It’s almost impossible to talk about anything except Gaza these days. That’s not an understatement. It simply feels like the reality of the situation is so imposing on our lives that I can hardly open a newspaper or surf the local and regional blogosphere without reading about Gaza. It’s on the tip of every tongue I encounter. It is on the screen of every place you venture in to; even the waiting room of a Doctor’s office. The crisis has taken over our lives for the past two weeks. It has had the overwhelming ability to change moods and mindsets, leaving only one tone, one color to reign over our lives. It is incredibly difficult to talk about absolutely anything other than Gaza and not sound at best out-of-touch, or at worst, apathetic.
I cannot write a post about anything on this blog except Gaza. Eventually, I know that will change as time goes by. But right now, that’s the reality. And it’s not out of fear of sounding out-of-touch, but really the change in mood. I honestly don’t feel like writing anything about anything except this topic. I’m not even sure a non-Gaza related momentous event happening right in my own backyard, Amman, would capture my attention or interest at this point.
I am glued to Al-Jazeera and the Web, floating back and forth. The first thing on my mind in the morning is the urge to be updated, and I reluctantly go to bed to the sound of news reports and horrible visuals.
And the reason I am writing this very post is simply because I have nothing else to talk about. I sat here, searching for topics and there is certainly a flurry of local news to pick from, but my mind simply will not let me. I don’t remember ever being dominated by such an event in my lifetime thus far.
And in this region, that’s saying something.
I agree, its hard not to watch the news on a daily basis, I guess were all doing a little part of what we need to do by posting about this online and trying to inform people of what is going on, its not enough but its sadly one of the few things we can do.
Assalamu Alaikum,
Muslims around the world are fasting in solidarity with the people of Gaza until the offensive ends.
It is expected that the offensive is going to continue for another two or three weeks.
As Muslims, we are responsible and will be accountable for what is happening to Muslims (Palestine, Chechnya, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan, etc.) around the globe today.
The least we can do is fast in solidarity.
GAZA SONG: http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=dlfhoU66s4Y
Please forward to all Muslims you know, even if you do not agree.
P.S: as a Jordanian, I sure do feel like you … I wake up and sleep on news updates and gruesome scenes….I can’t even concentrate on my studies anymore….
“I am glued to Al-Jazeera and the Web, floating back and forth. The first thing on my mind in the morning is the urge to be updated, and I reluctantly go to bed to the sound of news reports and horrible visuals.”
same here.
an update: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090112/wl_mideast_afp/mideastconflictgazanorwayweapons_newsmlmmd;_ylt=AqA70C7iJdtkbBS7mKsUY.KaOrgF
Loudandclear – I am hoping that as a Muslim you are supporting ALL those who are suffering in Gaza whatever their religion. T
Imagine us in the USA! We wake up at 4:00 am to rush to the news! My blackberry sleeps next to me! Not sure how long my poor husband will take the sound of my clicks at 4:00 pm while he is trying to sleep!
It’s so hard. I have friends in my city that have family there, our church has a hospital there that is (understandably) completely full and totally unequipped for the challenges it faces now. Our hearts go out to all those suffering in Gaza, and please remember, many Christians around the world are also praying and fasting, wanting this situation to end, waiting to have a peaceful solution come about.
I went to the supermarket yesterday and everyone was quiet; usually, people are greeting each other and gossiping in the aisles, but it was not so yesterday. It’s like our entire city is in mourning.
Like Sam, I also live in the States. Like you, I also am glued to the internet as CNN and CNBC and local news stations do not provide unbiased news. Like everyone in Jordan, Gaza occupies my thoughts from the time I wake up to when I go to bed. If I did not have two young kids to raise, I would not give a second thought about going to Gaza to volunteer and help whichever way I can. I am not an Arab, nor do I know of any Gazans here or there; however, these atrocities against these innocent civilians are conspicuous. It has been difficult for me to reason how any human being not be affected; specifically the images and number of children dead as result of an army tank and bombs.
Dear All
Have a read of this article published in Aaram News.
http://www.aaramnews.com/website/53323NewsArticle.html
Please leave comments and thoughts of the whole issue.
Its our overwhelming reality..
Bitter about the weakness, especially that you can analyze it rationally.
Sad to see minor progress baffled with enormous setbacks.
Depressed from the fragility of strategy by sweeping emotions or false accomplishments.
Exposed to detachments of many, narrow minded others, looking for those solid in between.
Happy for seeing grassroots growing bigger and higher.
Going through the same thing all the way here in LA. It’s hard to do anything without being consumed with anger over what’s going on. I stopped watching the news or reading updates online because in all reality, we can shout as loud as we want, but Israel doesn’t give a shit what anyone says. They’ll do what they want. A friend told me this week, we are nothing but observers to a game beyond us, no matter what we’d like to believe. Nothing but observers. Very depressing.
glad to know others are suffering from the same symptoms, despite the geography.