel retained its declared borders and expanded its territory. This war resulted in a significant number of Palestinian Arabs either fleeing or being expelled from their homes, an event Palestinians refer to as the Nakba ("catastrophe"). Over 700,000 Palestinians were displaced and lost their homes and resources.
Six-Day War (1967): Tensions led to another war, during which Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula. Israel later returned the Sinai to Egypt but kept the other areas. The continuing Israeli occupation of these territories is seen by Palestinians as a denial of their right to self-determination and statehood. The presence of the Israeli military in these areas and the associated security measures are major points of contention.
So, what's the current situation? The core issues of "the conflict" today include the borders of Israel and Palestine, Palestinians' rights, Jerusalem's status, and security concerns. Over the decades, multiple attempts at peace, including the Oslo Accords and Camp David Summit, have been made but with limited success. Today, Israel exists as a recognized state, while Palestinians primarily live in the West Bank, governed by the Palestinian Authority, and in the Gaza Strip, governed by Hamas. The status of East Jerusalem, which both Israelis and Palestinians see as their capital, remains one of the most contentious points. The situation is further complicated by violence and displacement of people. Palestinians seek recognition and representation on the global stage. The lack of an opportunity for a unified Palestinian state and the challenges Palestinian representatives face in international forums are sources of frustration. Palestine doesn't have a full seat at the table in the same way that Israel does. Both parties have resulted in horrific acts of violence (with a significantly tipped scale) that stem from oppression and generational trauma. What we see now in 2023 is just the tip of the iceberg to a deep-seated issue of imperialism, colonialism, and apartheid caused by the Israeli government as it has failed to recognize Palestine as a nation. #freepalestine.
So what do you do when you don't know what to do? And what are some actionable steps?
1. Practice Self-compassion
Do not beat yourself up for not knowing what to do or say. Speak to yourself as you would a friend. Avoid negative self-talk and remember that making mistakes or being uncertain doesn’t lessen your value as a person.
2. Take a Moment to Reflect
Before reacting impulsively on social media (we have enough of that), allow yourself a moment of stillness. Breathe deeply, meditate, or simply sit in quiet reflection. This can help clear your mind and make space for insights to emerge.
3. Consult with Trusted Individuals
Discuss your feelings and thoughts with someone you trust. Whether it's a close friend, family member, or therapist, an external perspective can provide clarity and support.
4. Prioritize Your Well-being and Limit Overcomsumption.
Always prioritize actions that promote your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This might mean taking a break, seeking professional help, or simply choosing to let something go. In the age of information, it’s easy to get lost in endless articles, advice columns, and opinions. Sometimes, it's best to take a step back and limit your consumption, focusing instead on what feels right for you. It's ok to log off the socials.
Logging off isn’t a betrayal.
Logging off doesn’t mean you lack compassion.
Logging off doesn’t mean your eyes are blind.
Logging off is for protection.
Logging off is for preservation.
Logging off is for peace.
Do what you gotta do, to be well, beloved.
5. Read and Learn
Sometimes, the best way to figure out what to do is by reading and learning. Give yourself permission to learn about what is occurring, and adjust as necessary. There are plenty of books on this subject.
6. Ground Yourself
Engage in activities that help you feel connected and present. This could be through practices like yoga, spending time in nature, or indulging in a hobby.
7. Reconnect with Your Values
Remind yourself of your core values and principles. Often, aligning with these can provide a sense of direction when everything else seems uncertain.
Again, this is my best attempt to explain with compassion and care. I recognize that many people don't know where to begin on this subject, and I hope I aided in that process. As always, I thank you for listening. Here are ways to support and engage this Podcast:
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PRODUCTION CREDITS This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by Porsha Williams Gates of Porshanality Media, LLC. Featured Music with licensed permission: WHEW CHILE!
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The Porshanality Podcast is the premiere curiously sermonic podcast playground for adulting over 30. Hosted by Porsha Williams Gates. Porsha Williams Gates is an ordained minister, coach, entrepreneur, spiritual advisor, and more. Join us weekly on Wednesdays for new episodes on Spotify, Apple, SoundCloud, and Google Podcasts. Topics range from relationships, marriage, culture, politics, friendship, parenting, finding self-love, joy, hope, spirituality, adulting, peace, business, and anti-racism.
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