People in Gaza are Starving
But what can one lone American do?
I had intended to spend this morning writing a essay for my paid subscribers, but after seeing yet another headline detailing the inhumane suffering of the people of Gaza that just seems far too trivial.
Look, I don’t know for sure what’s going on—Idk if Israel is preventing humanitarian efforts, like the UN claims; or if Hamas is stealing the food as Israel claims. But it is an absolute fact that the people in Gaza are starving to death, RIGHT NOW!
UN-backed body confirms famine in Gaza.
After 22 months of war, over half a million people in the Gaza City region are experiencing famine, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. The global authority on hunger yesterday raised its food insecurity assessment in the area to its highest level. The initiative expects famine to hit the southern Gaza Strip within weeks if Israel does not end restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries.
*This excerpt is provided by 1440 News, and I am not affiliated in any way—it’s just where I get my news each morning. I’m not a “news guy”, but I do want to know what’s going on in the world and 1440 seems to be as unbiased as they come. I get one email newsletter 6 days a week, with headlines and summaries.
I have been watching this from a distance since since October 7, 2023—and I have my personal opinion on the escalation of the Gaza War. But what I think about where faults lie, has not a damn thing to do with the people there that need help.
But what can I do? What can one lone American, with his own family to look after here in the States do to help those starving people? I can do this. I can write about it and share my concern for them with you, and you can do the same. If you’re not a writer, share this or find another post or article that better fits how you feel!
I have also decided to fast today, in solidarity with my fellow citizens of the world that currently reside in Gaza. I’ve signed a petition too, urging President Trump to put a stop to this human suffering.
I wholeheartedly agree with Bhikkhu Bodhi-
“To be clear, we roundly condemn Hamas for its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which ignited the present conflagration. We also demand that Hamas release the surviving Israeli hostages and return them to their families. But since the Israeli military machine began its campaign of retaliation, we have witnessed a series of atrocities unfold that are ravaging our moral consciousness.
“We therefore call on you, as president of the most powerful nation on earth, to stop this terrible calamity.
“Mr. President, this has got to stop, and there is only one person in the world who can stop it: You.
“Mr. President, if you make this happen, you will be praised around the world. Your legacy as a peacemaker will be stamped in all our future history books, and the eyes of almighty God—the God of love—will shine brightly upon you. Of all world leaders, you are the only one who can do this.”
I have never done either of these things before: That’s the first petition I’ve ever signed, and I’ve never even considered fasting for a cause before either. But desperate times calls for desperate measures, and I cannot stand by and do nothing.
In last night’s press conference, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, said, “It is a famine on all of our watch. Everyone owns this, the Gaza famine is the world’s famine. It is a famine that asks, ‘but what did you do?’”
Here’s what I can do. I can call attention to it. And I can ask my family, friends, and everyone connected to me on Substack, Instagram, and X to stand with me. Not because we are on this or that side. Not because we agree or disagree with how the Middle East should be divided, or because of some religious affiliation. But because we are human, and we see others just like ourselves suffering simply because of where they reside.
Will you stand with me?
Share this post, call or email your congressman, stand beside the road with a sign— PLEASE, JUST DO SOMETHING!
I welcome free subscribers, but ask anyone considering paying me, to instead give that money to help fund the relief effort in Gaza.
Way to publicly stand up for something you know is right. It’s a tragic situation and it does feel impossible at an individual level. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me to do what I can, too.